Video Series: Messages of Hope + Resources All Year Long

The brain undergoes massive changes during the teenage years particularly in the areas of decision making and impulse control, and alcohol use can impact healthy brain development. In addition, teens who start drinking before the age of 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol use disorder than if they start after turning 21.

For more information on the risks and impact of heavy alcohol consumption, visit these Partnership to End Addiction resources:

• WEB: Top 8 Reasons Why Teens Drink and Experiment with Drugs – There is no single reason why teenagers use substances but here are some of the more common ones.
• PDF: Alcohol: What Families Need to Know to Help Protect Young People – There is no single reason why teenagers use substances but here are some of the more common ones.
• TOOL: Substance Use Risk Assessment – Understanding the potential risk factors facing your child or loved one is always helpful in figuring out how best to support them.

In 2022, Partnership launched a 26-video series with the help of YouTube. The original videos spotlight messages of hope and point to research-based information and resources for the millions of families struggling with substance use and addiction.  

We’ll release new videos every two weeks, featuring a mix of families personally affected by substance use and experts and advocates who have dedicated their lives to helping others who are struggling with addiction. The topics covered will fall into four unique series:  

• Talk About It: Lively panel discussions hosted by comedian GloZell Green, including experts and people with firsthand knowledge in the addiction and recovery space 
• Experts Answer: The Partnership’s experts respond to frequently asked questions related to prevention, treatment and recovery
• Fact Check: Advocates give parents quick, important information about topics related to substance use and recovery
• Recovering Together: Powerful personal stories told by families who have supported a loved one with substance use disorder and later became parent coaches for the Partnership 

“From working with women and children, I really got to see the pandemic from a different perspective,” says Carleah Summers, a recovery advocate and mother. ”There was removal of a lot of child care options and a lot of mothers had reoccurrences. It was really a double-edged sword where you had increased mental health challenges, less support and less access to recovery services all at the same time.”

Nearly three years ago to the day, COVID-19 shut down the entire world. What came next was a long period of isolation, heightened fear for the health of each other and our loved ones, and a rapid shift to new ways of accomplishing even life’s most mundane tasks. As we’ve slowly transitioned back to some semblance of normal, we are now finally getting a glimpse of all the aspects of society that were impacted by the pandemic.

For more information on the impact and information related to COVID-19, mental health and substance use, visit these Partnership to End Addiction resources:

• WEB: Lessons Learned from COVID-19 – The parenting practices we’ve called on to manage the pandemic are often the same as those needed to protect our families from problem substance use.
• TOOL: Substance Use Risk Assessment – Understanding the potential risk factors facing your child or loved one is always helpful in figuring out how best to support them.
• SMS: Help & Hope by Text – Sign up for our personalized support program, answer a few questions about your situation, and get customized messages with evidence-backed information and resources.

“When a vape pen is heated and its content inhaled, it produces something that looks like vapor, but is actually an aerosol much like hairspray,” Summers says. “The health risks include coughing and wheezing, seizures, headaches, vomiting and, for some people, severe lung damage. Parents should start talking to their kids about vaping now since vaping tends to begin as early as middle school.”

Nicotine and marijuana vaping have become popular forms of substance use among young people. With flavors like cotton candy and gummy bears, sleekly designed vape pens, and promotions claiming vaping as a safer alternative to smoking, it’s no wonder why it’s so appealing.

For more information on vaping and the risks it poses, visit these Partnership to End Addiction resources:

• PDF: What parents need to know about vaping – Check out the Partnership’s guide on what vaping is, the health risks associated with it, and how to protect your child from its harms.
• WEB: Vaping and marijuana – Nicotine isn’t the only reason people vape. Vaping marijuana is also popular and can get in the way of crucial brain development.
• WEB: The risks of vaping to teens’ health – What to watch out for, the likelihood of using other tobacco products, and the increased chances of injury and poisoning.

