Articles & Resources

Becoming the Father They Deserve: Recovering From Addiction

The moment Jeremy walked through the door, his boys rushed forward to hug him. His youngest couldn’t stop smiling, and his oldest couldn’t stop crying.

After weeks apart, their dad was finally home.

"And then I told them I was only there for a couple of hours and had to go back,” he shared.

It wasn't an easy goodbye. But it reminded Jeremy of why he came to The Healing Center in the first place. He wanted his boys to have their dad back.

“When the boys were younger, we'd wrestle, jump on the trampoline, and have these championship matches where the winner got to wear a belt and pose for pictures,” Jeremy recalled with a laugh. “I never won, of course.”

Though for Jeremy, it was never about winning. The real prize was getting to spend time with his boys. Some of his favorite memories as a father aren't the big milestones. They're the ordinary afternoons spent laughing together.

Even from The Healing Center, miles away from home, Jeremy could tell story after story about them, smiling at the good memories and tearing up at the thought of everything he had missed.

“I didn’t think I’d spend my oldest son’s twelfth birthday at The Healing Center trying to get sober," Jeremy admitted. “And I didn’t know how tough it would be.”

He wanted to be home celebrating with his family. But as difficult as the separation was, Jeremy knew every day he spent at The Healing Center was an investment in the future he wanted with his boys.

The future where he doesn't miss birthdays. The future where family trips aren't cut short by his addiction. The future where he gets to go to Thunder games with them. The future where his sons know they can count on their dad to be fully present.

Healing from an Addiction to Alcohol

For Jeremy, healing wasn't just about breaking free from addiction. It was about becoming the husband, father, and man God created him to be.

To do that, he had to completely embrace everything The Healing Center has to offer.

"I got here and realized I didn't have to carry that shame, guilt, and embarrassment anymore," Jeremy shared. "I knew God had forgiven me, and that my family had forgiven me. But I had a really hard time forgiving myself. I had resigned myself to the fact that I was just going to carry that weight for the rest of my life. Then I got here and learned that healing isn't just about stopping the drinking. It's about getting to the root of the problem. That's why it's called The Healing Center. They help you work through the things underneath the addiction to find true freedom.”

The Creation of an Alcoholic

As a child, Jeremy developed what he now recognizes as an addictive personality. Once he committed to something, he did it wholeheartedly. Whether it was collecting thousands of baseball cards or coins, or diving into some new hobby that caught his attention, he became completely consumed by it.

So, when he started drinking as a teenager, he didn't realize his experience was different from everyone else's.

“We'd go out, sit on the tailgate, drink beer, and just hang out," he explained. "I would drink until I was gone, and I thought it was normal. I thought everybody drank the way I did."

While his friends could stop after a few drinks, Jeremy always wanted more. More often than not, he didn’t stop until he was passed out or puking — until there was no choice but to stop.

At the time, he brushed it off as typical teenage behavior. Growing up in a small town, drinking was simply part of the culture. Unfortunately, that pattern followed him into college, where freedom and independence gave him even more opportunities to drink.

Yet, God was with him the entire time. During his sophomore year, he met a group of Christian students whose lives stood in stark contrast to his own.

"They were so joyful, and they had so much peace," Jeremy remembered. "I wanted what they had."

Shortly after, Jeremy surrendered his life to Christ and pursued his faith with the same intensity he had once devoted to everything else. He entered ministry, got married, started a family, and built a successful career in law enforcement.

For years, alcohol was a chapter of his past.

But his tendency to cope by throwing himself into something — anything — had never truly been addressed. So when one of the most painful seasons of his life arrived, those unresolved struggles came rushing back.

After years in law enforcement, Jeremy unexpectedly lost the career he had built much of his identity around.

"When that was gone, I didn't know who I was anymore," Jeremy said. “I just felt defeated.”

Feeling embarrassed, angry, ashamed, and unsure of the future, Jeremy began isolating himself from the people around him and turned to alcohol instead.

