#175: What Parents Need To Know About Why Teens Use Substances (plus, ways to prevent substance use)
Episode description
This episode kicks off a series on teens, tweens and substance use that will continue each Tuesday and Friday until I've exhausted issues to talk about!
Today, I'll talk to you about the adolescent brain, why it's so prone to risky behaviors like using substances, why it's so much easier to become dependent on those substances, and many of the reasons teens use substances like marijuana, alcohol and nicotine.
I also discuss some of the things you can do to try to prevent your teen or tween from using substances.
Future episodes in this series will cover risk and protective factors, what you can do when you discover your teen may be using, and what to do if they appear to have a real problem with substances.
Episodes Mentioned in Episode 175
Sources, Resources, and Mentions
Monitoring the Future Survey from 2023
Show Notes and Transcript
Find our FREE Parenting Guides Here
"I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener
^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show.
If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star! Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents!
I drop new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so please tap Follow on the main episode page, so they’ll be ready for you in your app.
You can reach out to me with ideas for the show or guest suggestions here. Thanks so much
Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com
Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)
Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram
Read Speaking of Teens weekly articles on Substack
Join our Facebook Group for Free Support for Parents and others who care for Teens (and get easy access to all the parenting guides above!)
See My Recommended Books For Both You And Your Teen