“Recovery isn’t perfect,” Hampton says. “There can be challenges, hiccups, even slips, but these are opportunities to learn. Offering support, love, encouragement and resources can truly help a person change.”

Recovery is a process of change. People in recovery learn new ways to improve their health and wellness and to reach their full potential. However, it is truly a process where each person decides how to seek help, work through a substance use problem or a mental health challenge in their own unique way. The involvement of family and friends who believe in their loved one’s ability to recovery is critical to the long-term success of this recovery process.

For more information on what recovery is and how best to support your loved one in recovery, visit these Partnership to End Addiction resources below:

• WEB: Being in Recovery – What does recovery actually mean? Here is what recovery can look like, based on what we’ve heard from the families we serve.
• WEB: Continuing Care – The end of substance use treatment is just the beginning of the road to recovery and your child or loved one will need your help to get there.
• VIDEO: Why parents shouldn’t forget about themselves – Self care is important because it makes one a better problem-solver and provides a struggling child or family member an example of how to cope with stress.

“Problems with marijuana use can be prevented,” Summers says. “The longer teens delay use, the less likely they are to develop a marijuana use disorder or addiction. We can all play a part by supporting policies and programs that prevent or reduce marijuana use among teens and by not normalizing its use as a harmless way to have fun.”

For more information on marijuana and cannabis products and their associated risks, visit these Partnership to End Addiction resources below:

• WEB: Marijuana Resource Center – This hub brings together all of our most relevant information for parents and family members to explore.
• WEB: Marijuana: What You Need to Know to Help Protect Children, Teens and Young Adults – Check out this deep dive into the details around why kids use marijuana, what the effects can be and what long-term risks exist.
• PDF: Marijuana Talk Kit – What parents need to know to talk with their teens about marijuana.

“It’s important for kids to know that social media is a powerful way to present their unique personality and their interests to colleges, to coaches and to potential employers,” Hampton says. “But there are risks. Parents can help their kids understand that what they post on social media can come back to haunt them in the future. Let me give you something to think about: what does your teen’s social media presence say about them?”

For more information on identifying and mitigating risks your children might face when it comes to substances, visit these Partnership to End Addiction resources below:

• PDF: Playbook for Parents of Teens – Protecting your teen’s well-being and heading off problems ahead of time.
• PDF: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Resilient Kids – We share science-backed recommendations on helping position children to face the challenges that life will inevitably throw their way.
• NEW TOOL: Substance Use Risk Assessment – Use our new tool to help you better understand the risks your child may face related to mental health, well-being, personality, family history, and their environment.

“There are those of us who’ve utilized social media or mass media or testifying in front of Congress or even going into community organizing to help craft that public narrative,” said Ryan Hampton, a nationally recognized author and advocate. “But when you really break it down, seismic change in this country comes in the form of small actions by a great number of people. If you consider that one in three people have been impacted by addiction, imagine if each of those people shared their story with just to other people. The change would be enormous.”

The statistics and trends you see in the media about addiction and substance use can seem insurmountable. The well-resourced systems and institutions we’ve created to help families in their time of need don’t seem to be making a difference. How can a single person or family expect to reverse these trends or solve a challenge of this magnitude?

For more information on advocacy and how to get involved in making critical change to help the millions of families impacted by substance use and addiction, visit these Partnership to End Addiction resources below:

• WEB: Advocate for change – Discover all the ways you can take action now.
• WEB: Questions for candidates in preparation for Election Day – Our list of questions can help inform your discussions with a candidate about their position on addiction and how they might prioritize the issue if elected.
• SHARE YOUR STORY: Help us harness the inherent power of storytelling – Our collective voices and shared experiences will let others know they are not alone.

Addiction impacts millions of families of all types. We know what quality treatment looks like, but for too many families, it’s out of reach. Families may be lured to low-quality treatment by false claims of success. They may lack money or enough insurance coverage to pay for treatment. And, they face a great deal of judgment and stigma when addiction is not treated as the health issue it is. Together, we can fix these problems.

