Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the questions we get asked often:

1. What if my daughter does not agree to go to treatment?

Young people may be reluctant to get the help that you as a parent know they need. Our trained staff will spend time with you and your daughter discussing the treatment process, the benefits and the safeguards that are in place to address any concerns that arise.

2. How do I know that treatment is the right choice for my daughter?

Addiction is not easy to overcome. If outpatient counselling, family counselling and other interventions have had little impact on your daughter's substance misuse, then treatment is likely a sound option. Call our trained staff for assistance in assessing this.

When does drug or alcohol use become an addiction?

The use of drug and/or alcohol becomes an addiction when there is a physical and/or psychological dependence on them. This may be characterized by withdrawn symptoms including physical shaking, sleeping, lack of energy, mood swings, apathy, depressive symptoms and intense cravings for the drug.

What services are available to me as a parent?

The Cedars Parent Group meets every Monday evening in New Westminster. This group is facilitated by the Clinical Director of the Cedars and assists parents in dealing with their daughter's addiction and to make positive changes in their family as a whole.

If parents are unable to attend this group, then the Clinical Director provides email/telephone support and guidance.

How do I convince my daughter that she has a drug or alcohol problem?

The most common way of examining whether or not a drug or alcohol problem exists is to look at the consequences of the drug or alcohol use. For example, talking about declining school marks, negative health occurrences, or the loss of friends may help your daughter to come to understand the negative impact drugs and/or alcohol is having in her life.

Is marijuana addictive?

The short answer is "Yes. Research has shown that the potency of the addictive chemicals in marijuana have increased dramatically as improved growing procedures have been found. An addiction to marijuana can be as devastating as any other drug addiction.

What happens during treatment?

Young women participate in a number of activities related to the treatment of their addiction. These activities include: formal group therapy on a daily basis; life skills training; household chores; fitness; nutritional meals; establishing a routine around bedtime, getting up in the morning and helping out around the house; and ongoing work around communication, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships.

The young women participate in 12-step program aimed at helping them uncover patterns that support their drug or alcohol use. They also attend community-based meetings.

What are the benefits of treatment?

First, treatment will give you as a parent, and your whole family, a break from the chaos related to your daughter's drug and/or alcohol use. You will learn new ways of interacting with your daughter and begin to rebuild your relationship with her.

Second, your daughter will experience life without drugs or alcohol and take a close look at the many factors (historical and current) that contribute to her addiction. She will learn new ways of behaving and interacting and will be able to set healthy goals for herself. Your daughter will learn how to make healthy choices and discover ways to live her life without the influence of drug or alcohol.

What are common signs of drug addiction?

• Loss of appetite and/or eating a lot of junk food (quick easy meals)

• Weight loss

• Deterioration in appearance. Not washing their hair or changing clothes, looking dirty

• Changes in overall attitude

• Watching TV a lot, not as interested in music

• Secretive behaviour, very sneaky

• Generally 'can't be bothered' with anything

• Lack of money and nothing to show for it

• Telling a lot of lies

• Borrowing money, very bad at paying it back

• Stealing, selling things or things missing from their home/room

• Or if living at home with parents, staying out all the time

• Lack of interest in many things

• If you have been away for a few hours, going straight to their room for a while when you get back

• Spending a lot of time in the bathroom or bedroom

• Abrupt changes in work/school attendance

• Outbreaks of temper, bad attitude, argumentative

• Wearing sunglasses at inappropriate times

• Association with known users

• Jekyll & Hyde personality - acting normal (friendly, talkative, etc) one day and then being the opposite the next, or even like that in the space of a few hours

If I want more information, whom do I contact?

Call the Cedars directly at 604.526.2522. A qualified counsellor would be happy to answer your questions.

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