Straight Dope for Parents

Find Out Where to Get Help

If you or someone you know needs help with an alcohol, tobacco, or other drug problem, the resources below will help you search for a treatment program near you, take an online screening test for alcohol or drug problems, or identify local and online support options.

Addiction is a chronic brain disease that can be treated. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to find professional drug-or alcohol- treatment programs for children. Even if you're fortunate enough to have insurance that covers substance-abuse treatment, there may not be research-based, affordable treatment programs for children and teens in your area.

As a parent, you should seek support and counseling for yourself. Professional counselors and support groups such as Al-Anon, Alateen, or parenting support groups in your community can help you to deal with your own emotions, provide assistance in obtaining treatment for your child, and put you in a better position to help your child.

Treatment Referral & Recovery Support

• Al-Anon/ Alateen -- Support for people who have a friend or relative with a drinking or drug problem. 888-4AL-ANON (888-425-2666) or www.al-anon.org
• Alcoholics Anonymous -- Support for people who want to stop drinking. www.alcoholics-anonymous.org
• Drug Help -- A private information network run by Phoenix House providing information on specific drugs, and referrals to various treatment programs, self-help groups and crisis centers throughout the United States. www.drughelp.org
• Faces and Voices of Recovery -- An advocacy organization for persons in recovery. www.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org
• Hazelden Information Center -- Provides information and publications dealing with alcohol and other drug dependency for teens, adults, older adults, physicians,and professionals, among others. Recovery Services: (800) 257-7800; Publications: (800) 328-9000. www.hazelden.org
• Join Together: Get Help -- If you or someone you know needs help with an alcohol, tobacco, or other drug problem, this website will point you to resources for help. www.jointogether.org/gethelp
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA) -- Support for people who want to stop using drugs. 818-773-9999 (ext. 771) or www.na.org
• National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Inc. -- 1-800-NCA-CALL. NCADD's hotline offers information on alcoholism and drug abuse. Callers may also be connected to their local NCADD affiliate for referrals to treatment services in their area. Operates 24 hours daily. www.ncadd.org
• Recovery Month -- Toolkits for young adults. www.recoverymonth.gov
• SAMHSA's National Helpline -- SAMHSA offers information on substance use disorder issues and referral to treatment, in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day. 800-662-HELP (800-662-4357) (English); 800-662-9832 (Español); 800-487-4889 (TDD). www.samhsa.gov
• SAMHSA's Treatment Facility Locator -- SAMHSA provides a comprehensive listing of drug and alcohol treatment programs across the United States. findtreatment.samhsa.gov

Online Screening for Drug & Alcohol Problems

• AlcoholScreening.org -- From Join Together, a simple, nonjudgemental website to help you assess your drinking patterns, learn about alcohol consumption and health, and find local assistance if you need help. www.alcoholscreening.org
• DrugScreening.org -- A sister site to Alcohol Screening, this free service from Join Together helps you determine your likely risk of harms from using many kinds of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, inhalants, opiates, and more. www.drugscreening.org

Smoking Cessation

• American Cancer Society (ACS) -- ACS offers a variety of information about smoking and cancer, quitting tips, and tobacco control efforts. www.cancer.org
• American Lung Association -- Provides referrals to local smoking cessation programs. Also conducts educational programs on smoking and its health hazards. Smoking Cessation Support
• Become An Ex -- The American Legacy Foundation's free online smoking-cessation program. www.becomeanex.org
• QuitNet -- QuitNet combines proven scientific methods with advances made possible by the web to deliver personalized support to smokers whenever they need it. www.quitnet.com
• Tobacco Information and Prevention Source from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- Online quitting help, publications to order, and more. www.cdc.gov/tobacco

Print this list of resources (PDF, 63 KB)