resources

6 Top Resources for Parents of Kids Struggling with Substance Use

Are you finding the right resources online that help with substance use?

The thing is, sometimes when there is too much information, we find that we cannot 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 adult. There are many amazing blogs out there, but today, I’m steering you towards some larger, either professional organizations or large non-profits 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.

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1: The Center for Motivation and Change

The Center for Motivation and Change is a group of psychologists based in NYC who has studied substance use disorder for years. They use the tools and strategies from CRAFT to help parents and families. They have two primary resources for parents who live in other areas of the country.

The 20 Minute Parent’s Guide is a game-changer for families. I highly recommend every parent who is concerned about their child to get a copy. You can read the Guide online or buy a paper version.

The Parent Guide has several easy to read sections (Introduction, Taking Care of Yourself,  Communicating, Helping, and Practice!). There is a lot of information in the Guide for a person to absorb, but it is well worth the effort. The idea is to read about 20 minutes at a time so that you can digest the information and practice what you learn as you go along. One size doesn’t fit all is one of the underlying themes. As we know, everyone’s situation is different. Positive reinforcement, coupled with allowing for naturally occurring consequences, is a powerful way to encourage your child to make positive change.

Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change is a new book that was recently released. 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 yourself and the family member struggling with substance abuse make 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 gives you evidence-based information that can begin the process of change for your family.

Grab both of these resources, so that you can understand the effects of substance abuse and what you can do to help yourself and your child.

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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. Now the organization has changed its name to the Partnership to End Addiction. It is a non-profit organization and is 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.

They have expanded their work to include prescription drug abuse, which has become a significant problem for many communities. They have a community outreach program as well as a drug guide and many more resources. You can subscribe to the newsroom with the latest news and updates.

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. Feel free to call the Parent hotline and be connected with a Parent Specialist. 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.

 

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3: 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.

 

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4: 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 will find a thorough explanation of drugs of abuse, including alcohol, street drugs, prescription drugs, and emerging trends. There is a tab for Parents and Educators with information in English as well as Spanish.

To learn more about the effects of marijuana, check out the Marijuana, Facts for Teens publication. It will give you information about specific drugs.

You can also download a list of commonly abused prescription drugs.

Finally, one of my favorite sections is the NIDA for Teens. There is a wealth of information in an easy to read format for teens, parents, and educators. The following articles are included:  Drug Facts, Our Blog for Teens, Videos, Educator, and Parents.

The blog for teens would be a great conversation starter for a family dinner discussion about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. Having your teen read the blog and discuss what they learned at dinner could be a way to help them be more informed about their options. When so many teens feel pressured to try drugs or alcohol, being equipped with reliable information may result in your child making better choices. 

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5: Shatterproof

Shatterproof is a national non-profit organization, which was recently started 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.

While the resource center page has plenty of reliable information, they have plans to add more resources.

Their blog is an informative place to read articles from other parents as well as from people who have experienced addiction themselves. Their latest fundraising event is Rappelling From the side of a Building to raise awareness and funding for their cause. How cool is that?

The organization understands the need to bring awareness to addiction to our communities and to do it in a way where people will pay attention.

 

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6: 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 are in need, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357). The service is open 24/7, 365 days a year.

SAMHSA has an Opioid Treatment Program Directory listed, which you can check via your state as well as an online treatment locator tool. SAMHSA has also just released an Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit.

I hope that you find these resources useful. Read all you can, because we make the best decisions when we educate ourselves.


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28 thoughts on “6 Top Resources for Parents of Kids Struggling with Substance Use”

  1. Avatar

    Hey Cathy!
    Lost folks can’t get enough quality resources. I mean, the problems at hand become so overwhelming, and it just becomes so difficult to think creatively. You’ve provided that here, and I know it’s going to help many. I’ll attest to the fact that CMC is a great resource, having spent a good bit of time on their site. And I’m in the midst of reading their Beyond Addiction… Heck, I’d have ordered it through you, but they sent me a freebie LOL. Good stuff, as always, Ms. T. For sure, I’ll keep comin’ back…
    Bill

    1. Avatar

      Thank you for your support Bill. These are solid resources for any family trying to learn more about substance use and all it’s side effects. The CMC is a wonderful resource and I’m glad I found them. Their work can make such a difference for families. Appreciate hearing your thoughts.