"I remember thinking, ‘I'm drinking, and now I'm smiling and laughing’," he recalled. "So I started drinking all the time. I would tell my wife I was going out to the shed or running an errand," Jeremy said. "Really, I was just finding another opportunity to drink."

As addiction tightened its grip, alcohol became the first thing he reached for in the morning and the last thing he thought about before bed. The shame he felt pushed him further into drinking, and the drinking only created more shame — especially when he thought about how his choices were affecting his family.

"There were times I'd stay in my room for days at a time, and my wife would tell the boys that I wasn’t feeling well," Jeremy said. "I'd cancel plans with the family or stay home while they went and did things without me. My drinking started first thing in the morning, and by the afternoon, I was driving drunk to a liquor store to buy a bottle to get through the rest of the day. Then I’d wake up and do it all over again."

The father who once spent afternoons wrestling with his boys and laughing with them on the trampoline was seemingly gone.

A New Creation in Christ

“It finally reached the point that my family had an intervention for me. I was in detox for six days before coming to The Healing Center. At the time, I had no idea where I was going. Now, I’m thankful it was here.”

In many ways, Jeremy feels like a different person from the man who first arrived. As he's worked through the trauma, shame, embarrassment, and guilt underneath his addiction, he's found something he didn't think was possible: the ability to forgive himself.

“I’ve been in constant prayer since coming to The Healing Center, and I feel like God is telling me this is the ministry He wants me to be in,” Jeremy shared. “I’m not embarrassed by my story anymore. I’m not ashamed of it. I want to answer God's call to minister to people struggling with addiction and share how I found freedom, because the only way you can do it is by surrendering everything to Him.”

While Jeremy feels called to help others battling addiction, his first ministry is waiting for him at home. This Father's Day, instead of spending the day trapped in addiction, he got to celebrate it sober.

For two boys who never stopped loving their dad — and a dad who never stopped loving his boys — graduating from The Healing Center and stepping into a new life of sobriety is a gift greater than any other Father's Day present.

The Healing Center gave Jeremy what addiction never could: hope. Now, it’s inspiring that same hope in countless families just like his.

Recovery isn’t some distant dream at The Healing Center. It’s real, and it’s happening right now, one person, one family at a time.

Sober Living vs. Inpatient Treatment: Understanding the Difference in Recovery

When someone decides to seek help for a substance use disorder, one of the first questions they face is: What kind of treatment do I need? With so many recovery options available, it can be difficult to understand the difference between inpatient treatment and sober living—and even more challenging to know which path is right for you or your loved one.

While both play important roles in recovery, they serve very different purposes.

What Is Inpatient Treatment?

Inpatient treatment, also known as residential treatment, is a structured program where individuals live at a treatment facility while receiving intensive clinical care. These programs are designed to help people safely begin recovery, often immediately following detoxification.

During inpatient treatment, participants typically receive:

• Individual counseling
• Group therapy
• Medical and psychiatric support
• Addiction education
• Relapse prevention planning
• 24/7 supervision and care

The primary goal of inpatient treatment is stabilization. It provides a safe environment away from outside triggers while individuals begin addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction.

Most inpatient programs last anywhere from 30 to 90 days, depending on individual needs and treatment recommendations.

What Is Sober Living?

Sober living is a structured, substance-free living environment designed for individuals who have completed treatment or are seeking accountability while pursuing recovery.

Unlike inpatient treatment, sober living does not provide around-the-clock clinical care. Instead, it focuses on helping residents apply recovery principles in everyday life while surrounded by a supportive community.

Residents typically:

• Live with others pursuing recovery
• Attend recovery meetings regularly
• Maintain employment, education, or volunteer commitments
• Follow house guidelines and accountability measures
• Participate in peer support and community activities
• Build healthy routines and life skills

The goal of sober living is to bridge the gap between treatment and independent living, providing a supportive environment where individuals can practice recovery in real-world situations.

Key Differences Between Inpatient Treatment and Sober Living

Level of Care

Inpatient treatment offers intensive clinical services and medical oversight. Sober living provides structure and accountability but does not replace professional treatment services when they are clinically necessary.

