Health

Parents Testing Teens for Drugs

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His attitude changed. Her grades are down. She’s hanging with new friends. He’s being sneaky.

If you’ve noticed one or a combination of any of the above behaviors, chances are your kid could be using drugs.

But if you want to be sure, you can have them tested for free at one of 11 teen treatment centers funded by the County. The Teen Recovery Centers offer services specifically designed for adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. 

 “A lot of times, parents are shocked and surprised,” said Jeannie McAllister, founder and chief executive officer of McAlister Institute, which runs five of the teen treatment centers where the service is offered. “Which parent would not be shocked if they found out their kids are using drugs?”

The initial drug testing for teens began in October and is being offered as part of the County’s Live Well San Diego initiative. 

The tests can detect 10 drugs including alcohol, marijuana, ecstasy, and some prescription drugs. The results are immediate. The goal is to raise awareness about substance use among young people and intervene when necessary.

 “Sometimes parents suspect their child might be using drugs, but need confirmation,” said Katie Astor, assistant deputy director of Behavioral Health Services for Children Youth and Families County Health and Human Services Agency. “Through the service, we are able to educate parents and teens about substance abuse and prevent young people from becoming addicts.”

According to the Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, three-fourths of high school students—about 10.0 million—have used addictive substances including cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana or cocaine. Among San Diego’s teens, 33 percent have used alcohol, 24 percent have used marijuana, and 13.9 percent have used a prescription drug without a prescription within the last 30 days. 

So how can you tell if your child might be using drugs?

The following are additional warning signs you can use to determine if your teen should be tested for drug use:

  • Lack of motivation, ambition or interest in activities
  • Unpredictable behavior, including mood changes and mood swings
  • Drastic changes in eating, sleeping patterns or appearance
  • Increased use of coded language with friends
  • Missing items such as money, lighters, eye drops, or prescription or over-the-counter drugs
  • Increased use of incense, air fresheners, perfume, and/or gum

Results from the program won’t be available until early next year, but initial figures show some parents are using the free service.

During the first month, 25 parents brought their kids to be tested at McAllister Institute. One third tested positive for drugs, including marijuana, alcohol, heroin and prescription drugs. The teens were admitted into outpatient treatment, which includes alcohol and drug counseling, drug testing, education and outreach.

“When a test comes back positive, it does not mean that your child is an addict. It just means they are making wrong choices,” added McAllister. “You want to intervene as quickly as you can. They might not like you at the moment, but they are going to like you later on in life when they go out to become successful in life.”

If you suspect your child might be using drugs, you can call 2-1-1 to find the nearest Teen Recovery Center. You can also call the County Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

José A. Álvarez is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact