after Boot camp

[micki3974]

My son is currently in Juvenile Boot Camp. He is a drug and alcohol user - marijuana, cocaine, pain pills. I also suspect he is huffing from the paint cans and markers I have found in his room. I have put him through a drug treatment program less than a year ago. He's obviously in alot of pain. I NEED help. Can anyone recommend a good psychologist in the Alabama/Southern Tennessee area?

[Mike Bradley]

Dear Micki,
Check with every organization in your area that works with teens: schools, religious groups, cops and so on. Ask the parents of every teen you know. When one name appears a few times, go interview that shrink yourself to see if she/he will "fit" with your son. It's critical to find someone who relates well to your kid, and you likely would know who would do well and who would not.
With a situation like yours, the relationship between your son and his shrink is critical to helping him. If your son dislikes the shrink, it is a waste of time, motivation, and money to force him to go.
Good luck and please keep us posted.
Mike Bradley