Daily Freedom

Individuals in inpatient treatment typically follow a highly structured schedule with limited outside access. Residents in sober living generally have greater independence, allowing them to work, attend school, reconnect with family, and participate in community life.

Length of Stay

Most inpatient treatment programs have a defined duration. Sober living allows individuals to remain in a supportive environment for an extended period, often giving them the time needed to build confidence and stability in recovery.

Why Many People Need Both

One of the biggest misconceptions about recovery is that treatment alone is enough.

Research consistently shows that recovery outcomes improve when individuals remain engaged in supportive recovery environments after treatment. While inpatient treatment helps people start their recovery journey, sober living helps them continue it.

Recovery doesn't end when someone leaves a treatment facility. In fact, many of the real-life challenges of sobriety begin after treatment ends. Returning to old environments, relationships, and responsibilities can create significant pressure during early recovery.

Sober living provides a safe space to navigate those challenges.

What Makes Hope is Alive's Sober Living Program Different?

Not all sober living programs are created equal. While many recovery homes provide a safe, substance-free environment, Hope is Alive is built on the belief that lasting recovery requires more than simply abstaining from drugs and alcohol — it requires connection, purpose, accountability, and community.

At Hope is Alive, residents become part of a family that understands both the challenges and victories of recovery. Our homes are intentionally designed to create an environment where individuals can grow spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and professionally while building a foundation for long-term success.

What Does the Recovery Program Look Like at Hope is Alive?

One of the biggest differences between Hope is Alive and traditional sober living programs is the level of structure and support available to residents. Recovery isn't left to chance. Every aspect of the program is designed to help individuals build healthy habits and sustainable lifestyles.

From day one, residents are immersed in a recovery-focused community where accountability and connection are part of everyday life. They participate in regular house meetings and Bible studies, work closely with house leadership, and develop relationships with peers who understand the challenges of early recovery.

Residents are expected to actively engage in their recovery by attending recovery meetings, building relationships with sponsors or mentors, and creating healthy routines that support long-term sobriety. Rather than simply providing sober living housing, Hope is Alive creates an environment where recovery becomes a lifestyle.

To set up residents for long-term success, Hope is Alive encourages and equips residents to pursue employment, education, personal goals, and community service. Learning how to manage finances, maintain responsibilities, rebuild trust, and navigate everyday challenges without substances is an important part of the recovery process.

Recovery Is a Journey, Not a Timeline

Hope is Alive is committed to walking alongside individuals for the long haul. Recovery is not viewed as a short-term program but as a lifelong journey. While treatment may focus on helping someone get sober, Hope is Alive focuses on helping people build lives they are excited to live sober.

If you or a loved one is exploring sober living options after treatment, contact Hope is Alive today to learn more about our recovery housing program and how we help individuals build lasting recovery.

Numb No More: Healing for Families of Addicts and Alcoholics

Healing is not just about the person struggling with addiction. It’s for you, too. If you love someone with a substance use disorder, you likely ignore your own needs, suppressing your emotions to instead prioritize theirs. Over time, this can leave you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and disconnected from yourself and God. To begin healing, you must allow yourself to feel what you’ve been carrying and create space to process it. You cannot heal what you refuse to feel.

Start the plan here: Numb No More: Healing for Families of Addicts and Alcoholics

Not All Addicts Need Rehab: Daniel's Journey to Hope is Alive

Watch the video below to discover how The Healing Center — Hope is Alive’s recovery center — was able to pull a man with 8 overdoses, 15 arrests, 3 stints in prison, and 8 failed rehab attempts from his addiction when nowhere else could.

The Healing Center is Hope is Alive’s 45-day immersive experience that offers a trauma-informed, Christ-centered approach to radical life transformation for drug addicts, alcoholics, and men with gambling-related or sexual struggles.

It’s not a treatment center or rehab program. It’s a transformational journey that works them all the way back from “I am a hopeless addict” to “this is who God created me to be.”

Daniel didn’t need another rehab program. Neither do you. If you or someone you love struggles with relapse, it’s time to try something different.

It’s time to try The Healing Center.