“When I got into recovery I didn’t even know that advocacy was a thing when it came to substance use disorder, addiction and overdose because of the prejudice and the stigma against people in recovery and families who are still struggling,” said Ryan Hampton, a nationally recognized author and advocate. “My advocacy journey didn’t start through my own nightmare journey in finding treatment but when I was watching my friends die. We could look at any other major health care issue in this country and know that progress doesn’t happen without people standing up, getting involved and speaking through to power.”

For more information on advocacy and how to get involved in making critical change to help the millions of families impacted by substance use and addiction, visit these Partnership to End Addiction resources below:

• WEB: Advocate for change – Discover all the ways you can take action now.
• WEB: Questions for candidates in preparation for Election Day – Our list of questions can help inform your discussions with a candidate about their position on addiction and how they might prioritize the issue if elected.
• SHARE YOUR STORY: Help us harness the inherent power of storytelling – Our collective voices and shared experiences will let others know they are not alone.

We immunize. We require seat belts in the car and helmets while biking. We insist on sunscreen. We do just about everything we can to ensure that our kids are healthy, safe and primed for success. But when it comes to drinking alcohol or perhaps vaping and marijuana, why does it seem okay to shrug it off as “a rite of passage” or “just experimenting”?.

“As a teacher, I know those learning moments don’t always happen along our timeline or fit nicely within our agenda,” says Jessica Lahey, a bestselling author and teacher. “When I talk about prevention, I make sure to tell parents that they have to talk about these issues openly and often because if you don’t say much about it and then sit your teen down for ‘the talk,’ they immediately shut down.”

For more information on what is normal for your teen and how to stay connected, visit these Partnership to End Addiction resources below:

• WEB: What is normal? – Why do teens drink and use substances?
• WEB: Connecting with your child – Staying involved and keeping tabs on teens’ activities can be another way of demonstrating that you care and can help develop a stronger parent-teen relationship.
• NEW TOOL: Substance Use Risk Assessment– Use our new tool to help you better understand the risks your child may face related to mental health, well-being, personality, family history, and their environment.

Parents, families and their loved ones face numerous roadblocks on the way to and through recovery. These obstacles, however, don’t have to be there or at least don’t have to be insurmountable.

“As a mother, my son started struggling when he was 15 and when I started looking for treatment options, every time I picked up the phone, it was an organization asking me to mortgage my house or telling me that I had to have good insurance,” said Tonia Ahern, a family advocate and parent coach at the Partnership. “If I didn’t have the cash to put him into treatment, they didn’t really want to have anything to do with him.”

To learn more about removing obstacles to recovery, check out the links below:

• WEB: Navigating the Addiction Treatment System – Realizing that your teen or young adult child needs help for their substance use or addiction can be scary and overwhelming, and you are not alone have no idea where to begin.
• PODCAST: Obama Drug Czar Michael Botticelli – Former director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Michael Botticelli joins Elizabeth Vargas to discuss George Floyd, DMX and the Pervasiveness of Stigma
• GET INVOLVED: Advocate for Change– With your help, we can erase the stigma that has prevented treating addiction as the health care issue it is. Discover all the ways you can take action now.

The parents and family of anyone struggling with substance use play a critical and valuable role in the journey to and through recovery. However, the importance of what parents and family members can do to support their struggling loved ones is often minimized or, worse yet, framed as a contributing factor to their loved one’s ongoing problem.

“While I was the one with a substance use disorder, I feel like my family was dragged right along with me,” said Carleah Summers, a recovery advocate. “I heard things like ‘They’re co-dependent, they’re enablers.’ Instead of telling families what they can do, we were telling them everything they weren’t doing or shouldn’t do.”

