I agree with MWM and Janet.
Self-medication with alcohol and drugs is a known problem for many people with mood disorders, and those on the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) spectrum (including those with ADHD).
I know that lots of teens "experiment" with drugs and alcohol and never get addicted, but I worry that even a single experiment might lead to disaster with my difficult child. If alcohol or drugs provide him with calm, stability or control in a way that feels better than his prescribed medications, even temporarily, then I worry that we'll lose him forever. He has such terrible impulse control problems and the maturity of a 6-year-old, and I just don't want to see it happen.
Because difficult child lives in complete lockdown in Residential Treatment Center (RTC)/assisted living, it is easier for us to keep him away from drugs and alcohol than it would be if he were living at home and attending regular school.
I just watched my sister in law kill herself from drinking. It would break me to see difficult child go down the same road. Honestly, that's one of my biggest fears for him.
Trinity