Help For Parents Concerned about Their Teen’s Substance Abuse

A new initiative is being introduced by Student Assistance Services to help parents address substance abuse concerns in a positive and effective manner. This initiative is called the Planned Intervention Program. The Program will provide free consultation to parents on how to respond to their teen’s substance use. If it is determined that the teen needs treatment but is resistant, the family will be able to initiate an Intervention which is a thoughtful and specific course of action to help someone to face up to the fact that they have a substance abuse problem. When parents are confronted with their teen or another family member using alcohol or other drugs, they usually do not know what to do or where to turn. Most parents want to address the situation in a caring and responsible manner but are often afraid that their actions may cause more harm than good. Sometimes that results in parents acting reactively rather than proactively to a worrisome and potentially lethal situation. One of the first steps that parents can take when they realize that their child is using alcohol or other drugs is to evaluate in a realistic and honest way, how much and how often their child is using the substance. This information will help them decide what to do next as there is a difference between experimentation, regular, and problem use. Once a parent has made this determination, then parents and other family members can take steps to try to have a positive impact on the situation.

As a result of requests from many parents in Westchester County about how to respond to a teen using alcohol and other drugs, Ellen Morehouse, LCSW, CASAC, CPP, executive director of Student Assistance Services, makes the following recommendations.

Addressing Experimentation

Use teachable moments and other opportunities to discuss reasons why teens shouldn’t use alcohol or other drugs (AOD) from a perspective of concern for their health and safety. Having the conversation about alcohol and other drugs, is not a one time event, rather it is an ongoing conversation and should be held frequently. Parents should be aware that there are times, events, and celebrations when teens are more likely to drink or use other drugs. Be sure to state your expectations concerning the use of alcohol and other drugs and also state the consequences to their use. Parents often feel that their teens do not pay attention to them but research confirms that teens respond to their parents concerns and suggestions.

First time use:

1. Shortly after the teen wakes up or when there is no AOD in their system, state the behavior observed and ask what happened.

2. Brainstorm alternatives instead of AOD use.

3. Remind the teen of your view.

4. Provide a brief consequence.

Second Time Use

1. Shortly after teen wakes up or when there is no AOD in system, state behavior and ask what happened.

2. Remind teen of alternatives discussed previously.

3. Explore why the alternatives didn’t work.

4. Remind the teen of your view and concerns.

5. Provide greater brief consequence.

Third Time Use

1. Shortly after the teen wakes up or when there is no AOD in system, state the behavior and ask what happened.

2. Remind the teen of alternatives discussed previously.

3. Explore why alternatives didn’t work.

4. Remind teen of your view.

5. Remind teen of two previous consequences.

6. State “We have a problem because I have not been able to communicate effectively my view on AOD use because you are still using despite consequences. Therefore we need to get some advice.”

ADDRESSING PROBLEM USE

1. Talk to the teen shortly after he/she wakes up but not when he/she needs to be someplace else.

2. Discuss specific objective negative incidents/behaviors that have occurred as a result of his/her AOD use.

3. Share concern that substance use is causing problems and your belief that things would be better if he/she used less or didn’t use at all.

4. Recognize his/her strengths and acknowledge that it’s difficult for some people to decrease or stop use.

5. State “Because I love you and am concerned about your health and safety I’ve made an appointment for us to speak to someone to get their advice.”

If your teen continues to use alcohol and other drugs, experiences negative consequences such as school, health, peer, family or legal problems, and the strategies described above do not result in your teen making positive changes in his/her behavior, there is a next step. Many substance abuse professionals recommend a technique known as a Planned Intervention. If you are interested in more information about how to respond to a teen’s substance abuse or about a Planned Intervention, please contact Student Assistance Services at 914-332-1300, Monday through Friday between 8AM and 5PM