Richard Capriola: Navigating Adolescent Substance Abuse
So adults who are trapped by addiction have often faced catastrophic consequences. We talk about the consequences substance use has on the adolescent brain as an adolescent then enters sobriety.
Imagine facing the heartbreak of seeing your child struggle with substance abuse. In this episode of 'The Way Out', Richard Capriola offers a lifeline to parents in this challenging situation. With over two decades of experience in mental health and addiction counseling, Capriola shares essential tools and insights for understanding and addressing adolescent substance abuse. He starts by explaining the critical differences between adolescent and adult brain development, highlighting why recognizing early warning signs in teens is so crucial.
These signs can include changes in behavior, appearance, and overall environment, which might otherwise go unnoticed. Capriola emphasizes the importance of finding a treatment program that not only tackles the substance abuse but also equips the child with skills to manage their emotions healthily. Recovery meetings and coping mechanisms play a vital role in this journey.
His book, 'The Addicted Child: A Parent's Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse', serves as a comprehensive resource, covering everything from the neuroscience behind addiction to essential assessments and co-occurring disorders like trauma and self-harm. Capriola uses the metaphor of whack-a-mole to describe the ongoing challenge of addressing these issues, stressing the need for continuous skills development. This episode is packed with practical advice and compassionate support, offering hope to parents navigating the turbulent waters of adolescent substance abuse.