What Families Can Do To Prevent and Intervene With Alcohol and Drug Problems (Video)

• NCJ Number: 196551
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 0 pages
• Corporate Author: US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Sale Source: US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Publication Format: Film
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: VHS color video, 57 minutes.

Annotation

As part of programming for National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, this video presents a panel discussion of issues in juvenile drug abuse and what families can do to assist in preventing drug abuse by their children and in intervening when a child is involved in drug use.

Abstract

The panel of experts, with backgrounds in drug abuse prevention and treatment, draw upon their own experiences and knowledge to guide families in preventing substance abuse by their children and in providing suggestions for families when intervention is required. Prior to comments from the panel of experts, a mother and son describe their experiences in dealing with the young man's drug use, which began in the 7th grade and continued through the 10th grade. The mother describes her sense of helplessness in attempting to change her son's behavior, which involved a disregard for family attempts to constrain his behavior, his sense of desperation in attempting to obtain enough money to maintain his drug addiction, and his lack of interest in school, students who did not use drugs, and constructive activities. Problems the family experienced in attempting to enroll their son in treatment are also described. The son was finally drawn into treatment by a person who had been addicted to drugs as a youth and whose experiences mirrored many of his own. Residential treatment proved to be effective, and the son is involved in a 12-step program in which he has developed positive associations with people who understand the difficulties involved in becoming and maintaining abstinence. The panel discusses many issues involved in drug abuse prevention and intervention. Topics discussed include the importance of accurate information disseminated to children and youth regarding the nature and effects of various types of drugs and their abuse, parental education regarding the causes and symptoms of drug abuse among children and youth, and methods for drawing addicted youth into treatment.