To learn more about empowering families in their efforts to help loved ones overcome substance use disorder, check out the links below:

• WEB: When Your Child Sees Substance Use as an Answer, Not a Problem – One of the keys to helping your child reduce or stop their substance use is understanding those underlying problems, and helping them find healthier solutions.
• WEB: Allowing for Natural Consequences to Encourage Behavior Change – Limits and boundaries help establish what is or isn’t acceptable in all types of settings, not just at home or with regard to substance use.
• WEB: Self-Care: I Know I Need to Take Care of Myself Too, but How? – When faced with a child’s substance use or other unwanted behaviors, many parents and caregivers can think only about what to do to make it stop. This is at the expense of their own well-being.
• TEXT: Receive personalized messages of hope, support and guidance right to your mobile phone – Text JOIN to 55753 to sign up for our Help & Hope by Text program.
• GET SUPPORT: So many other parents and families have gone through, and are going through, the same challenges you’re facing now. We’re here to help. – Start by answering a few questions to get free personalized resources. You will also have the option to connect with a helpline specialist on your personalized resource webpage.
• DONATE: Support families directly by funding our critical products and services – the Partnership provides trusted and compassionate services for families free of charge. You can help us reach the millions of families in need of our resources.

You can have a conversation about substance use without it imploding, and begin encouraging healthy behaviors you want to see and discouraging those that you don’t — especially those related to substance use.

If you have reason to suspect your child, family member or loved one may be using substances, don’t be afraid to err on the side of caution. Prepare to take action and have a conversation during which you can ask direct questions like “Have you been drinking, vaping or using other drugs?” No parent, caregiver or friend wants to hear “yes,” but being prepared for how you would respond can be the starting point for a more positive outcome.

For more information on taking that first action step with your loved one, check out the links below:

• WEB: How worried should I be about my child’s substance use? – Is this just what kids do? Is it going to lead to other drug use, or become another problem? Check out this web page to learn more.
• PDF: Playbook for Parents of Teens – We know you want to protect your teenager’s health and well-being and respond to the difficulties they may face. This playbook offers information and resources to help you raise safe and healthy kids.
• ONLINE COURSE: Building skills to more effectively address teen substance use – Learn ways to have more productive conversations and encourage healthier behaviors in this 10-lesson free course. Proven techniques are offered with chances to practice strengthening your parenting skills.
• WEB: My child has started using substances. What should I do? – If you’ve just discovered or have reason to believe your child is using nicotine, alcohol or drugs, take a beat and prepare for the important conversation ahead. Some brief preparation now can lay a foundation for more positive outcomes ahead.
• TEXT: Receive personalized messages of hope, support and guidance right to your mobile phone – Text JOIN to 55753 to sign up for our Help & Hope by Text program.
• DONATE: Support families directly by funding our critical products and services – the Partnership provides trusted and compassionate services for families free of charge. You can help us reach the millions of families in need of our resources.

Some parents may have a feeling or suspicion that their child is misusing substances and aren’t sure what to do next. Others may have a child who has struggled with substance use disorder for years and need more resources and advice on what treatment is best. Regardless of where you and your family are, our helpline specialists will listen, help you make an action plan and empower you to seek support and resources in your community. Support is available in English and Spanish, and all services are free of charge.

For more information on our helpline and other support services, check out the links below:

• WEB: Get one-on-one help to address your child’s substance use – Trained and caring specialists are ready to listen to your challenges, setbacks, obstacles and difficult emotions that go along with a child’s substance use or addiction.
• TEXT: Receive personalized messages of hope, support and guidance right to your mobile phone – Text JOIN to 55753 to sign up for our Help & Hope by Text program.
• PEER-TO-PEER: Parent coaching for families impacted by addiction – While expert advice is an important part of seeking help for your child struggling with substance use, it can be life-changing to talk with someone who has gone through this before.
• DONATE: Support families directly by funding our critical products and services – the Partnership provides trusted and compassionate services for families free of charge. You can help us reach the millions of families in need of our resources.

Cesar Bravo Wolfe, Helpline Supervisor at Partnership to End Addiction, responds to some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from parents and family members as they look to better communicate, create boundaries, and encourage behavior change.

