Ways you can help keep your loved one safe, including harm reduction techniques.
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Families can prepare to keep a loved one safe from substance use and its consequences. From prevention to harm reduction, we have information and resources to help you promote your loved one’s well-being.
There is more to substance use prevention than people think
Substance use prevention can occur through school health classes, public service announcements, proper storage and disposal of substances in your home, and having Naloxone on hand, but effective prevention requires so much more. Prevention is a cumulative effort of individuals, communities and policies that work together to create awareness, healthy choices and supportive environments.
Effective substance use prevention includes:
Families that provide and foster:
Quality time together and strong parent-child affection and bonds
An environment that helps a child manage their emotions, develop relationships and bounce back when there are challenges
Healthy food choices and opportunities for exercise and play
A connection with teachers, coaches, faith leaders and other positive role models
Regular pediatric checkups
Early intervention when there are concerns about child mental health, bullying and trauma
Schools and communities that provide and foster:
Adult mentorship, modeling and reinforcement of healthy behaviors
Safe and engaging extracurricular activities
Empathic, caring and well-informed educators and community leaders
Neighborhood safety and supportive community networks
Policies that help families and communities take these protective actions by ensuring:
Income, food, housing and healthcare stability and security for families
Affordable and accessible quality childcare and paid family leave for caregivers
Affordable quality addiction/mental health treatment for caregivers
Effective early interventions for child mental health problems and trauma
Psychoeducation, routine screening and referral to services in pediatric visits
Restrictions on the sale, marketing and access to youth of nicotine, alcohol and marijuana
While substance use prevention is a collective effort, there are steps you can take now to help strengthen your relationship with your child and encourage healthy behaviors:
Harm Reduction: Reducing risks and increasing safety
Harm reduction is a way for individuals, who are not ready or able to stop using substances, to focus on their well-being and safety. Pat Aussem, Vice President, Consumer Clinical Content Development at Partnership to End Addiction discusses how harm reduction is a practical approach to reducing the risks posed by substance use including preventing injuries, overdoses and death as well as the spread of diseases. Some topics discussed are:
Tools and strategies to reduce risks of substance use:
Pick a time for the conversation when you can both be fully present
Share your concerns with a focus on their health and well-being
Consider restating any limits you have around substance use (i.e., not using substances in your home)
Try to listen to their perspective and assess their willingness to try something new; be prepared to negotiate and offer a reward if they follow through
If your loved one refuses, try to let it go and wait for another opportunity to bring it back up