Learn more at HealingCenterOK.com.

In this heartfelt episode, Amy sits down with Danielle, a Finding Hope leader in Colorado Springs, to talk about the devastating impact addiction has had on her life and family. Danielle vulnerably shares how she lost her dad to the disease of addiction, watched other family members struggle, and later faced the heartbreak of her own son battling addiction.

Danielle also shares how Finding Hope became a turning point in her healing journey, helping her break free from shame and guilt and giving her the courage to share her story openly. Her honesty, faith, and hope are a powerful reminder that no one has to walk this road alone.

This episode is for anyone who has loved someone struggling with addiction and needs the reminder that hope and healing are possible.

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For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

Faith-based support groups for families of addicts and alcoholics.

Never Say Never: Recovery is Possible

I distinctly remember the first time I listened to Amy LaRue’s story on her Finding Hope podcast. I thought to myself, “There’s no way my husband would ever go to treatment or that I could help people in the way she does. My story is so different. My husband is so different.”

Yet, I truly hoped something like that would happen to me. I related to her story more than I wanted to admit. I, too, thought my husband had brain cancer. I also would tell people he was at home because of an illness, when really he was just too intoxicated or high to attend. The night I listened to that podcast was the first moment I can recall the Lord revealing to me that I was not alone as the wife of an addict.

I listened to the podcast for months before I finally worked up enough courage to walk into a Finding Hope meeting. I was terrified and embarrassed, and I was shocked to find that I was met with people I could immediately relate to, and a leader (Rhonda Kemp) who showed empathy and compassion in a way I’d never experienced before.

As I began to attend meetings, I was able to fully grasp that I was not alone, it wasn't my fault, and that there was hope.

Rhonda encouraged me to set boundaries, and I learned that loving my husband looked nothing like what I had been doing for the past several years. The Lord used Finding Hope to give me the strength to focus on my own recovery and stand firm in boundaries that I truly thought I’d never be able to set. I had always promised myself I would never kick my husband out; I thought it would make me a bad wife. I thought it meant I’d given up on my husband and our marriage. Ultimately, I justified the need to keep him close because he was suicidal and a Type 1 Diabetic. I thought he'd surely die if I kicked him out.

However, there came a time when I was finally strong enough to tell Daniel he couldn’t come home. And in the Lord’s timing and in His goodness, He used it to lead Daniel to a place where he was finally ready to admit he had a problem and needed help.

I am confident that the Lord used Finding Hope to educate, encourage, and equip me for all that I would experience while loving an addict. I am forever grateful that Finding Hope taught me that I need recovery, too. And I’m truly humbled that the Lord has gifted me a story that I get to share with others.

I never thought I’d be here today saying: My husband attended treatment five different times, has been almost 500 days sober to date, leads a weekly AA meeting, has sponsees, and we have conversations about recovery and addiction almost daily. And I never ever thought I’d lead my own Finding Hope meeting.

But I list all of those out to encourage each of you that there is hope... and to never say “never,” because we serve a mighty God who can do infinitely more than all we can ever ask, think, or imagine.

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With hope,

Hayley Gough | Wichita, KS

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For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

Don't wait to join a faith-based support group for loved ones of addicts and alcoholics! Hope and healing are waiting for you!

Retreads Thrift Celebrates Two Years of Second Chances

Two years ago, Retreads Thrift opened its doors with the mission to create a place where every purchase has a purpose and every donation helps transform lives. Today, we're proud to celebrate Retreads Thrift's second anniversary and reflect on the incredible impact made through the support of our community.

Retreads Thrift serves as an extension of the Hope is Alive mission, providing affordable shopping opportunities while also creating job opportunities for those in the Hope is Alive recovery program. Every item donated, every volunteer hour given, and every purchase made directly supports Hope is Alive's mission to radically change the lives of drug addicts, alcoholics, and those who love them.

Over the past two years, Retreads has become a community destination where shoppers can discover unique treasures while knowing their purchases are making a lasting impact. From clothing and furniture to home décor and household essentials, every item has a story — and every purchase helps write a new chapter in someone else's story of recovery.

