Caregiver involvement in adolescent substance use treatment is consistently linked to better outcomes. This presentation will summarize parenting practices that raise or lower adolescents’ risk for opioid, stimulant, and other substance use, describe the mechanisms through which caregivers can both amplify and reduce that risk, and present the primary targets of caregiver-focused interventions using a core-elements framework for family therapy. Additionally, concrete, evidence-informed techniques to engage caregivers in treatment and to structure productive family discussions during sessions will be reviewed. By the end of the talk, attendees will understand why caregivers are a critical influence on youth substance use, how parental behaviors and family processes shape risk, and practical strategies to increase caregiver engagement and support positive treatment outcomes.
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Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI088037 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.