Are you finding the right resources online that help with substance use?
The thing is, sometimes when there is too much information, we can’t absorb any of it. The info becomes more confusing.
You make better decisions when you educate yourself on the substance use of your teens or young adults. There are many excellent blogs out there, but today, I’m steering you towards some larger, either professional organizations or large nonprofits with a history of reliable information.
For any family who is just discovering their child’s substance use or for anyone looking for help, these resources will give you the information you need.
These six resources are where I would start if you are a parent who is seeking information online.
1: The Center for Motivation and Change
The Center for Motivation and Change is a group of psychologists based in NYC who have studied substance use disorder for years. They use CRAFT tools and strategies to help parents and families. They have two primary resources for parents living in other parts of the country.
Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change is a recently released book. The book was co-authored by three of the psychologists from The Center for Motivation and Change. The book gives the reader tools and strategies to help themselves and the family member struggling with substance abuse make a positive change.
Beyond Addiction would be one of the first books that I suggest you read if you are struggling because of your child’s substance abuse issues. It provides evidence-based information that can begin the process of change in your family.
There is also now a Beyond Addiction Workbook.
The CMC: Foundation for Change offers Invitation to Change groups for families, workshops, videos, and other resources that you may find helpful.
2: The Partnership to End Addiction
In the mid-1980s, a small group of advertising professionals discussed how to best use their talents to address the nation’s drug problem. They thought, if advertising could be used to sell products, couldn’t it be used to unsell them as well?
These advertising professionals came together and created the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. The organization is not called the Partnership to End Addiction. The organization has now changed its name to the Partnership to End Addiction. It is a nonprofit organization that serves as a resource for families concerned about teen substance use. Their vision is that all young people will be able to live their lives free of alcohol or drug use by helping parents prevent, intervene, and find treatment for drug and alcohol use by their children.
One of the best services is that they have two live counselors to help you if you are struggling with your child and want advice. They are open Monday through Friday, 10:00 am — 6:00 pm E.T. 1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373), and are there to help you.
3: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
NIDA gives you the science behind drug abuse and addiction. Dr. Nora Volkow has been the director of NIDA since 2003. Her work has been instrumental in showing that addiction is a disease of the brain. As I mentioned above, you will find Dr. Volkow sharing her information on the HBO Addiction videos.
On the website, you can explore topics in substance use and addiction science.
4: Shatterproof
Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization founded by Gary Mendell after the loss of his son, Brian.
The organization’s goal is to educate, empower, and equip parents, families, educators, healthcare providers, legislators, and others to address addiction head-on. They have created their organization to help make people aware of the serious gaps in funding and resources for the disease of addiction.
“Shatterproof’s programs will offer support for sufferers and their families, enable powerful new evidence-based approaches to prevention and treatment, and take the issue to the steps of Capitol Hill.”
One of their goals is to reduce the devastating impact of addiction on families across America. They are also working on the stigma and secrecy associated with addiction, as well as the shame felt by those struggling with this disease and their families.
The resource center page has plenty of reliable information.
The organization understands the need to raise awareness of addiction in our communities and to do so in a way that people will pay attention.
5: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a government agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Their mission is to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.
The National Helpline (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing substance use and mental health issues. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. If you need help, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357). The service is open 24/7, 365 days a year.
6: HBO Addiction
HBO Addiction is a very informative site that explains all aspects of addiction. Their nine separate videos are a must-see for parents and will help you understand your child’s often chaotic and confusing behavior. The video segments include What is Addiction, Interview with Nora D. Volkow, M.D., Getting an Addict into Treatment: The CRAFT Approach, Understanding Relapse, South Boston Drug Court, and more.
Another section that you might find useful is: “I need help for a child…”. It includes answers to How do I know there is a problem? There is a problem. What should I do? He/She has relapsed. Now what? And understanding the basics.
Educating yourself on addiction is one of the keys to helping your child choose to change their lifestyle. This website is full of information. You will come away with a better understanding of how your child’s abuse of drugs or alcohol has affected you and your family.
Thank you for reading. You can get more tips in my email newsletter. Every other week, I share tips and ideas to help parents motivate their son or daughter to change if they are struggling with substance use. Join us by entering your email now.
