NC Families United presents:
YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER INFORMATION FOR NORTH CAROLINA FAMILIES
Youth substance abuse and dependence are enormous problems, but there is hope. Studies have shown that for youth with substance use disorder, treatment that uses methods proven to be effective, and that include the family, result in excellent chances of recovery from the disease. This page provides information for these families.
What to Do First
- Your first step is to contact the Local Management Entity (LME) in your region. The LME provides a "help line" 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist with substance abuse and mental health issues. When you call you can:
- Receive substance use disorder/mental health information,
- Be referred to an appropriate treatment provider, or
- Get immediate assistance in an emergency situation
- The treatment provider will perform a comprehensive assessment. An assessment helps the professional identify the problems (and strengths) of the youth and to develop a course of action called treatment plan.
- Families must keep in mind that keeping a youth at home while they receive treatment is generally recommended before residential options are considered.
- You can also contact your local Systems of Care Coordinator in NC. The Systems of Care Coordinator will also explain the process of the screening/assessment of your youth and any recommendations for treatment or other actions to help the youth and your family.
- If you still have concerns, please call:
- Advocacy and Customer Service Section: 919-715-3197,
- DHHS CARE-LINE: 1-800-662-7030 (English/Spanish), or
- Information & Referral Search: 211
Parent’s Support Information and Organizations
- SAMHSA: "Need a Treatment Referral?" Call 1-800-662 HELP or click to find the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator page
- JoinTogether.org: click for the Get Help page
- NC Families United: 336-217-9712
- NC Families in Action and NC Parent Resource Center: 252-237-1242
- Amigos International (ayuda eñ espanol): 910-341-0007
- CARE-LINE Information and Referral Service (Help finding the programs and people to help you): 1-800-662-7030
- Toll free # for parents. The number is 1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373) ET and is available M-F 10am-6pm or you can leave a message and they will call back the next business day.
Substance Use Disorder Information
- Adolescent Substance Abuse Information
- Alcohol and Drug Council of NC: 1-800-688-4232
- Al-Anon/Alateen
- SAMHSA
Picture of male youth above courtesy of Linda Warden LCW Productions, LLC