FAQs

Parents and caring adults can use their influence to help young people make safe and healthy decisions about alcohol and substance use. Below are some frequently asked questions with information, strategies and links to resources to empower you to support young people. Please reach out to us if you have any additional questions.

When should I start talking to my kids about substance use?

Talking to your children about substance use should be an ongoing, frequent conversation. Even though you may think your child is “too young” to have these conversations, they may already be hearing things at school or in the media. It’s best that they receive information from a source they can trust -- you. Most teens want to talk to their parents (even if it seems like they don’t). Try to keep the conversation open, listen to what they have to say, and know that you don’t have to have all the answers. It’s okay to say “I don’t know, I’ll get back to you.”

Is substance use a “normal” part of the teenage years?

Many teens and parents think that substance use is a “normal” part of teenage years and that not using substances is “abnormal.” Research actually shows the opposite -- according to the 2023 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, ~90% of middle schoolers and over 80% of high schoolers in DPS did not use substances in the past 30 days; the reality is that most students aren’t using substances! As parents, and youth-serving adults, we need to share this information with kids and reframe what is actually “normal.”

How can school staff help with youth substance use?

Working at a school gives you great insight into what a child might need and how to best support them. If you think a student might be struggling with substances, the most supportive thing you can do is refer them to the appropriate care. If you need assistance determining what resources are available, reach out to our team.

As a mental health professional you can:

• Advocate for SBIRT Teen Intervene to be used as an alternative to suspension.

• Understand motivational interviewing and how to engage teens

• Refer/get support for co-occurring conditions that may exist

• Engage parents in the process/plan

• Plan for after-care

What prevents/buffers a child from using substances?

For adolescents, both personal attributes and family factors can have an influence on a decision to use substances.

Personal attributes are characteristics that have the potential to lower risk of substance misuse.  High self esteem, good problem solving, setting high expectations/developing an “internal code” of behavior, being socially competent are all associated with protecting or buffering use.  

Family characteristics such as a close relationship with parents, supporting role models and mentors, clear behavioral expectations, consistent monitoring and supervision and frequent communication are all associated with prevention of substance issues. 

What puts a child at risk for using substances?

Individual-level risk factors may include a person’s genetic predisposition to addiction or exposure to alcohol prenatally. Family factors may contribute to an adolescent being more vulnerable including high stress/conflict family, lack of family rituals and traditions, environments with abuse or neglect, lack of relationship with caregivers and availability of drugs in the environment. SAMHSA's website includes more information about risk and protective factors.

What are examples of family rules for substance use?

Family rules vary. We recommend having a family conversation and deciding on rules and consequences around substance use prior to an issue occurring. Here are some examples of rules:

• Not drinking until age 21

• Not using drugs, prescription medications are only used as prescribed

• Calling a parent if a teen is at a party where there’s alcohol or drugs

• Not riding in a car with anyone who has been drinking

• Also consider adding rules for curfews, check-in times, and chores

Is screen addiction treated the same as a substance use addiction?

At this time, there’s not sufficient evidence or research yet to support this claim one way or the other. Regardless, if you are concerned about your child’s screen time use, contact your family physician or mental health professional to get the necessary support.

What is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)? Is MAT safe for teens?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. MAT medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are clinically driven to meet each individual’s needs. MAT is primarily used for the treatment of addiction to opioids such as heroin and prescription pain relievers that contain opiates. Contact your primary care physician and mental health team to learn more. Most MAT programs begin at age 18.