HS senior with substance issues

HI CC friends,

Perhaps the fact that I am looking for help here is a measure of desperation. S22 struggling with motivation and attentional issues who is using a lot of THC. Is in therapy and alleges he will be “down to zero” by June but am not optimistic. Accepted into his ED1 Northeastern college but am concerned year wont go well with him living away (this year hasn’t gone well with him at home).
Anyone have experience with this? If he achieves early sobriety is that likely enough? Likelihood of getting meaningful help at student health? Should defer? He of course wants to go but isn’t seeing clearly at this point. thanks.

I have no personal experience, but an extended family member went through something similar. He did not defer college, but went to a nearby state school that was not super challenging for him. Once there, he improved immensely in terms of attitude and overall happiness, but he didn’t exactly leave all his issues behind.

Because he went to school close to home, I believe he was able to continue with the same counselors and supports he started using in high school.

I know there was a setback or two during the pandemic/remote class period and he did not graduate on time. I think he is back on track and ready to graduate at the end of 5 years or 5 and a quarter, though. So — long story short, it was a bit of a bumpy ride but the train didn’t completely derail.

Best wishes to your family.

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Thank you.

Is he on any other medication? Most teens using THC are self medicating.

Yes. On antidepressants. It started with depression. Possible ADD too but hard to tell if that pre-dates the use or is a consequence of it. Accepting of therapy, but change is slow of course.

I’m sorry that I don’t have any helpful suggestions for you. I know it can’t be easy and I am sending you strength and positive thoughts.

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Btdt. Mine was truly ADHD. The “depression” was frustration and inability to focus not exactly “lack of motivation.” His exact words “Why didn’t I go on Vyvanse sooner?” He says it “clears his head” which is what he was thinking about using other substances for.

My oldest also had depression and anxiety but his too was the result of adhd.

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Thanks. Glad is helped your sons. Subjectively son felt better on stimulants – but since there wasn’t a clear improvement in getting work done or grades, and in the presence of active THC use, we didn’t want to continue it for fear it would add to addiction issues. Maybe if he can get off the THC and have ongoing testing we could reconsider.

One of the few small benefits of the pandemic is the proliferation of therapists who work over zoom or facetime. I would suggest finding a therapist who will continue with him at school and although you will not know what they discuss you can continue to monitor the frequency of the sessions through billing. Good luck

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Any hopes of him steering clear of current peers? Hard to stop if everyone he hangs out with is doing it.

Thanks. While it likely started from a peer, it is now something he does alone as well.