Meeting Teens Where They Are, S3 Ep3
Meeting Teens Where They Are
Teen years are a time of major change. Young people are developing their identities, navigating friendships and relationships, becoming more independent, and making decisions while their brains are still developing. For some teens, substance use can become part of that experience.
In Season 3, Episode 3 of Let’s Talk About It With OhioGuidestone, Ronald Jackson, MSW, LSW, Therapist III, at OhioGuidestone explores what may be behind adolescent substance use and why meaningful connection can make a difference.
Rather than focusing only on risky behaviors, this episode titled “Meeting Teens Where They Are” looks at the experiences that can influence how a young person responds to the world around them. Trauma and adverse experiences, peer relationships, environment, and other factors can all play a role in adolescent substance use. For some young people, involvement with gangs or the criminal justice system may also increase risk.
Connection can be part of the conversation
For parents, caregivers, teachers and other adults, knowing how to respond when a teen is struggling can be difficult. Conversations about substance use can quickly feel like a confrontation, particularly when a young person doesn’t feel understood.
Ronald discusses why trust and connection are so important in prevention and treatment and offers insight into how adults can approach difficult conversations in ways that keep young people engaged rather than shutting them down.
Meeting teens where they are doesn’t mean ignoring concerning behavior or lowering expectations. It means taking the time to understand what a young person may be experiencing and creating a relationship where they feel safe enough to talk, listen, and accept support.
What does youth treatment look like?
The episode also explores what treatment for teen substance use looks like for adolescents experiencing substance use concerns.
Youth intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) provides a structured level of support while allowing teens to remain connected to their everyday lives. Treatment can address substance use while also considering the relationships, experiences, and circumstances that may be contributing to a young person’s challenges.
For teens, substance use recovery isn’t only about changing a behavior. It can also be about building healthier connections, developing skills, understanding their experiences, and having trusted adults who continue to show up.
Start with connection
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or another adult in a young person’s life, you don’t have to have the perfect words to start a conversation.
Sometimes, the first step is simply creating space to listen.
In this episode, Ronald Jackson shares his perspective from years of working with teens in substance use treatment and offers a closer look at how adults can build trust, open conversations, and support young people on their path forward.
Listen to Season 3, Episode 3 of Let’s Talk About It With OhioGuidestone in the audio or video players below or wherever you stream your podcasts.
Learn more
If you are concerned about a teen’s substance use, support is available. OhioGuidestone offers behavioral health and substance use services designed to meet teens and their families where they are.