Support Hope is Alive Through Retreads Thrift

Looking for a thrift store that gives back? Visit Retreads Thrift to shop for affordable clothing, furniture, home goods, and more. Your donations and purchases directly support the Hope is Alive sober living program, helping men and women find freedom from addiction and build lives filled with hope and purpose.

Shop. Donate. Volunteer. Change Lives.

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Address

‍9470 N May Ave, The Village, OK 73120

Email

‍retreads@hopeisalive.net

Phone

‍405-242-2137

Hours of Operation

Sunday: Closed

Monday–Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

The Power of Saying Yes

For a long time, Lance Lang was really good at saying yes… to the wrong things. Ten years of addiction eventually turned into a 50-pill-a-day habit, and his life was spiraling fast. Then he said yes to the right thing: Jesus. This Scripture reading plan is derived from the chapter “Just Say Yes” of Lance’s book, Hope is Alive (2nd edition). Journey with Lance as he shares how simple obedience can lead to real and lasting change.

Start the plan here: The Power of Saying Yes

Purchase Hope is Alive here!

How Writing a Letter to Addiction Can Help You Heal

In 2015, after my husband returned home from treatment, I found myself in a state of grief. I was grieving what I thought life would be like, and I was facing the reality of what it actually was. I felt like we had lost two years of our lives together, and all my hopes and dreams for the future were crushed — even though he was sober.

This is a grief many of us experience when we love someone who struggles with substance use.

As I processed this with my counselor, she suggested I write a letter — not to my husband, but to the disease of addiction itself. In that letter, I was able to fully share everything alcohol had taken from me. I expressed my raw emotions — my disappointment, fear, anger, and more. It gave me a safe place to release what I had been holding in for so long, and it was truly healing.

I later shared the letter with my counselor and my Finding Hope group, a faith-based support group for the loved ones of addicts and alcoholics. My husband has never read it; the letter was never meant for him, but for the disease that affected him. Since that summer in 2015, I have rewritten the letter several times. Through that process, I’ve seen God’s goodness and faithfulness, as well as my own growth and healing.

Writing a letter to addiction can be a powerful, cathartic way to grieve, process, and express what the disease has done to you personally. Because of that, this month, we will be doing this activity during your Finding Hope meeting. If you’re unable to attend, I encourage you to do it on your own.

Once you have your letter, it’s important to share it out loud with a trusted person, whether that’s a Hope Dealer, your counselor, or someone else you feel safe with. You are always welcome to reach out to me as well; I would be honored to listen.

Don’t let grief and addiction take any more from you. Begin your healing journey today.

Here is how my letter began:

‍Dear Alcohol,

I hate what you are doing to our family. You have stolen so much from our family. You stole memories. You stole financial peace. You have stolen sleep. Because of you, I have lived on eggshells. I am tired of living like this…

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With hope,

Amy LaRue, Director of Family Support Groups

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If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, Hope is Alive offers faith-based addiction recovery support, sober living resources, and Finding Hope groups for families impacted by substance abuse.

Learning to Laugh Again After Loss: Christian Grief Support

After Lexi passed away, I didn’t want to ever laugh again. There were times when I would catch myself smiling at something, and immediately I would stop and pull my heart back. It didn’t feel right to laugh. Laughing meant I was happy, which meant I was okay with my daughter not being here, and I would never be okay with that.

Then one day, my other two daughters and I were watching a movie, and a certain scene caught our attention. One of the characters was speaking in Arabic, and he said something that sounded like “Leo Budge,” the goofy nickname we had given our dog. It struck us as absolutely hilarious, and we all three burst out laughing. I don’t know how many times we rewound the movie to re-listen to it, but each time we laughed even harder, until our bellies ached and tears streamed down our faces. I know this may sound crazy, but to us it was insanely funny. And it felt so good to laugh.

I think that was the moment I started to realize that it might be okay to laugh again. I had let myself enjoy the moment, but my love for Lexi had not lessened. And that moment of laughter might even have helped my state of mind.

