Brenda Zane

Hopestream for parenting kids through drug use and addiction

Brenda Zane, Dr. Jarrell Myers

  • The Anxiety Factor: Untangling the Adolescent Anxiety And Substance Use Knot, with Jarell Myers. Ph.D.

The Anxiety Factor: Untangling the Adolescent Anxiety And Substance Use Knot, with Jarell Myers. Ph.D.

Thursday 8th August 2024

Dr. Jarrell Myers discusses adolescent anxiety and substance use, offering practical advice for parents on maintaining open communication and fostering support.
61 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Supportive
Encouraging
Educational

About this podcast

Hopestream for parenting kids through drug use and addiction
Author:
Brenda Zane
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Recovery from Trauma
Links:
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Untangling Adolescent Anxiety and Substance Use with Dr. Jarrell Myers

Episode Overview

  • Understand why teens turn to substances as a coping mechanism for anxiety.
  • Learn practical advice for maintaining open communication with your child.
  • Discover the importance of harm reduction approaches in treatment.
  • Find out why self-care is crucial for parents supporting children with anxiety and substance use.
  • Gain insights into building a supportive environment that encourages honesty and growth.
Substances provide an exceptionally strong, short-term relief from whatever we may be experiencing internally.
Parenting a teenager is tough, but when you add anxiety and substance use into the mix, it can feel downright overwhelming. This episode of Hopestream dives into the complexities of adolescent anxiety and substance use with Dr. Jarrell Myers, a clinical psychologist known for his expertise in treating young people. Dr. Myers shares his journey from working with children suffering from anxiety disorders to addressing the intertwined issue of substance use.
He explains why many kids who need help for their anxiety can't access treatment due to their substance use and how this gap in care led him to explore more inclusive treatment methods in his private practice. Dr. Myers breaks down the biological and psychological reasons behind why teenagers turn to substances as a coping mechanism for anxiety. Using relatable analogies, he explains how substances provide quick, albeit temporary, relief from the intense emotions that anxiety brings.
He also offers practical advice for parents on maintaining open communication with their children and fostering a supportive environment that encourages honesty and growth. The conversation touches on the importance of harm reduction approaches and the necessity for parents to take care of their own mental health. Dr. Myers emphasises that self-care isn't about indulgence but about ensuring parents have the emotional resources to support their children effectively.
His insights are both compassionate and practical, making this episode a must-listen for any parent navigating the challenging waters of adolescent anxiety and substance use. Why should you tune in? Because understanding the root causes of your child's behaviour can make all the difference in how you approach their recovery journey. Dr. Myers' expertise provides valuable tools and perspectives that can help you create a healthier, more communicative relationship with your teen.
So, grab a cup of tea, take a deep breath, and get ready to gain some crucial insights.