Hope for Families Helping Parents Address Teen/Young Adult Substance Use Patricia Aussem, LPC, MAC Partnership for Drug-Free Kids Consultant
Who we are and where we came from Founded in 1986, the Partnership is one of the nation s largest nonprofit organizations Known for our national public service campaigns, we translate research on teen behavior, substance use and treatment into useful and effective resources for families, individuals and communities They Are Going To Ask https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqbuvcmuukm 2
Today s Presentation Partnership resources available to help families Case example of how we help families Questions and comments 3
Parents Matter Kids who learn about the danger of drugs at home are up to 50% less likely to use Parents matter because they can help their child get help if they need it 9 out of 10 people with an alcohol or other drug problem started using as a teen 7 million teens and young adults need treatment, most don t get it 4
But Parents need support Parents are at a loss Lack of good resources and treatment to address substance use disorders Legalization of marijuana, underage/binge drinking, and medicine misuse create concerns Prescription pain pills and heroin epidemic Stigma, fear, shame and anger related to substance misuse Which led to the question... What can we do to help families address adolescent and young adult substance use? 5
Partnership s Suite of Support Services From: Tough Love Punishment Detaching Rock Bottom To: Empowered Resilient Skilled Hopeful 6
Develop a Personalized Plan Emotional support, guidance and resources provided by bilingual master s level parent support specialists Helpline 1-855-DRUGFREE 9AM-5PM M-F EST Chat 5PM-10PM M-F and 12PM-5PM Sat/Sun EST Peer Parent Coaching accessed through the helpline 5 one-hour sessions via phone over 5-6 weeks with trained parent coach Ask a Coach accessed at www.drugfree.org/get-help 7
Understand & Find Treatment Levels of care Not everyone needs rehab Assessing quality treatment Is it evidence-based? Treatment locators Questions to ask insurance Resources for loved ones without insurance 8
Build Parenting Skills Understanding Behaviors Kids use for a reason Communication Tools How you say it matters Positive Reinforcement Catch them being good Natural & Your Consequences Life is a good teacher Collaboration Getting on the same page Problem-solving Think outside the box 9
Access Parent Resources www.drugfree.org/get-information The Teen Brain Drug Guides Medication-Assisted Treatment E Booklet Marijuana Talk Kit Treatment E Booklet Continuing Care E Booklet Parents 20 Minute Guide Bookstore 10
Develop Resilience and Hope Self-care Building resilience Managing personal and family stress: Addressing emotional triggers, setting boundaries, avoiding isolation Support groups: Families Anonymous, Nar-anon 11
Advocating for Families 12
Putting It All Together: A Case Study I can t control my anger toward my 19-year-old son and now he blames me for wanting to use more. I know that s not true. Same story, stolen thousands, my jewelry, wrote himself checks out of my checkbook, used my credit card to buy debit cards at the gas station. We would not let him go back to college this semester. I am vicious towards him, I know I have to stop but my anger is out of control. I feel I should remove myself from the situation but I can t because I want to prevent him from dying. My husband chooses to leave him be and told me to be patient. When my friends, who have no idea what s going on with my son, brag about how great their kids are doing in school, sports etc, I smile and die inside screaming my son is a heroin addict, help me!!! 13
The Family Experience Angry Helpless Marital Discord Isolated Shame What Families Have Heard: You need to use tough love. You don t want to enable. You can t do anything. He has to want it. He won t change until he hits rock bottom. Why don t you kick him out? You ve got to send him to rehab 14
Providing Help Behavioral Strategies Communication Collaboration Resources Self-care Develop a Personalized Plan o o o Call to Helpline and referral to parent coaching Skills: o Self-care Collaboration w/spouse o Communication o Consequences o Positive Reinforcement o How to Suggest Treatment Resources o Heroin Drug Guide o Parents 20 Minute Guide Workbook o Narcan Overdose Prevention o Detox/Levels of Care o Medication Assisted Treatment o Support Group 15
Connect with Us www.drugfree.org 1-855-DRUGFREE https://www.facebook.com/part nershipdrugfree https://twitter.com/drugnews 16
Questions and Comments 17
CIGNA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AWARENESS If you are a Cigna customer and have questions about Substance Use treatment or about your benefits and how to use them, please contact me: Amy Papageorge, MS, LPC 888.244.6293, extension 341894 Cigna Confidential, unpublished property of Cigna. Do not duplicate or distribute. Use and distribution limited solely to authorized personnel. 2017 Cigna 18