Valley HealthCare System

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Is it true that using alcohol can lead to other drug abuse?
Answer: Yes. Certainly through association an individual may encounter others using a variety of drugs and could begin experimenting with their use and effects.The use of alcohol in itself does not lead to the use or abuse of other drugs.

Question: How much alcohol is safe to use before driving?
Answer: None. The use of any alcohol and driving can lead to even minor forms of impairment, and affect reflexes, judgment and insight.

Question: How much alcohol is it safe to use while you are pregnant?
Answer: None. If a woman is trying to get pregnant or is pregnant, they should immediately quit using any alcohol. Use of alcohol, especially during the first trimester, is extremely harmful to the development of the fetus. Prolonged use can lead to Fetal Alcohol Effect or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, both detrimental to the development and health of the child once born.

Question: How do I talk to my kids about drugs?
Answer: Research what you want to share with them and have facts about what you want to present. Don't take the "scare" approach and don't present them with either false or misleading information. Remember, they probably already know something about what you are talking about. Above all, be honest with them and tell them you will get them information you may not be aware of at the time you are talking to them.

Question: What do I do if I am arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI)?
Answer: In West Virginia, if you are arrested for DUI, you will need to contact your local mental health center and enroll in the DUI Safety and Treatment Program. Only after enrolling and successfully completing the requirements of this program can an individual regain their driving privileges.

Question: Can a teenager be addicted to drugs or alcohol or do you have to be older?
Answer: If a teen begins using at an early age and has persistent and prolonged usage of a particular drug, they can become addicted even at an early age.

Question: Is marijuana addictive?
Answer: There are opposing points of view on this issue. Some research certainly indicates that the behavioral use of the drug is, in fact, addictive. On the other side, there is a school of thought that says there isn't conclusive proof that it is addictive. Either way, we do know that the active ingredient in marijuana, THC, stores itself for a long period of time in the fat cells of the body which in itself can and does produce harmful effects upon the body.

Question: What do I do if I find drugs in my kids' room?
Answer: Try to identify what type of drug it is. Prescription or otherwise. Then, meet with your child and try and openly discuss the issue. Try and ascertain the degree of their involvement and solicit their concerns and willingness to address the use or potential abuse.

Question: How do you know when someone needs help for an alcohol problem?
Answer: Generally, you will begin to notice changes in their behavior. Moodiness, increased use, mood swings, missed appointments, increased absence from family functions, increased excuses for their behaviors and other similar behaviors.

Question: How do you get help for someone with an alcohol or drug problem?
Answer: You can begin by simply expressing your concern for them and letting them know you are aware of their behavior and are willing to support them. Provide them with information and resources.

Question: What types of prevention and education programs are available?
Answer: Valley offers a wide range of services in this area from on-site presentations to a complete library of videos and literature for use. Consultation for program development and implementation, as well as specialized training is also available.

Question: Can a person be cured from an addiction?
Answer: No. Alcoholism is a chronic progressive disease that cannot be cured but can be arrested, and many of the effects minimized, if the person maintains sobriety and works towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle after use.

Question: Is Alcoholics Anonymous a treatment program? Does it cost to go to it?
Answer: Alcoholics Anonymous is a non-affiliated fellowship comprised of other recovering individuals who find strength and support in their sharing of recovery.There is no fee or dues for involvement in the fellowship, only a desire to remain sober.

Question: What is AA? NA? Al Anon?
Answer: These are all 12-step anonymous fellowship programs focused on recovery as it effects the alcoholic, the drug addict and their families respectively.

Question: Who can become addicted to alcohol and/or drugs?
Answer: Anyone. Any individual who uses alcohol and/or drugs can, with prolonged and persistent use, become either physically and/or psychologically addicted to that/those drugs.

Question: Is it true that there's a medical use for marijuana?
Answer: Some states have legalized the use of marijuana for certain medical applications. However, the use of this drug is still monitored and controlled through close supervision of medical staff.

OUR MISSION: Valley HealthCare System shall improve our community’s health by delivering the highest quality behavioral health care guided by our consumers’ needs.