039 - Preventing Teen Substance Abuse - With Richard Capriola

Welcome to "Parenting the Intensity!"

In this podcast episode, Anouk addresses the fear and concern that many parents have about their children using drugs. She emphasizes the importance of starting prevention and planning early, especially for emotionally intense kids who may be more at risk for problematic drug use. Anouk invites Richard Capriola, a mental health and substance abuse counselor, to share his expertise on the topic. Richard highlights the need for parents to become informed about the types of drugs available and the warning signs of substance use. He also emphasizes the importance of open and honest communication with children, starting at a young age, to build trust and address any underlying emotional issues that may lead to substance use. Richard encourages parents to seek professional assessments if they suspect their child may be using drugs, as early intervention and treatment can make a significant difference.

3 Key Takeaways

- Early communication and trust-building with your child can effectively mitigate the risk of substance abuse later on.

- Look out for warning signs such as declining grades, changes in social behavior, and unusual odors or paraphernalia at home.

- Seeking professional assessments and early intervention can lead to remarkable results in addressing substance use and underlying psychological issues in children.

"The most important thing that you can do is start to develop open, honest communication with your child. Learn to listen to your child. We're not so good at hearing the feelings underneath those words."

Connect with Richard:

• Website: http://www.helptheaddictedchild.com
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/richard.capriola;
• Twitterhttps://twitter.com/CapriolaRichard
• Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/richardcapriola 

Resources mentioned:

The Addicted Child: A Parent's Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse by Richard Capriola

Newport Academy (www.newportacademy.com) - a website offering parent and family resources on substance use

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Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay