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Understanding Substance Use

Opioids have been involved in most overdoses in the U.S. over the past several years. These include heroin, morphine, prescription opioids and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. While you may wish that your loved one not use opioids at all, if they do, here are some harm reduction strategies for opioid use that you can share with them to reduce their risk of illness and death.
In recent years, edible products containing THC, flavored alcoholic seltzers, and nicotine vapes are marketed to young people with sweet, fruity, and minty flavors. Companies pay influencers and celebrities to endorse them. Plus, the discreet packaging makes it easy to hide from adults.
Having co-occurring depression and substance use can make both conditions worse and harder to treat. A loved one may use substances to cope with their depression, but this can lead to using more and more of the substance to get relief.
Among all the recommended strategies out there for “effective parenting,” there are 10 key strategies that can really move the needle and one key strategy that can either increase or decrease the effectiveness of the other nine: parental modeling or how parents and caregivers act.
A form of treatment for alcohol use disorder that focuses on reducing use rather than complete abstinence, the Sinclair method may be an option to consider if your loved one is struggling with alcohol use.
Younger siblings can suffer when there is substance use in the family. It's important to consider a plan for all children in the family.
Parents and families play a critical role in helping a loved one get well. You can set the stage for positive change with another approach.
Supporting your child does not make you an enabler. What does work is lifting your child up and rewarding them for their good behaviors.
The hurt you feel and is understandable and valid. But, remember, your child does not want to feel the pain they feel nor do they want to cause you pain.
Unless you feel unsafe, you wouldn't throw someone out of the house if they had another illness. Expressing support keeps the door open for conversation.
The words 'tough love' can imply that anything nice you do for your child is 'enabling'. But parents can be a powerful influence in motivating their child.
It's understandable you might worry about telling your child about your own past alcohol or drug use. Here are a few points to consider.
It can be difficult to persuade a loved one to consider treatment. Even when they are willing to consider it, it’s not uncommon for them to still feel unsure or say no. If your loved one expresses even a little willingness to start getting help — whether it’s attending a support group meeting, or getting a treatment consultation — it can be all the invitation you need to begin the conversation.
Identify whether your child could be at higher risk for drug or alcohol use, and learn common reasons for why young people may use.