1. How can I tell if my child or a young person I know is using drugs or alcohol?

Possible indicators might include a clustering of the following: drop in grades, isolating in their room, breaks in normal routines, frequent naps, a sudden change in friends or dropping of old friends, unwillingness to participate in formerly favorite activities, frequest use of mouth wash, red eyes, rapid weight loss or increase, etc. Remember: Teens go through changes rapidly so there should be a clustering of these indicators.

2. What do I do and when?
Take it seriously! If drug or alcohol use is suspected, chances are very good that by the time you finally notice potential indications of use, your child or the young person has been using for quite some time. Act Now!

3. Where can I get a drug test kit and how can I use the results to get help?

Purchase Low-Cost Drug Test Kits from:

*Evergreen Shelter Program – 622 Mississippi, Bemidji, Minn (Tel: 218-751-4332). Corner of Mississippi and 7th; one block west of Irvine Ave. and 2 blocks north of 5th St. in downtown Bemidji.
*Bemidji Law Enforcement – 751-9111, 613 Minnesota Ave., NW (between 6th and 7th in downtown Bemidji).
*North Country Regional Hospital – 751-5430 - 1300 Anne St. – Admissions desk at the Emergency Room entrance.

Purchase a six panel drug-test kit for $5.00-$7.00. The six panels test for:

THC – the active ingredient in marijuana.
Opiates – heroin, codeine-based drugs, oxycotins
Cocaine – crack.
Barbituates – valium, qualudes, etc.
Amphetamines – speed, meth, ecstasy.
PCP – Angel dust.

Please click on the Community Resource pdf on the top, right-hand side of this page for further information.