Addictions

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The therapeutic day school setting is a foreign (to me) mixture of staff. There are actually more therapists, counselors and other support people than there are teachers. As a parent, it is not unusual to be contacted by a therapist, program assistant, diagnostic coordinator or, as I was recently, an addictions counselor.

I received an email from Ms. K (addictions counselor) that said, in part:

"I have been meeting with Cam to assess his level of substance use and to discuss triggers and potentials to his use. During our conversations Cam has a tendency to provide inconsistent information pertaining to his use so I'm hoping you could shed some light on what you see, if any, of Cam using cannabis, alcohol or any other substance."

Let me tell you, this is not an email any parent of a teen wants to get, especially a parent (me) who knows there has been some history of drug use in the past, that there is a strong family history of substance abuse and, that with Cam's refusal of prescribed meds, it is highly likely that he will self medicate.

I spent some time composing my reply to the addictions counselor. I have never been one of those "not my kid" parents. The last thing I wanted to do was come across as being defensive.

I decided the truth *gasp* was my best option. I felt it was important for the staff at the school to know why it is that it would be difficult for Cam to pull one over on me, even though telling the truth would likely make me look like a less than desirable parent. I started with:

"I am all too familiar with drug/alcohol use/abuse. I grew up in an alcoholic family, started binge drinking and smoking at age 12, have a history of drug experimentation (mushrooms, LSD, cocaine, prescription pain killers, etc.) and struggled with a crystal meth addiction in my early and mid 20's. I am no stranger to drugs and alcohol. I know the signs/symptoms of use/abuse and am quite familiar with drug paraphernalia and 'lingo'."

I spent the next few paragraphs summarizing the disaster that was the summer of 2009 (if you want the details, you can read the 6-part "The World Gets a Little Smaller" post that starts HERE).

I absolutely hate reliving that time. It ranks right up there in my most difficult parenting moments, but again, honesty seemed like the thing most likely to help Cam.

I also shared with the school that I am concerned about a new preoccupation Cam seems to have a preoccupation with Synthetic Cannibinoids.

Have you heard about this stuff? it is an "herbal-incense blend" with cute names like Peace Out and Serenity Now. It's quite easy to find in smoke shops and online where it is sold as incense. It contains JWH-018, a synthetic cannabinoid receptor, and is used to "legally" achieve a marijuana-like high.

There is nothing better *dripping sarcasm* than having your 14-year old son tell you, "I can smoke Peace Out right in front of a cop and there is nothing he can do!" ... and know he is right.

It's times like these that I would gladly revisit the sleepless, colicky nights and diaper blowouts. The sleep deprivation - and shit - that parents face with teens has far greater repercussions.

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