  2. Avatar
    Gaynelle Gosselin

    Add the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) to this list. Their member organizations must meet ethical and best practices standards. They conduct research to track outcomes. Most importantly, at their website, parents can find information about what questions to ask when vetting a long term program. It was an invaluable resource for me. For the record, I am a parent of a child in long term recovery. My son hasn’t used since he was 14. He’s 16 now and is 21 months sober thanks to rehab and a long term residential program.

    1. Avatar

      Hi Gaynelle,

      Welcome and thank you for sharing NATSAP. It is an important resource for parents of teens and younger. I’m so glad to hear that your son is doing well and had a positive outcome from his stay in a residential program. Thanks so much for stopping by!

  3. Avatar

    Your blog posts have earned a prominent place/folder on my desktop and go-to file for stone-cold SOLID resources and advice.

    WOW. Beginning with the highly admirable CMC, I just could not wait to learn what professionals like you are recommending in these great times for seeking help for what can be so painful and confusing.

    I can’t even begin to think how far reaching and helpful this post will be and I’m off to spread the word. Thank you, Coach.

    1. Avatar

      Hey Herby,

      Thanks so much for the vote of confidence. I do feel that we need to start people, especially parents off in the most solid of places and we can’t go wrong with organizations that have the research and professionals behind them, just like yourself. Take care and I appreciate your comment!

    1. Avatar

      Hi Heather,

      Welcome! Recovery through yoga is a wonderful mission. I have found yoga to be so healing and an amazing part of my life as well. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and stopping by!

  4. Avatar

    Cathy

    Everyone is so blessed to have you here with all your wonderful resources! I hope people can move forward on their healing journey with your help. It just takes one step at a time and with you by their side it will make it so much easier!

    Thanks for being YOU!

  5. Avatar

    Hi Cathy,

    I’m glad I’ve finally made it to your blog. Your site looks gorgeous and I really like what you have here. Even though I do not have children, anyone trying to help parents raising children right has all my support.

    Thank you for what you do.

    ~ Sylviane

  6. Avatar

    A great resource page Cathy. I think that is the problem most the time. Loved ones who cannot understand the situation get frustrated. Those struggling feel like they have no support system, whether they are struggling with addiction or mental health issues. Making the move to find out about the condition is fantastic but as you pointed out, it can be quite overwhelming. Thanks to your list, parents or anyone else who is concerned about a loved one struggling with substance abuse now have solid resources to turn to.

    1. Avatar

      Welcome Paige! It is a challenge for any parent or family member to feel confident about the choices that they are making. This list can be a good place to start and getting help from a professional is also useful. The important thing is to reach out though and take action. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.

  7. Avatar

    Please add PAL (Parents of Addicted Loved Ones) It is a educational and support group for parents who have a child or loved one who is addicted to alcohol or drugs. The group began over 6 years ago in Phoenix Arizona and is expanding to other states. http://palgroup.squarespace.com/

  8. Avatar

    As a writer and a person living in long-term recovery, I’d like to take the time to mention how much I appreciate you writing this list. Although I’m an author as well, I’ll forgo mentioning my book lest it look like I’m only making this comment to spam your webpage. I think what you’ve done here is super! Great info and thank you!!

    – DDM

  9. Avatar

    Cathy, your mission to help parents find peace brings us a rich understanding of what we are up against and what we might do about it. The best on the web in my opinion.
    I was personally a client at CMC and had excellent results with the CRAFT approach. It was so effective, I went on to become a SMART Recovery Family & Friends meeting facilitator to bring the skills to my local community. This is a FREE face-to-face and online resource you might add to your list. It’s where people can find solutions that work for their particular circumstances. Another excellent resource endorsed by CMC is http://www.addictionthenextstep.com. Click on “Crisis Toolkit” for 11 interactive scenarios. Great practice for both parents and partners of those suffering with substance misuse.
    Thank you so much for all your evidence-based resources.

    1. Avatar

      Hi Anne,

      Wonderful that you had excellent results from CMC and the CRAFT approach. That is good to hear. I have SMART Recovery link on my resources page, however I will check out Addiction: the Next Step. I have heard of it, but have not explored it much, so thanks for the tip.

      That is so great that you are now giving back by facilitating SMART Recovery meetings. That kind of support is so needed. Thank you for stopping by!

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Support for Families Concerned About Drug Or Alcohol Use with Cathy Taughinbaugh
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