Proverbs 17:22 says that “a joyful heart is good medicine.” When processing grief, our bodies desperately need relief, and this is what laughter provides. It has been proven that laughing affects our bodies physically in a healthy way. According to the Mayo Clinic, the endorphins released in the brain when we laugh “stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation.” These endorphins are natural painkillers. They relieve stress from our system, which improves our overall long-term health.

Telling ourselves we should not feel joy is a lie from the enemy. He has come to “steal and kill and destroy.” (John 10:10) He knows that laughter helps us heal, and he wants us to remain in our misery — where we are no good to anyone — and remain separated from God.

The truth is, allowing yourself to laugh does not mean you didn’t care about your loved one. As a matter of fact, it is quite the opposite. It shows that you are taking care of yourself and allowing yourself to move through grief and experience the joy, healing, and peace that God can provide. Isn’t that what your loved one would want? I know Lexi would hate it if I chose to go around being glum all the time, never letting myself have fun again.

What can help you enjoy a laugh today? At our first Hope After Loss retreat, someone shared a clip of a comedian, and we found ourselves laughing together. There are so many good Christian comedians just a YouTube click away from brightening your spirit — Jim Gaffigan, John Crist, Tim Hawkins, Nate Bargatze, Chonda Pierce. Turn on a favorite funny movie or show. Seek out things that will make you smile. Christ came so that we may have life, and have it abundantly. Take some time today to stop and laugh!

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With hope,

Kris Darrah, Lexi's Mom

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For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

Faith-based support groups for families of addicts and alcoholics.

Is My Teen Using Drugs? What Parents Should Look For

Parenting a teenager can feel like walking a tightrope. Between mood swings, growing independence, and changing social circles, it’s not always easy to tell what’s normal teenage behavior and what could signal something more serious. One of the biggest fears many parents face is wondering: Is my teen using drugs?

While experimentation doesn’t always lead to addiction, early drug use can have long-term consequences on mental health, academic performance, relationships, and future opportunities.

At Hope is Alive, we know that recognizing the warning signs early can make a life-changing difference. Here’s what parents should look for and how to respond if you suspect your teen may be struggling with substance use.

Why Teens Experiment With Drugs

Before identifying the signs, it’s important to understand why teens may turn to drugs or alcohol in the first place.

Common reasons include:

• Peer pressure
• Curiosity
• Stress or anxiety
• Depression or emotional pain
• Academic pressure
• Trauma or family conflict
• Desire to fit in socially
• Escaping difficult emotions

Physical Signs Your Teen May Be Using Drugs

Some of the earliest indicators of substance use are physical changes. While one sign alone doesn’t necessarily confirm drug use, multiple symptoms together may warrant further investigation.

Changes in Appearance

Look for both subtle and obvious changes:

• Bloodshot or glassy eyes
• Dilated or pinpoint pupils
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Poor hygiene
• Unusual body odors or smells on clothing
• Frequent use of eye drops, gum, or strong cologne

Changes in Sleep Patterns

Drug use often disrupts normal sleep habits, causing:

• Sleeping excessively
• Insomnia
• Difficulty waking up
• Staying out late regularly

Unexplained Health Issues

Watch for:

• Frequent nosebleeds
• Chronic cough
• Tremors or shakiness
• Lack of energy
• Decrease in coordination

Behavioral Warning Signs of Teen Drug Use

Behavioral changes are often easier to spot than physical symptoms. If your teen’s personality or habits suddenly shift, it may be time to have a conversation with them.

Declining Academic Performance

One of the most common red flags is a sudden drop in school performance, including:

• Falling grades
• Skipping classes
• Loss of motivation
• Frequent disciplinary issues

Secretive or Suspicious Behavior

Teens naturally seek privacy, but extreme secrecy can indicate that something else is going on:

• Locking doors constantly
• Hiding backpacks or phones
• Lying about whereabouts
• Sneaking out
• Becoming defensive when asked simple questions
• Spend excessive time alone
• Avoid family interaction
• Become emotionally distant

Changes in Friend Groups

New friendships aren’t always a bad thing, but abrupt social changes may be concerning if:

• Old friends disappear suddenly
• Your teen refuses to introduce new friends
• Their new friends have a history of risky behavior

Loss of Interest in Activities

Substance use can cause teens to withdraw from hobbies they once loved:

• Sports
• Church activities
• Family events
• Music
• Clubs

Mood Swings

Substance use can trigger:

• Irritability
• Aggression
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sudden emotional outbursts

Signs of Specific Substance Use

Different substances can create different warning signs.

