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Contact the Dean at the school your child attends with any questions about resources and/or chemical health/substance-use related concerns

The possibility that a child is involved with substances is frightening and overwhelming. It begs the question, what is a parent to do? While there are no quick fixes, parents do have influence and there are many resources out there to help.

This guide points you in the direction of resources that are catered to you and your child’s situation. 

Please note: If you need immediate assistance, please call the Ramsey County 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 651-266-7878, or go to the nearest emergency room.

• Call your health insurance company (call the phone number on the back of your insurance card and ask for a list of substance-use disorder treatment agencies who are covered by your insurance plan.
• Visit Fast-Tracker - an online tool to locate treatment resources in your area
• Contact the Dean at the school your child attends to get connected with resources and support for your child. 

When seeking resources for your concern regarding your teen’s substance-use issues, please keep in mind…

Substance misuse is a health issue, not a reflection of yours or your child’s values. You have not failed as a parent. Yet, do not make excuses for their behavior and seek support from professionals to help them make healthier choices in the future.If your child’s use is becoming a pattern and may be beyond experimental, the best advice is to schedule your child for a comprehensive assessment. Remember, Comprehensive Assessment (also known as a Rule 25 Assessment/Substance Use Assessment/Chemical Dependency Evaluation) –assessment to determine where your child’s substance use pattern is on the spectrum of severity and get the appropriate recommendations.

• Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation  – Residential and outpatient treatment services (Plymouth), Outpatient treatment services (St. Paul), 877-660-0283
• Handy Helper – Provides substance use assessments, culturally-focused care and multilingual services (St. Paul), 651-760-3236
• M Health Fairview  – Outpatient dual diagnosis treatment services (Maplewood), Dr. Eileen Burchby- Addiction Medicine Doctor, 612-672-2736
• Options Family and Behavior Services – Intensive outpatient dual diagnosis and substance abuse treatment services, (Roseville and Burnsville), 952-564-3000 

Despite our best efforts and even after professional help, our child may continue misusing substances. There are many support options available to help you learn how to set boundaries and not enable your loved one’s use, while at the same time loving them and showing that you won’t give up on them. Remember, the best thing you can do for your child is take care of yourself. Consider checking out a support group.  

• Family Recovery Experts (FRre) – services focused on working within the family system to create the most effective plan possible – including treatment resources – involving everyone affected by your loved one’s addiction, mental health, and other behavioral health issues, 888-635-7078
• Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation - provides resources and support to parents, spouses, siblings—anyone whose emotional, physical or spiritual health has been impacted by a loved one's addiction. Coaching sessions are available to help your family recognize and change fear-based behaviors you may have developed in response to living with the pain and turmoil of addiction. 844-290-4847
• Al-Anon  and Nar-Anon – support group for loved ones of individuals with substance abuse issues
• Minnesota Recovery Connection – an array of resources for loved ones of individuals with substance-use disorders (as well as the individuals themselves)
• Thrive! Family Support – support for family members of people struggling with substance abuse or other destructive life choices 

This section provides resources to help minimize the possibility that our child will use substances as well as resources to guide those initial conversations and offer follow up steps to support your child if you discover your child may be experimenting with substances. 

• Partnership to End Addiction - provides support and guidance to families concerned about their child’s risk for substance use (or current substance use)
  • Prevent Teen Drug Use - Spot the Early Warning Signs - Partnership to End Addiction
  • Drug Prevention Tips for Every Age, from Toddlers to Young Adults
• Positive Parenting Strategies to Prevent Drug Abuse – Family Checkup
• Factual Information about Drugs - NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
• Gobi Program - an online program to help teens improve their decision-making skills, more effectively manage stress, increase awareness of their choices, and strengthen their relationship with their parents/guardians. E-mail Info@gobi.support  or call 612-709-9887 for more information
• Natalis Counseling & Psychology Solutions  – short-term programs to help young people and their families to live a healthy and drug-free life (St. Paul) – E-mail solutions@natalispsychology.com or call 651-379-5157 (Teen Intervene and Everyday Parenting)

Click HERE for a comprehensive list of more resources, treatment centers, books, and self-help programs regarding teen substance-use issues.