The following are some topics adolescents and their caregivers might consider discussing:

Adolescents and caregivers:

• Abstinence vs substance use vs substance abuse

• Biological/psychological/sociological model of substance use

• Human curiosity in altered states of consciousness

• Coping with stress

• Peer pressure - it’s real!

• Nicotine, tobacco, and vaping

• Substances and relationships (platonic and romantic)

• Alcohol, Marijuana, Hallucinogens, Amphetamines, Opioids, and more

• The relationship between mental health, physical health, and substance use

• Impulse control, risk taking, boundary testing, and the adolescent brain

• Understanding dopamine, euphoria, and the craving for more

• How to taper off substances / stopping use safely

• Can you have fun without using substances? Of course, but it takes more planning and vulnerability
  

Caregivers:

• What are you modeling?

• Understanding your own use

• Understanding your child’s use

• How best to help your child / honest communication with your child