Parenting Tips: 4 Strategies for Talking to Kids about Drugs

This blog post is a reprinting of an article in Motherhood Moment featuring Josephine Healy, primary therapist at Lighthouse Recovery Institute in Delray Beach, Florida. Lighthouse Recovery Institute (www.lighthouserecoveryinstitute.com) is a true gender specific addiction treatment center offering long term treatment services.

In the post, Ms. Healy discusses four important strategies for parents dealing with the difficult situation of talking with their teens about drug use and abuse. The following is the reposting of the article:

Parenting Pointers: 4 strategies for talking to teens about drugs

According to the CDC, 40 percent of teens have used marijuana and 66 percent have drank alcohol. That’s why more than ever, open communication with teens is key to preventing them from developing an addiction or other unhealthy behaviors.

Consistent messages to teens about addiction can help prevent substance abuse – one study found that when a parent talks to their teenager regularly about the dangers of drugs and alcohol they lessen the chance of their child using drugs by 42 percent!

Josephine Healy is a primary therapist at the Lighthouse Recovery Institute, a licensed drug, alcohol and eating disorder treatment center in Delray Beach, Fl., that specializes in recovery for women. Here are some of her tips on how to talk to teens about addiction:

· Keep it honest – Honesty is always the best policy when speaking to teens, especially regarding sensitive subjects. Parents should educate teens on the consequences of use.

· More communication is better – Open up a line of communication with the teen and let them know that no question is off-limits. It’s vital that they know they have a nonjudgmental resource to communicate with regarding substance-abuse related topics.

· Utilize resources – Self-help groups and addiction treatment organizations such as DARE can provide resources for teens regarding substance abuse.

· Show your support – Ensure the teen that, as a parent, you are coming from a loving and caring place.

Healy has worked at a variety of levels of care in both substance abuse and dual diagnosis facilities, providing her with an interdisciplinary approach to client care. At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, she utilizes a variety of therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and holistic approaches to treatment.

At the Lighthouse Recovery Institute, our mission is to help each client attain peace, happiness and permanent sobriety. With over 30 years of experience in the treatment of drug abuse, alcohol abuse, eating disorders and trauma, our passionate team of doctors, therapists, and specialists provide nothing but the highest quality of care for every woman who walks through our doors.

For the original article, go to the following link: http://motherhood-moment.blogspot.com/2014/07/parenting-pointers-4-strategies-for.html

Here at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center, we offer dual diagnosis treatment services for both adults and teens, so we are extremely familiar with the issues that arise in discussions about drugs and alcohol between parents and their children. These are difficult issues and we are here to help in any possible way.

If you or someone you know is suffering from a drug and alcohol addiction and needs treatment please call us for help. Maryland Addiction Recovery Center offers the most comprehensive addiction treatment in the area. If we aren’t the best fit, we will work with you to find a treatment center that fits your needs. Please call us at (410) 773-0500 or email info@marylandaddictionrecovery.com. For more information on all of our alcohol and addiction treatment services and resources, please visit the web site at www.marylandaddictionrecovery.com.