Let's Talk About It: Finding Time to Talk

In my role, I have the opportunity to share information related to substance use and the impact on one’s overall well being by going into health classes as well as meeting with students individually. This includes the challenges for teens and the impact substance use can have on all aspects of their lives. By doing so, I often find patterns that help me in understanding what information students need when it comes to making a choice to use a substance and the impact it can have on one’s mental health.

I wanted to share a common theme I have heard from students when I have asked the following question, “What have your parents or caregivers shared with you when it comes to using drugs or alcohol?” From 6th grade to 10th grade, there has been a common theme.  Most students respond with “Don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t do drugs….or ELSE!”  While I am over simplifying the comment, this is the message that students share with me.  While this is great to hear, I recognize that students are often unable to share that they have talked with family about the “why” behind not using substances.

I bring this topic up now since there will, hopefully, be some downtime for your family over the holiday break.  This would be a great time to carve out some time to have an open and honest discussion as to the “why” of not using any mood altering substance.  Let me share some of those points I always try to share when I speak to  young people regarding the negative effects of substance use:

• Brain development: a young person’s brain is not fully developed until approximately the age of 25 (or so). 
• Teens often use substances to help with underlying mental health challenges (or vice versa) without knowing the problem with doing so.
• Teens often have difficulty in school: lower academic performance, trouble concentrating, poorer grades and an increase in school absences with a higher risk of dropping out of high school or college.
• Higher risk taking behavior: substances lower inhibitions which can lead to risky behavior such as driving under the influence, unsafe sex or violence.

These are just some of the highlights that I try to share with students when talking 1-1 or when I have the opportunity to present in health classes.  Helping parents gain some insight allows us to partner in a way that is most beneficial in supporting students and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so. The correlation between substance use and poor mental health is real and the more we all can talk about it openly, the more equipped our students are when it comes to making decisions that could have a huge impact on them.

My hope is that with the information we share, the links and resources we continue to provide, it will give you confidence (and awareness) in having these much needed conversations.  We are always here to help-feel free to let us know how! 

Colleen O’Neil, LADC
Mounds View Chemical Health Prevention Specialist
651-829-4708
colleen.o’neil@moundsviewschools.org

Julia Geigle, MSW, LICSW
Mounds View Mental Health Specialist
612-790-4928
julia.geigle@moundsviewschools.org

Chad Jayasekera, MA, LICSW
Mounds View Mental Health Specialist 
651-212-5291
chad.jayasekera@moundsviewschools.org