How CheckDEC Helps Families Talk About Drug Risks

In 2003, according to the United States Department of Justice, more than 3,000 children were recovered from raided meth labs. Children exposed to drug-production environments may face neglect, chemical exposure, trauma, and disrupted caregiving.

To aid children at risk, the National Alliance of Drug Endangered Children designed an app to bring children and families together with help and resources in hopes to see more and more children in drug-free environments.

At-risk children may be:

• Living in a meth lab or other drug environment.

• Be the child of a parent who is addicted to drugs or alcohol.

• Be in a school or social media environment riddled with drugs.

Many families need practical, nonjudgmental help when drug or alcohol addiction affects a household. As a parent or caregiver, if you do not feel equipped to talk about drugs with a child, the CheckDEC app can help connect families with local resources and conversation support.

The CheckDec may help with:

• Addiction and recovery.

• Mental and behavioral health.

• Domestic abuse and sexual assault services.

• Drug information & pill identifier.

• Services for daily needs such as clothes, food, shelter, housing, and assistance with heating/cooling services.

• Training and videos to help kids and parents establish good coping skills etc.

• Local support to assist with personal needs such as disability, transportation, veteran services, and more.

Social media can expose children to drug-related content, misinformation, and peer pressure. Children need age-appropriate, honest conversations about substance-use risks, overdose, impaired judgment, and how to ask for help without fear of being abandoned or shamed.

Substance use can worsen depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms, family conflict, and safety risks. If you or someone you love is struggling with drug or alcohol use, you are not alone. The SAMHSA National Helpline can help connect people in the United States with treatment and support options.

Thank you for reading. Share credible resources with families who may need them, and contact local emergency services immediately if a child is in danger.