For resources on how you can address early substance use with your child, check out the links below:

• WEB: My child has tried or is using substances What should I do? Some brief preparation now can lay a foundation for more positive outcomes ahead, and we’ve put together some recommendations on how to get off on the right foot.
• PDF: Marijuana Talk Kit – Marijuana is being legalized for recreational use in many places across the country. We created this toolkit to help navigate this changing landscape and create an open dialogue with your child.
• WEB: Is substance use a part of ‘normal’ teen behavior? – It’s nottrue that “everyone vapes” or “everyone drinks,” so understanding why some teens drink or use substances is a valuable step toward keeping them healthy and safe.
• HELP: Receive personalized messages of hope, support and guidance right to your mobile phone – Text JOIN to 55753 to sign up for our Help & Hope by Text program.
• DONATE: Support families directly by funding our critical products and services – the Partnership provides trusted and compassionate guidance free of charge. You can help us reach the millions of families in need of our resources.

Family support for a child or loved one struggling with substance use is essential to finding a positive path forward. Effective support reduces feelings of isolation, helps your loved one feel cared for, and positions you and your family as an accessible resource for guidance and assistance.

For resources on how you and your family can best support your child or loved one on their road to and through recovery, check out the links below:

• WEB: Understanding the WHY behind your child’s substance use – This article and associated video help parents gain a greater understanding of the problems or needs driving substance use.
• COURSE: Building active listening skills – More effective communication and proven ways to change challenging behaviors are key to healthier outcomes, and you can learn a few simple techniques in this online course.
• WEB: Self-care is critical – You can’t be fully present for your child or your loved one unless you are taking care of yourself as well. This article talks about how your own self-care is an important step in the recovery process for your family member.
• HELP: Receive personalized messages of hope, support and guidance right to your mobile phone – Text JOIN to 55753 to sign up for our Help & Hope by Text program.
• DONATE: Support families directly by funding our critical products and services – the Partnership provides trusted and compassionate guidance free of charge. You can help us reach the millions of families in need of our resources.

Getting the right treatment for your child is a process, and navigating the health care system requires careful examination, determination and some caution.

For resources on finding treatment, motivating a loved one to go to treatment, payment options and more, check out the links below.

• PDF: Your child’s treatment roadmap – The road to recovery isn’t the same for everyone, so the Partnership created a roadmap to help you find the best treatment option for your loved one.
• WEB: Encouraging your child to get help – Your loved one may be reluctant to get help for a variety of reasons. We put some tips together to help increase their motivation.
• WEB: What to look for when selecting a treatment program – We’ve got a list of questions to ask and even red flags to avoid when researching options for treatment.
• WEB: “My insurance company stopped paying while my son was in treatment.” – Virginia Holleman tells her family’s story and calls readers to tell their legislators to strengthen enforcement of the Parity Act.
• HELP: Receive personalized messages of hope, support and guidance right to your mobile phone – Text JOIN to 55753 to sign up for our Help & Hope by Text program.
• DONATE: Support families directly by funding our critical products and services – the Partnership provides trusted and compassionate guidance free of charge. You can help us reach the millions of families in need of our resources.

Today, on National Fentanyl Awareness Day, Partnership to End Addiction is launching the next group of videos in our year-long YouTube video series: EXPERTS ANSWER. This latest group of short videos provides perspectives on some of the most common questions regarding addiction prevention, treatment and recovery that we’re hearing from families.

For more resources on fentanyl, the substances where fentanyl is often found, and the risks posed by the dangerous synthetic opioid, check out the links below.

• DONATE: Support families directly by funding our critical products and services – Partnership to End Addiction provides trusted and compassionate guidance free of charge. You can help us reach the millions of families in need of our resources.
• WEB: Fentanyl-Laced Drugs and Counterfeit Pills – Partnership has compiled a hub with links, videos and the latest information on topics related to fentanyl.
• WEB: National Fentanyl Awareness Day – Organizations and companies throughout the US have teamed up to kick off the inaugural National Fentanyl Awareness Day. You can visit this site to find shareable facts about fentanyl and a list of ways to take action on this pressing issue.
• HELP: Receive personalized messages of hope, support and guidance right to your mobile phone – Text JOIN to 55753 to sign up for our Help & Hope by Text program.

