Most states have laws regarding substance abuse in parents and child protection. Depending on your state, your mother being hooked on drugs may be classified as child abuse or neglect. In some states, it is considered child abuse or neglect, if: Your mother prepares or makes drugs in your presence or in the same place where you are Your mother stores or uses chemicals or equipment for preparing drugs around you Your mother sells or gives drugs or alcohol to you or another child Your mother gets high and is unable to care for you Your mother has you around people who sell drugs Unfortunately, there's not anything you can do to stop your mother from using drugs, and that is not your responsibility anyway. Your mother is an adult and is the only one who can make choices for herself. But, you can talk with an adult who may be able to intervene on your behalf. Think of someone you trust and feel comfortable talking to--it can be a coach, the school counselor, a religious leader, an aunt/uncle, or a grandparent. This person may be able to break through to your mother and explain how her behavior is affecting you. This person may also be able to offer you temporary care and support during this confusing time. An intervention is a face-to-face meeting facilitated by a professional mental health provider that allows family members and friends to share their feelings about the addiction. Your mother may not realize how negatively her drug use is affecting everyone. Staging an intervention may help your mom recognize that she needs help and that she has the support of those who love her. To stage an intervention, ask a trusted adult to help you contact a psychologist, addictions counselor, social worker, interventionist, or psychiatrist to coordinate the meeting. Any family members and close friends may be allowed to attend. The group will determine a possible course of action to help your mother get help. You all might look up treatment facilities and generally learn more about addiction in order to understand what your mother is going through. If you find yourself in a situation where your mother needs immediate help or support, call the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Helpline and Treatment Hotline at 1-800-234-0246. Or, call 911 or your local emergency department. If your mother's drug use has placed you in danger or you are being abused, call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE.

Summary:
Know your rights. Tell a trusted adult. Participate in an intervention. Make a call for help.