Frequently Asked Questions

  1. I think my loved one is using drugs/alcohol. What should I do?
  2. HELP! I have been ordered to take a class, but I am not sure what to do?
  3. How do I help my child say "NO" to drugs?
  4. Where can I find more information about drugs that my child may be using?
  5. Where can I find help in my area?
  6. Are there any signs or symptoms of possible drug use?
  7. What is the difference between an Assessment and a Screening?
  8. Where do I find your office?

I think my loved one is using drugs/alcohol. What should I do?

If you suspect that someone you know may have a problem with drugs and/or alcohol, you may encourage her/him to seek help. However, the final decision must be made by that person. If he/she is not sure he/she have a problem, BACODA offers FREE drug and alcohol screenings. We also offer assessments and referrals to help those who need treatment.

BACODA has professional counselors on call 24 hours a day. If you or someone you know needs help, please don't hesitate to call us at 1.800.510.3111.

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HELP! I have been ordered to take a class, but I am not sure what to do?

Find out WHICH class you are required to take by calling the court or probation officer listed on your ticket.

Once you know which class you need, go back to our Home page, choose the class from the Services dropdown menu, check out the class summaries, and follow our registration guidelines. If you have any questions or need more information, please call at 1.800.510.3111 or 281.212.2900.

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How do I help my child say "No" to drugs?

You can help your child say "NO" to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs by practicing these 10 Steps*:

  1. TALK with your child about alcohol and other drugs. You can help change ideas your child may have that "everybody drinks, smokes, or uses."
  2. LEARN to really listen to your child. Your child is more likely to talk with you when you give verbal and nonverbal cues that show you are listening.
  3. HELP your child feel good about him/herself. Your child will feel good when you praise efforts as well as accomplishments and when you correct by criticizing the action rather than the child.
  4. HELP your child develop strong values. A strong value system can give your child the courage to say "NO" rather than listen to friends.
  5. BE a good role model or example. Your habits and attitudes may strongly influence your child's ideas about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
  6. HELP your child deal with peer pressure. A child who has been taught to be gentle and loving may need your "permission" to say "NO" to negative peer pressure.
  7. MAKE family rules. It's helpful when you make specific family rules about your child not using alcohol or other drugs or smoking cigarettes.
  8. ENCOURAGE healthy, creative activities. Hobbies, school events, and other activities may prevent your child from using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs out of boredom.
  9. TEAM UP with other parents. You can join other parents in support groups that will reinforce the guidance your provide at home.
  10. HELP what to do if you suspect a problem. You can learn to recognize the telltale signs of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use and get help.

For more information on alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and youth, contact TCADA at 1.800.832.9623.

*Revised from DHHS Publication #(ADM) 88-1418 originally prepared by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and is distributed by TCADA.


Where can I find more information about drugs that my child may be using?

Visit the Street Drugs site (www.streetdrugs.org) to learn more about a particular drug or inhalant.

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Where can I find help in my area?

There are many alcohol and drug treatment facilities. Go to our Treatment Search page to find a treatment facility near you. Not sure if you have a problem? Click on the OSAR Search page to find assessment and drug screening facility in your area.

If you are in the southeast Houston area, go to our Quick Links page to find other referrals.

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Are there any signs or symptoms of possible drug use?

Signs and symptoms of possible drug use may or may be obvious. Below is a list of possible symptoms. Please be advise that these are only signs and not an accusation of drug abuse. If you feel you or someone you know has a problem with drugs or alcohol, don't hesitate to call us at 1.800.510.3111 or 281.212.2900 for a FREE screening.

  • Withdrawn, depressed, tired, or careless about personal grooming.
  • Hostile, uncooperative, and frequently breaks curfews or has poor time management habits. (frequently late for appointments, work, etc.)
  • Relationships with family members have deteriorated.
  • Hanging around with a new group of friends.
  • Grades have slipped/poor work productivity and school attendance is irregular. (missing days of work, etc.)
  • Loss of interest in hobbies, sports, and other favorite activities.
  • Eating and sleeping patterns have changed. Individual is up at night and sleeps during the day.
  • Has a hard time concentrating.
  • Eyes are red-rimmed and nose is runny but there are no allergies or a cold.
  • Household money has been disappearing.
  • You have found any of the following in your home: pipes, rolling papers, small medicine bottles, eye drops, butane lighters, homemade pipes or bongs (pipes that use water as a filter) made from soda cans or plastic beverage containers.

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What is the difference between Assessment and Screening?

Screening - Counselors screen clients for indications of potential or developing addiction. The screening usually takes about 10 - 15 minutes depending upon the client's ability to answer screening questions. After retrieving the results of the screening, the counselor may offer referrals for further diagnostic assessments or other social services. Screenings are FREE.

Assessment - Assessment, which usually last about an hour, is an in-person interview with more in-depth personal, family, social, etc. issue type questionnaire. After the assessment, the counselor will then be able to determine if the client would benefit from entering substance abuse treatment and which type of treatment would be most appropriate. Assessments are $50.

To schedule a screening or an assessment, please give us a call at 281.212.2900 or 1.800.510.3111. To find screening and assessment facility in the southeast Texas area, go to our OSAR Search page.

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Where do I find your office?

Go to our Office page for directions, address, link to MapQuest for specific directions from your home, phone number, and office hours. Or go to our Employee Directory.

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