Curious about how to effectively talk to your kids about the perils of drugs and alcohol? Join me, Dr. Casey Grover, as I share my personal experiences and practical strategies for starting these critical conversations. Reflecting on a talk I gave at a local school, I unravel the complexities of parenting in the face of substance use, emphasizing the importance of early and regular communication. Through heartfelt anecdotes, including one particular impactful story, we explore best practices for parenting and the necessity of understanding the underlying reasons for substance use among teens.

Discover the transformative power of family and community in preventing addiction. We highlight the significance of strong parental bonds, family meals, and knowing your child's friends and whereabouts. From the success story of Iceland’s national strategy to local initiatives like CrossFit classes and the Reps for Recovery gym, learn how community connections can act as a robust shield against addiction. We also delve into the mental health aspects and the role of resilience and coping strategies in addiction prevention, offering insights into building a supportive environment for your children.

Unearth powerful strategies for recognizing and addressing signs of substance use and managing challenging conversations about addiction. We discuss the warning signs parents should watch for and the risk factors that might lead teens to substance use. Explore approaches for externalizing the problem, using news stories as conversation starters, and engaging young people as experts. Finally, we shine a light on community-based drug prevention organizations and their vital role in combating overdose deaths among young people.