Teen & Adolescent Resources
When your child is in crisis, it can be hard to know where to turn. Whether you’re just beginning to explore treatment or looking for trusted support along the way, we’ve gathered a selection of resources to help you make informed decisions—and feel less alone in the process.
This list includes reading recommendations, recovery tools, trusted partners, and support communities we believe in.
Recommended Reading
These books have helped countless parents and teens better understand addiction, mental health, and the path to healing. We’ve selected titles that are honest, practical, and grounded in real experience.
For Parents
- The Parallel Process by Krissy Pozatek
A powerful guide for parents navigating their own growth while supporting a child in treatment. - Changing Course by Claudia Black, PhD
A clear and compassionate book about how families can begin to heal from addiction and codependency. - Beautiful Boy by David Sheff
A memoir from a father whose son struggles with addiction—raw, honest, and deeply relatable. - Beyond Addiction by Jeffrey Foote, PhD, et al. Practical tools for helping a loved one without enabling or withdrawing support.
For Teens in Recovery
- Tweak by Nic Sheff
A firsthand account of addiction and recovery written for young adults by someone who’s been through it. - This Naked Mind by Annie Grace (adapted editions available for younger readers)
Explores the psychology of substance use in a non-shaming, empowering way. - The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
Still one of the most enduring resources for those exploring 12 Step recovery.
Online Support Communities
Connection is key to recovery—for both teens and parents. These trusted online platforms offer support, education, and community for families navigating treatment and beyond.
Other Parents Like Me (OPLM)
An online support platform created by alumni parents from In Balance. Offers:
- Live support groups led by trained parent coaches
- Expert webinars and educational tools
- A confidential, welcoming space to connect with others walking the same path
Al-Anon & Alateen
Free peer-led groups for families and teens affected by someone else’s substance use. Many meetings are held online and can be accessed from anywhere.
Educational & Clinical Resources
These organizations offer evidence-based information, tools, and professional guidance to help families better understand adolescent mental health, substance use, and available treatment options.
Partnership to End Addiction
Offers evidence-based education, treatment guidance, and live support for parents of teens struggling with substance use or mental health issues.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) for Teens
Facts, videos, and tools for teens and parents exploring the science of addiction and recovery.
IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association)
For families considering therapeutic placements or educational advocacy support.
Visit our Family Programming page for more information.
Adolescent Recovery Blog
Our blog offers insights, updates, and real-world guidance for parents navigating adolescent treatment, recovery, and the journey toward lasting change.
When to Reach Out
If you’ve been researching resources for weeks—or just realized you need help today—there’s no wrong time to reach out. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t have to do this alone.
Our team is here to walk you through next steps, whether your child enrolls at Align or not.