Mother seeks help for son’s drug issues in Drammen, Norway

A single mother from Drammen expressed her deep concern after her 14-year-old son, referred to as “Elias,” began using drugs and associating with a harmful environment. Feeling overwhelmed and lacking knowledge about the dangers facing today’s youth, she sought assistance from multiple sources, including her general practitioner, the child welfare services, and local police.

Elias shared that his struggles began following an injury during a football practice in eighth grade, which impacted his motivation and led him to drug use and crime. He experienced loneliness and boredom, resulting in a downward spiral where he engaged in theft and substance abuse. This period proved challenging as he sought solace in drugs, distancing himself from his family.

In her search for help, the mother discovered the Norwegian Youth Center (NYC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable youth. Their guidance became a turning point for the family, providing close support to keep Elias away from trouble. The mother explained that she trusts the organization, regularly contacting them about her son’s well-being and the local youth environment.

Elias credits the NYC for helping him improve his grades and find a job, noting that without their intervention, he might not have pursued high school. The organization’s experiential consultant, Victor Logan, draws from his own troubled past to connect with young people, emphasizing the importance of understanding the narratives and signals within at-risk environments.

Norway’s Minister of Children and Family recently visited Drammen, praising the proactive work being done in the community to combat youth crime. She believes more municipalities could benefit from adopting similar approaches, urging a fresh mindset to identify and harness the potential in all young people.