No Time to Waste: Getting Help for Your Child’s Drug Use

Awkward Conversations

In this essential episode of Awkward Conversations, we revisit one of our most impactful discussions: No Time to Waste: Getting Help for Your Child’s Drug Use. Co-host Amy McCarthy is joined by Terrence Spain and Robert Vincent to explore the critical steps for addressing adolescent drug misuse, from recognizing the early signs to finding the right resources.

Terrence Spain introduces the 988 helpline, a nationwide lifeline for those facing drug misuse or mental health struggles. Robert Vincent shares online resources to support families in navigating recovery. Together, they tackle the importance of early intervention, dispelling stigma, and creating open, nonjudgmental communication with your child.

Key Takeaways:

• Early intervention is crucial to preventing long-term drug misuse.

• The 988 helpline offers immediate support for drug misuse and mental health.

• Overcoming stigma helps ensure your child gets the support they need.

• Safe, open communication is vital when talking to your child about drug use.

• Exploring different therapeutic approaches is key to finding the right path to recovery.

Don’t miss this insightful episode, filled with practical tips and resources to help parents navigate tough conversations and protect their children’s future.

BIOS:

Jodie Sweetin is an actress, author, and advocate, best known for her role as Stephanie Tanner on the iconic sitcom "Full House" and its sequel "Fuller House". In 2009 she penned her memoir, "unSweetined", which chronicles her journey through addiction and into recovery. With her frank and open approach, Jodie has emerged as a compelling speaker and advocate who now seeks to use her platform and experiences to educate others and reduce the stigma associated with addiction and recovery.

@jodiesweetin

Amy McCarthy, LICSW, is a Director of Clinical Social Work at Boston Children's Hospital’s Division of Addiction Medicine. She has been working in the Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program since 2019

@amymccarthylicsw

Terrence Spain, MPH is the Senior Manager for Adolescent Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Charleston Southern University and his master’s in public administration, with an emphasis in Public Policy, from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to working for ODMHSAS he worked for over 11 years in the field of juvenile justice focusing on the area of disproportionate minority contact. Terrence began working for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in 2013 as the Alcohol Program Manager for the Prevention division. Mr. Spain spent over 7 years working in the prevention division overseeing planning, implementing, and evaluating environmental prevention services statewide for all major substance use issues. Currently, Mr. Spain works to improve access and treatment for all Oklahoma youth and families by working to integrate prevention, treatment, and recovery in every aspect of service delivery. He lives in Chickasha, Oklahoma with his wife of 15 years and two children.

Rob Vincent serves as the Associate Administrator for Alcohol Prevention and Treatment Policy for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Division of Systems Development. Prior to coming to SAMHSA Rob served as the Administrator for True North-Student Assistance & Treatment Services at the Educational Service District 113’s Department of Educational Support in Olympia, Washington. He was responsible for the development, implementation, and management of a (45) forty-five school district consortium addressing School Safety and Substance Abuse Prevention, Intervention, and Treatment programs within the five-county region.

Elks: As a 150-year-old organization, they are 100% inclusive with a membership of close to 1 million diverse men and women in over 2,000 Lodges nationally, and while they consider themselves faith based, they are nondenominational and open to all creeds. The Elks have always prided themselves on civic duty, and the Elks Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program is the nation's largest all volunteer Kids Drug & Alcohol Use Prevention program. The Elks are also strong supporters of our brave men and women in the military, having built and donated the nation's first VA Hospital to the U.S. government. The Elks have donated more than $3.6 billion in cash, goods, and services to enrich the lives of millions of people!

DEA: The United States Drug Enforcement Administration was created in 1973 by President Nixon after the government noticed an alarming rise in recreational drug use and drug-related crime. A division of the Department of Justice, DEA enforces controlled substances laws by apprehending offenders to be prosecuted for criminal and civil crimes. DEA is the largest and most effective antidrug organization in the world, with 241 domestic locations in 23 field divisions and 93 international field divisions in 69 countries.

Resources/Links

SAMHSA | Help and Treatment: https://bit.ly/3DJcvJC

Get Smart About Drugs: https://bit.ly/45dm8vY

Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Substance Use Prevention: https://bit.ly/48nxwYw

One Pill Could Kill: https://bit.ly/3ELxfBa

DEA Website: https://bit.ly/44ed9K9

DEA on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3KqL7Uj

DEA on Twitter: https://bit.ly/44VvEUt

DEA on Facebook: https://bit.ly/440b6ZY

DEA YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3s1KQB6

Elks Kid Zone Website: https://bit.ly/3s79Zdt

Elks Drug Awareness Program Website: https://bit.ly/44SunO6

Elks DAP on Twitter: https://bit.ly/45CfpvR

Elks DAP on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Qw8RKL

Elks DAP on YouTube: https://bit.ly/444vMQq

Jodie Sweetin’s Links

Jodie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiesweetin/

Jodie’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jodiesweetin?lang=en

Amy McCarthy’s Links

Amy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymccarthylicsw/

Boston Children’s Hospital Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonchildrens/?hl=en

Boston Children’s Hospital Addiction Medicine: https://www.childrenshospital.org/departments/addiction-medicine

Terrence’s Links

ODMHSAS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/odmhsas/?hl=en

Robert Vincent's Links SAMHSA: "Talk. They Hear You" Campaign: https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you