Preventing

Substance Abuse

One of the most important social aspects impacting an adolescents decision to use alcohol is the family. (Bahr et al., 1995; Guo et al., 2001)

There are several modifiable family factors related to later alcohol and substance use.Hawkins et al., 1992; Latendresse et al., 2008; Peterson et al., 1994; Reifman et al., 1998)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UTmIAK-Eaxchttp://www.samhsa.gov/underagedrinking/subpagea.aspx

The Role of Family

“My son/daughter would never get addicted.” “I used alcohol/drugs and I turned out OK.” “In moderation – after all, teens will be

teens.” “We’re getting along so well now.” “As long as I see good grades, then why not.” “I can’t stop them, they’ll just do it anyway.”

Ineffective Approaches

Positive Parenting HelpsPrevent Drug Abuse

• Communication• Encouragement• Negotiation• Setting Limits• Supervision

http://www.drugabuse.gov/family-checkup

Effective Approaches

Start talking to your children early about the dangers. Ever wish you had a script? Use

this demo to improve yours.

http://www.samhsa.gov/underagedrinking/

Prevention Campaign

When perceived as being harmful, use will go down

Pete’s Couchhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODKz4fTXi4s

Correct the Misperceptions

IncreasedLikelihood

DecreasedLikelihood

When perceived as not beingharmful, use will go up

Parents with FAVORABLE ATTITUDES

CONDONING USE of gateway drugs is opening the brain’s pathway for ANY drug. TRANSISITIONS from MS to HS and HS to college.

INDIRECT INFLUENCE – By NOT discouraging alcohol/drug use, you’re still saying something.

Addiction Potential more factors to consider

Number of Adolescents Aged 12 to 17 Admitted to Publicly Funded Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities on a Typical Day

(ER) Visits for Drug Misuse/Abuse on a Typical Day for Patients Aged 12 to 17

Stopped worrying about how my problem makes them look

Saw that something was wrong, even when I pretend to be OK

LISTENED! Tell me they loved me more often Were not so self-involved Noticed when I started to change for the worse

Were not so naïve and ignorant Accepted me Asked me straight up “What’s wrong?” Don’t assume you know

Followed through when they promised to get me help

I Wish My Parents…

Saying NO Workshop | Guiding Good Choices Staying Connected with Your Teen 24-hour Help Line | (206) 722-3700 Washington Recovery Helpline | 1-866-789-1511

Family Checkup (NIDA) – Also check out NIDA for Teenshttp://www.drugabuse.gov/family-checkupTALK – They Hear You – (SAMHSA)http://www.samhsa.gov/underagedrinkingFamily Pledgehttp://www.snoqualmievalleycommunitynetwork.org

Resources for Parents/Teens