What can we do as parents to  prevent our kids or at least lower the chances of them getting into drugs and alcohol and even other addictions? If you're listening to this podcast, then you are a dad who is always curious on how to elevate your game. Curiosity can be the best resource for us and help our kids to guide them to make the best decisions possible. And quite honestly, when it comes to children, dealing with addiction, drugs and alcohol and all kinds of other things, sometimes the warning signs are right in our faces and we just don't see them. 

My guest today is Richard Capriola. He  spent 11 years working as an addictions counselor for Menninger Clinic in Houston Texas before retiring in 2019. Menninger Clinic is one of the top ten psychiatric hospitals in the United States and specializes in the assessment, stabilization and treatment of adults and adolescents with substance abuse and psychiatric disorders. During his tenure there he worked in the Adolescent Treatment program and the adult Comprehensive Psychiatric Assessment and Stabilization program. Working closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and nurses he was responsible for comprehensive assessments and individual and group counseling with patients diagnosed with substance use disorders.

His job with Menninger Clinic was a second career. Prior to joining Menninger, he spent 30 years working for the Illinois State Board of Education where he was a lobbyist, communications and external relations manager and special assistant to the State Superintendent of Education. After retiring from the State of Illinois in 2004 he worked as a mental health crisis counselor in central Illinois until he joined Menninger in 2008.

Now retired, he lives with his wife in Katy, Texas, a suburb of Houston. He enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with family who live in Texas and on both coasts. He has one son, two stepchildren and four grandchildren.

Show Notes:www.thedadedge.com/friday47