Marijuana

Possible indicators include:

• Red eyes
• Increased appetite
• Slowed reaction times
• Distinct skunky smell

Alcohol

Signs may include:

• Slurred speech
• Poor coordination
• Smell of alcohol
• Risky decision-making

Prescription Drug Misuse

Teens abusing prescription medications may:

• Appear unusually sleepy or hyperactive
• Have missing medications from home
• Experience memory problems

Vaping and Nicotine

Common warning signs:

• Sweet or fruity smells
• Increased thirst
• Nosebleeds
• Frequent coughing

What Parents Should NOT Do

If you suspect drug use, your reaction matters. Fear and anger are natural, but certain responses can push teens away instead of helping them.

Avoid:

• Yelling or threatening
• Public shaming
• Making assumptions without evidence
• Ignoring the problem and hoping it goes away

How to Talk to Your Teen About Drug Use

Having a conversation about drugs isn’t easy, but open communication is one of the most powerful tools parents have.

Choose the Right Time

Avoid conversations during arguments or emotionally heated moments. Choose a time when your teen is in a good mood, you are alone, and there is nothing pressing happening afterwards.

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Instead of accusations, try:

• “I’ve noticed some changes lately. How are you doing?”
• “Is there anything stressing you out?”
• “Have you been feeling overwhelmed?”

Listen More Than You Speak

Teens are more likely to open up when they feel heard instead of judged. Don’t tell them what they are feeling; ask them how they are feeling.

Stay Calm

Even if you discover drug use, remain calm. Yelling at them won’t help the situation. Offering support and solutions can. Remind them that you love them and that everything is going to be okay.

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes parental support alone isn’t enough. If drug use is ongoing or escalating, professional help may be necessary.

Warning signs that indicate immediate intervention may be needed include:

• Overdose symptoms
• Suicidal thoughts
• Severe behavioral changes
• Legal problems
• Repeated substance use despite consequences

Early treatment can significantly improve long-term outcomes.

Hope and Recovery Are Possible

Discovering that your teen may be using drugs can feel like the end of the world. But you are not alone, and your child’s story is not over.

At Hope is Alive, we believe recovery is possible for every individual and every family. Through community, accountability, support, and faith-based recovery resources, families can begin healing together.

The earlier substance use is addressed, the greater the chance for lasting recovery and restored relationships.

If you’re concerned about your teen, don’t wait to reach out for support. One conversation could change everything.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Drug Use

What is the most common sign of teen drug use?

Behavioral changes such as secrecy, declining grades, and mood swings are often the earliest noticeable signs.

Should I drug test my teenager?

Drug testing may be appropriate in some situations, but it should be approached carefully and ideally with professional guidance.

How can I prevent my teen from using drugs?

Strong communication, healthy boundaries, involvement in their lives, and emotional support all reduce the risk of substance use. However, it is ultimately their decision, and you are not responsible for what they choose to do.

Final Thoughts

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, investigate it. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help and guidance. Hope is Alive’s HopeLine is always available to answer questions and offer guidance.

1-844-3-HOPE-NOW

This podcast explores the hidden trauma loved ones experience while caring for someone struggling with addiction. We discuss how PTSD and complex PTSD can develop through ongoing emotional and physical trauma, including overdoses, manipulation, fear, abandonment, and chronic stress. The episode highlights common triggers, long-term impacts on mental and physical health, and the silent battle families face behind closed doors. Through real-life stories and education, we remind listeners that healing is possible through support, boundaries, self-care, faith, and trauma-informed recovery tools.

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For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

Faith-based support groups for families of addicts and alcoholics.