If you know a teen who is struggling with alcohol/drug use and Second Chance is not appropriate for them, there are many other resources where they can get the support they need. Please click the links below to view the resources.
How to Talk to Kids about Substance Use
Get Smart: Talking to Your Child When You Suspect Drug Use
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA)
SAMHSA is committed to improving prevention, treatment, and recovery support services for mental and substance use disorders.
National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA)
The largest supporter of the world’s research on substance use and addiction. Part of the National Institutes of Health, NIDA conducts and supports biomedical research to advance the science on substance use and addiction and improve individual and public health.
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids: Intervention E-book -- What to do if your child is drinking or using drugs.
Get Smart about Drugs -- a DEA Resource for Parents, Educators, and Care-givers. Very useful website offering videos, articles, and myriad other resources, including links to other websites.
Justthinktwice.com -- a U.S. Government, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) website. Includes useful, timely articles, videos, and other resources for parents/families,
The website and resources for the federal Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking
"Talk. They Hear You."® Campaign | SAMSHA
SAMHSA’s national youth substance use prevention campaign helps parents and caregivers, educators, and community members get informed, be prepared, and take action to prevent underage drinking and other substance use.
Drugs of Abuse: A Resource Guide - Drug Enforcement Administration (2022)
Vaping Could Up Teens' Odds for Marijuana Use, Binge Drinking
How Much You Drink Could Have an Influence on How Your Teen Drinks, Study Shows
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids: Intervention Ebook -- What to do if your child is drinking or using drugs.
Questions to Ask Treatment Programs
This list of questions can help guide your conversation with treatment program staff in helping you decide which program is the best fit for your child and family.
Parenting Styles and Adolescents, by Kimberly Kopko
Subtle Signs of Substance Use Flier
ORGANIZATIONS
Arlington County Department of Human Services
Arlington County Emergency Mental Health Services
Mental health counseling services for adults, teens, and children; 24-hour emergency services; crisis intervention and stabilization; short-term counseling; diagnosis and treatment; substance use intervention programs.
Anyone experiencing an urgent mental health need is encouraged to contact CR2 (844-627-4747); anyone experiencing a psychiatric emergency is encouraged to contact Arlington County Behavioral Health Emergency Services (703-228-5160).
Arlington County Adolescent Substance Use Services
Offers substance use services to eligible youth in cooperation with National Capital Treatment and Recovery. Check the website for eligibility for both outpatient and intensive outpatient services.
National Capital Treatment & Recovery
Formerly Phoenix House Mid-Atlantic. One of the foremost addiction treatment centers in the region. Works with individuals struggling with substance use disorder. Families can call the Welcome Center: 703.841.0703 x 4444 to request a substance use assessment. Starting July 2023, in partnership with Arlington County, eligible teens will be able to access both outpatient and intensive outpatient services.
Also available are weekly Concerned Persons Conversations for anyone concerned about a loved one’s substance use.
Inova Kellar Center
Day treatment for alcohol and drug use. Mental Health services including: full spectrum diagnosis, treatment of ADHD and school-related issues. 703-218-8500.
Arlington County Emergency Mental Health Services
Assessment, crisis intervention and stabilization, short-term counseling, on-call psychiatric services and critical stress management services for individuals and families. 703-228-5160.
Specialize in children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral and psychological problems, short attention span, restlessness, eating disorders, substance use and self-destructive behavior. Day treatment and inpatient programs. 703-538-2872.
Full range of substance use services including: inpatient treatment, outpatient detox, outpatient treatment, dual diagnosis program and families/concerned persons program. 703-558-6541.
Children's National Medical Center
Pediatric specialists who are trained to recognize major depression, dysthymic disorder and manic-depressive illness. Comprehensive evaluation during initial visit. Follow-up care available: individual therapy, family therapy and medication when necessary. 202-476-5000.
Psychiatric Institute of Washington
Comprehensive behavioral healthcare for children, adolescents and adults suffering from mental health and addictive illnesses. Short-term acute care hospital offering inpatient hospitalization, partial and intensive outpatient, as well as specialized treatment programs for chemical dependency. 202-885-5610 or 800-369-2273.
Arlington Addiction Recovery Initiative (AARI)
Founded in January 2017 in response to the rising concerns regarding opioids in our community, AARI is comprised of stakeholders from across the county, including treatment providers, first responders, the justice system, the hospital, and private citizens. Its primary goals are to prevent individuals from developing a substance use disorder, increase access and awareness of available treatment resources in our community, and decrease access to opioids through diversion.
Multicultural Clinical Center – 703-354-0000.
Private provider of mental health and substance abuse services for adolescents, adults and families of diverse populations including but not limited to: gang intervention, substance abuse programs and intensive home-based services.
Clients who do not have insurance can call: 703-228-1560 for a pre-screening. Clients on Medicaid may find that they qualify for home-based counseling (individual and family). Those without Medicaid will still have results of the pre-screening. The Community Services Board reviews the pre-screening to determine what provider may help.
Alcoholics Anonymous - Northern Virginia Intergroup
Help available 24 hours a day. 703-293-9753.