20 - Guest Expert: Kevin Egan, Factors Related to Substance Abuse in Teens

Cast:
Dr. Tara Egan, host and child & adolescent therapist
Anna, teen cohost
Kevin Egan, Licensed Drug & Alcohol Counselor

Hey Listeners, this is the finale of our 1st season! Thank you to all of you that have been a part of this journey and for those that have been tuning in. We appreciate your reviews on Apple Podcast and we're rolling right into Season 2.

This season finale episode (20) is a very special one, not only because it is wrapping up our first season, but because our special guest today is my youngest brother, Kevin Egan. We had a great conversation with him about factors related to substance abuse in teens (and a lot of sibling joking & teasing along the way). Kevin is a licensed drug & alcohol counselor with a ton of experience in this subject.

1) We start out talking to Kevin about  how someone is admitted into a detox facility and what going to detox is like for a teen.
- Is it by  their own admission or against their wishes? 
- Can a parent sign their kid into a detox facility themselves?
- Knowing that many teens on college campuses enter the detox facilities, after they finish their 72 hours in detox, what are the next steps?

Kevin shared with us the process of what a teen would go through in a detox facility from the point of being signed in by law enforcement until the end of their 72 hours. Keeping in mind the individuals being signed in are not just having a couple drinks or smoking a joint, this is people on heroin or are heavy alcohol abuse, oftentimes in need of medical support to detox safely.

2) Each week we end up talking about how social media impacts our topic, alcohol and substance abuse is no different.
- How it has shaped how easily accessible it is to buy and  get it,  and how kids can learn about different types of drugs or ways to use them.
- We also see it as a negative factor in teens connecting with other teens going through the same stressful life experiences and glorifying drug use at times.
- Kids being caught by adults on social media posts doing drugs, etc. and how it can affect their life going forward.

3) Anna shares her experience with substance abuse at schools and being approached and offered drugs.

We talk in depth about what parents need to be aware of and what to look for in their kids behaviors. This is crucial to start early and pay attention. It is so important to talk to them not just about what drugs are, but how to handle when they are approached and what to say. It is important to get guidance to know what you should be looking for and what approach is the best for you and your child. Not all programs are created equal and a professional can lead you in the right direction to help with reassurance, understanding what is going on with your child  specifically, knowing if it is something to be alarmed about, where to go for help, and to save time and money!

To learn more about Dr. Tara Egan, visit www.drtaraegan.com.
To learn more about Dr. Tara Egan's private therapy practice, visit www.charlotteparentcoaching.com

Please visit our Facebook page and Instagram page and register for our FREE weekly parenting webinars HERE.

This episode is sponsored by Sparent, a company that "helps ambitious women create time to grow their amazing companies." Book your discovery call HERE to find out more. Mention this podcast&