Why should I call the Poison Center?
I don't have an emergency, just a question, can I still call?
What if I think a friend needs help?
Will you tell my parents?
Where can I get information about drugs and substance abuse?

Why should I call the Poison Center?

1. The Poison Center is here for you -- not just for kids and older adults.

2. Accidents happen -- you are not alone.

3. Many teens like you are babysitting their brothers and sisters or neighbor kids -- kids like to get into things when mom and dad are away.

4. You may be responsible for a pet -- calling the Poison Center when you have a question is a very responsible thing to do.

5. If you are doing a school report or project on poisons, medications, chemicals, etc. -- the Poison Center is staffed by specialists who can answer specific questions and may let you know other resources in the community you can consult.
   
   

I don't have an emergency, just a question, can I still call?

Yes. Do not worry about bothering the Poison Center staff -- they are there to answer questions about poisons, medications and other chemicals. It does not need to be an emergency to call.

What if I think a friend needs help?

If you think your friend may have taken something that may hurt them, do not think twice about calling the Poison Center. The Poison Specialist can help you figure out if what your friend took is harmful and how you can help them.

Will you tell my parents?

Your call to the Poison Center is confidential*. You do not even have to give your name if you are do not want to. We will ask for your phone number so that, if needed, we can follow up to check on how you, your friend, or pet is doing. However, you do not have to give us your phone number, but we do need to know what county you are calling from for our records. Your parent does not have to be involved.

*within the context of the law.

Where can I get information about drugs and substance abuse?

The Internet has a lot of great information on drugs and substance abuse --- but some information is not so great. Ask yourself when looking online, "is this a source I can trust?" Here are a few sites that have information for you:

http://www.teens.drugabuse.gov/
http://www.drugfreeamerica.org
http://inhalants.org