For resources on the risks of prescription medications and parenting toward recovery, check out the links below.

• WEB: When Opioid Pain Relievers Are Prescribed For Your Child – Should a health care provider recommend or prescribe an opioid for your child, there are important questions to ask, risks to be aware of and safety precautions to take.
• WEB: What are the Alternatives When A Physician Offers Opioids to Treat Pain – Learn about the options for pain management whether your loved one has struggled with substance use issues or you’re concerned about the risks of addiction.
• GUIDE: Medication Misuse – With more than 4 billion prescriptions written each year in our country, it’s easy to understand the opportunity for misuse. Dive into the details with our prescription drug misuse guide.
• WEB: Tools to Address Your Child’s Substance Use – Learn about scientifically proven approaches to help parents and other caregivers change their child’s substance use by staying involved in a positive, ongoing way.
• WEB: Assess your loved one’s risk – The Partnership’s new risk assessment tool helps parents and other caregivers identify mental health and other issues that can lead to substance use and what to about it.
• DONATE: Support families directly by funding our critical products and services – Partnership to End Addiction provides trusted and compassionate guidance free of charge. You can help us reach the millions of families in need of our resources.

For resources on finding effective treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, check out the links below.

• PDF: Substance Use and Mental Health in Teens and Young Adults – A comprehensive guide to recognizing and addressing co-occurring disorders developed by the Partnership and Child Mind Institute.
• VIDEO: Breaking Points – A film featuring candid perspectives from high-school and college students, as well as nationally recognized experts, discussing stress, mental health and substance use.
• WEB: Assess your loved one’s risk – The Partnership’s new risk assessment tool helps parents and families understand how mental health and other issues could lead to substance use.
• DONATE: Support families directly by funding our critical products and services – the Partnership provides trusted and compassionate guidance free of charge. You can help us reach the millions of families in need of our resources.

To find more resources on helping your child or family member find and engage in treatment, check out the links below.

• PDF: Your child’s treatment roadmap – The road to recovery isn’t the same for everyone, so the Partnership created a map to help you find your way.
• WEB: Encouraging your child to get help – Chances are your loved one does want help getting better, so we put together some tips on what to listen for.
• WEB: What to look for when selecting a treatment program – We have a list of questions to ask and even red flags to avoid when researching options for treatment.
• DONATE: Support families directly by funding our critical products and services – The Partnership provides trusted and compassionate guidance free of charge. You can help us scale these valuable programs.

Want to learn more? Check out these additional resources on medication-assisted treatment and harm reduction.

• WEB: How medication can help treat opioid addiction – Research has shown that medication can be the most effective means of treating opioid disorders and maintaining long-term recovery.
• VIDEO: Does my child need to ‘hit rock bottom’ to recover from addiction? – List as Helpline Specialist Karla Castro-Soto, MS in Marriage & Family Therapy, discusses this common refrain that many parents hear.
• WEB: Reducing the potential for harm – Check out the steps you can take to reduce risks associated with substance use.

Want to dive deeper in Partnership’s resources on self-care? Check out the following.

• WEB: Taking care of yourself so you can better help your child – The Partnership’s associate VP, Pat Aussem, LPC, MPC, describes how self-care can be an antidote to many of the challenges on the road to recovery.
• VIDEO: How do I deal with the emotional roller coaster of my child’s addiction? – Helpline specialist Karla Castro-Soto, MS in Marriage & Family Therapy, answers some of parents’ most commonly asked questions.
• BOOK: The Parent’s 20-Minute Guide – Check out this book about how parents can change their child’s substance use by The Center for Motivation and Change and others in the Partnership’s bookstore.