Drug use at an early age is an important predictor of the development of a substance use disorder later in life. To combat this problem and to help our students avoid the negative outcomes of substance use, Mounds View school district has a licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC) that can provide school-based chemical health support to students, families and staff, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to be educated around the negative effects of substance use and to help students make better-informed decisions when it comes to their overall well being. Prevention is key to helping students learn about the negative effects of substance use, while helping students increase their protective factors and decreasing their risk factors.

School-based chemical health support may include, but not limited to:

• Crisis management.

• Screening.

• Individual and group support.

• Professional development training for school staff.

• Consultation for parents/staff.

• Not sure what the signs of substance use look like? This resource may help you understand signs and symptoms as well as this resource.

• Contact the Dean at your child’s school for resources and support related to substance-use concerns.

• Reach out to Colleen O’Neil, Mounds View Chemical Health Specialist (colleen.o’neil@moundsviewschools.org or 651-829-4708 ) for additional guidance and support.  Referrals for individual substance-use support can be made through your child’s dean. Students may self-refer as well. 

Continuing substance use, despite negative and harmful consequences, is often an indicator that additional support is needed. Your child may need to complete a substance use comprehensive assessment if their substance use continues to create challenges within the family system.  A substance use comprehensive assessment is an interview screening conducted by a licensed addiction professional. 

• If there is insurance coverage, call the number on the insurance card to review coverage and get a list of providers.  If there is no insurance coverage and you live in Ramsey County, please visit this page for information on Rule 24 Direct Access funding. Funding may also help with high deductibles/copays-check with the county directly.

• Terminology to help you navigate:

  • Day treatment: site-base treatment, typically Mon-Fri, with a school component

  • Residential (inpatient) treatment: treatment administered on-site, staying for a certain length of time, often 28060 days, depending on facility and insurance

  • Intensive out-patient treatment (IOP): treatment services provided several times per week for several hours each day, allowing one to stay in their home environment.

  • Comprehensive assessment: substance use disorder assessment that helps determine diagnosis and next steps.  An assessment is the first step in determining if there is a substance use diagnosis and need for treatment.

  • Rule 24 comprehensive assessment/Direct Access: county funding to help pay for treatment. Available for both those with insurance (high copays) and those without insurance. Contact the county directly for more information.

  • School component: refers to a treatment center that offers a school component for those who are in treatment during the school year, allowing clients to stay current with credits.

  • Dual diagnosis/co-occurring disorders: when both a mental health and substance use disorder are identified, often presenting at the same time.  It is important that both are managed appropriately by skilled clinicians.

The resources below can help you get started in finding the right support in the community.  Please note that this is a short list of resources and does not include every community provider.  Also note that there are limited resources specific to adolescent substance use support.  Knowing where to reach out will help with finding the appropriate support.  

• Fast Tracker: for real time information and availability related to substance use disorder treatment providers

• Hazelden Betty Ford Teen and Young Adult Treatment (866) 881-1875  Dual diagnosis, residential and inpatient programs available 

• MHealth Fairview Adolescent Residential Program (800) 468-3120  Dual diagnosis, residential programs available 

• MHealth Fairview Adolescent Outpatient Program (800) 468-3120  Dual diagnosis, outpatient programs available

• Options Family and Behavior Services (952) 522-2074  Dual diagnosis, outpatient programs available

• Nystrom & Associates (651) 529-8479  Dual diagnosis, outpatient programs available

Additional Resources

Click here for a more comprehensive list of resources in the community related to substance use issues.  Please note some resources may appear more than once throughout the Chemical Health Support and Resources website.  Culturally validating support can be found along with support group information and drug testing locations.

Please reach out to Colleen O’Neil, Chemical Health Prevention Specialist, at 651-829-4708 for further questions and/or support.

One of the keys to helping a young person with substance-use issues is to understand the underlying causes and help them find a healthier solution. 

This can be challenging when you may be confused, frustrated and, in truth, angry. You have every right to feel how you feel.  There are many support options available to help you learn how to set boundaries and not enable your child’s use, while at the same time loving them and showing that you won’t give up on them. The best thing you can do for your child is to take care of yourself. Consider checking out a support group.

• Partnership to End Addiction:

  • free online support community for parents and caregivers who may have children experimenting with, or dependent on, substances. Register here to join.

• Hazelden Betty Ford Family Program (877) 279-3884

  • Family care and support are an essential part of Hazelden Betty Ford’s healing mission because addiction takes a heavy toll on all family members and everyone in your family needs help to cope and heal. Our family programs and resources are available to you, regardless of whether your loved one with drug addiction seeks treatment.

• Family Recovery Experts (FRrẽ) (651) 402-9564

  • FRrẽ promotes functional change for families and individuals experiencing mental health, behavioral and relational issues by providing trauma-responsive clinical and educational services.

• Thrive! Family Support:

  • support for family members of people struggling with substance abuse or other destructive life choices.

Parents and caregivers play an important role in preventing substance use in their children.  Good communication, encouragement and setting limits are key in positive behaviors within the family structure. Not sure how to begin the conversation?  Check out the links below for more information as well as support if you believe your child has been experimenting with substances. 

• Family Check Up-Positive Parenting Prevents Drug Use: Questions guide you toward better communication skills to catch problems early, support positive behavior, and stay aware of what is happening in your children's lives.

• Partnership to End Addiction-Prevention Tips For Every Age: As a parent, you are the biggest influence in your child’s life and having open, honest conversations is one of the most powerful ways to connect with your kids and help them develop into healthy adults. When addressing some more challenging topics – like nicotine, alcohol or drugs – it’s not about having a one-time “drug talk,” but rather tackling the subject through more frequent, organic conversations that evolve as your child gets older.

• Partnership to End Addiction-Taking Action Early: Science- and research-backed information to help you help your child.

  • Playbook for Parents of Tweens

  • Playbook for Parents of Teens

• Start the Conversation: The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), our goal is to help people get accurate, science-based information about drugs and health. To help you start a conversation about drugs and health, we’ve compiled teens' 10 most frequently asked questions from more than 118,000 queries from young people

• Gobi (612-709-9887-Kim Bemis), email:jbemis@gobi.support   A free 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

• Hazelden Betty Ford-Teen Intervene (866) 406-2967   Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation's Teen Intervene program provides education, support and guidance for teens and their parents.