The Dearborn Police Department has introduced a new program called Parental Evaluation Resource Kits (PERK) to help families concerned about substance abuse in teens.
These kits come with a 5-panel drug and alcohol test, along with a nicotine screening tool, offering parents a discreet, at-home way to check if their child might be misusing illicit substances.
Each PERK also includes information about community resources, like Leaders Advancing & Helping Communities (LAHC) and ACCESS, to guide families in getting professional support.
If you’re a Dearborn resident, you can pick up a PERK for free in the police department lobby, any time of day or night.
If you suspect your teen may be struggling with substance abuse, call the Dearborn Police Department at 313-943-2241 for more details on PERK or simply stop by the station to get your kit.
Why substance abuse in teens is a growing concern
Substance abuse in teens can have long-lasting effects on physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 15% of high school students report experimenting with drugs, alcohol, or nicotine.
Factors such as peer pressure, mental health challenges, or family history can heighten the risk.
Early use often correlates with more serious issues down the road, including addiction and other high-risk behaviors.
That’s why having immediate access to tests—and a supportive network that understands community-specific needs—can make a major difference in guiding teens toward safer, healthier paths.
Teenage substance abuse statistics
Understanding why teens use drugs and who they use them with can help parents, educators, and communities better address substance abuse.
Whether experimenting out of curiosity or using it to cope with stress, teens’ motivations vary widely. Here are some key statistics on teenage substance use:
Reasons teens report for using substances:
- 73% use substances to feel mellow, calm, or relaxed.
- 50% use substances to have fun or experiment.
- 40% use substances to help with depression or anxiety.
- 31% misuse prescription stimulants to stay awake.
Who teens use substances with:
- 81% of teens report using substances with friends.
- 24% report using it with a boyfriend or girlfriend.
- 50% of teens report using substances alone.
Signs of substance abuse in teens to watch for
Recognizing the signs of substance abuse in teens can help families take action before problems escalate.
While every teen is different, there are some common red flags to look out for:
- Look for mood swings, increased secrecy, or a sudden loss of interest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed.
- Unexplained weight loss, poor hygiene, or a consistently tired appearance can be signs of substance use.
- A drop in grades, missed assignments, or frequent absences from school may indicate underlying issues.
- Missing money or valuables around the house could suggest attempts to fund a substance habit.
How the PERK kits work
PERK kits (Parental Evaluation Resource Kits) give parents a private, at-home way to check if their teen is using drugs, alcohol, or nicotine.
Each kit includes a 5-panel test that detects substances like marijuana, cocaine, opiates, methamphetamines, and benzodiazepines, plus a separate nicotine test.
Results are quick and completely confidential—you don’t have to share them with the police.
If you suspect your child has been abusing drugs, ask them to take the test. If they refuse, you may need to be more firm and tie the test to their privileges, like phone use or social activities.
Explain that the test is about ensuring they’re safe and healthy, not getting them in trouble. It’s a chance to understand what’s happening and figure out how to move forward together.
How LAHC support families facing substance abuse
If parents discover their teen is struggling with drug use, they don’t have to face it alone.
LAHC provides a variety of resources and substance use prevention designed to support both teens and their families in addressing substance abuse.
Whether it’s through education, prevention, or intervention, these programs aim to equip families with the tools they need to understand and tackle substance use effectively.
For parents looking to take immediate action, LAHC offers intervention referral services.
Certified Prevention Specialists are available to connect families with treatment centers and provide personalized guidance based on their unique needs.
These specialists help individuals and families navigate the recovery process, offering support at every step.
Additional external programs
The Nurturing Parenting program guides parents in creating a safe, supportive home environment.
Topics covered include how to spot signs of substance use, effective communication, and fostering self-worth in teens.
These sessions help parents build stronger relationships with their children and address challenges like substance abuse in a healthy, constructive way.
Botvin LifeSkills program at LAHC
LAHC works directly with teens to help prevent substance use before it starts.
The Botvin LifeSkills program is similar to the familiar D.A.R.E. program but takes a more modern, research-backed approach.
This program focuses on the social and psychological reasons teens might turn to drugs or alcohol, such as stress, peer pressure, or decision-making struggles.
The program helps teens build confidence, develop critical thinking, and create a foundation for making healthier choices by addressing the real reasons behind risky behavior.
Learn more: LAHC’s Behavioral Health Services
What teens learn in Botvin LifeSkills:
- How to manage stress in healthy ways.
- Techniques to resist peer pressure
- Decision-making skills to avoid risky behaviors
- How to self-esteem and confidence to handle tough situations
Get substance use prevention support with LAHC and community
Located in Dearborn, Michigan, LAHC works with people from all walks of life, providing resources such as our Narcan Porch Box, ACT, and Substance Use Prevention programs, parenting support, and education to help individuals and families thrive.
In partnership with ACCESS and other local organizations, LAHC ensures families in need access to culturally informed, bilingual support services.
Parents concerned about substance use in their teens can also take advantage of the Dearborn Police Department’s PERK (Parental Evaluation Resource Kits).
These free at-home drug testing kits offer a private way to check for substance use and include information about local support services like LAHC and ACCESS.
For a PERK kit, visit the Dearborn Police Department or call 313-943-2241 for more information. Take the first step today toward a healthier future for your family.