Healthy Choices Bulletin
May/June 2024
Article in Spanish - Supporting Your Child if they are Using Marijuana
P + R: Una vez que haya descubierto que su hijo adolescente está usando marihuana, ¿cuál es el siguiente paso que se recomienda?
Q + A: Once you have discovered that your teen is using marijuana, what is the recommended next step?
List of Low Cost or No Cost Summer Recovery Resources
This is a list of low or no cost summer recovery and wellness activities. The focus is on services that are low barrier and activity oriented. For your students who may need the additional support over the summer, please take a minute to review and share this great resource. 😊
Invitation to Change Parent Support Group
Twin Flower Counseling and 4D Youth Center have partnered to offer this amazing caregiver support group for families who are impacted by their child's substance use issues. This group uses evidence-based ideas together with kindness, self-compassion and care so that parents or caregivers can support their children in a way that's genuinely helpful and aligned with their values. This group brings self-compassion skills and care.
The group is for parents and caregivers of youth 14-17, who reside in the Portland/Tri-county area and are looking for a place to connect with others.
To get connected, email Meggan McEvoy at meggan@twinflowercounseling.
Can Adolescents Be in Recovery?
This article exams a state-wide survey from Illinois about how adolescents categorize recovery. Researchers in this study investigated the prevalence of recovery status among adolescents in schools and correlates of recovery status such as substance use and mental health. Results showed that 1.4% of adolescents identified as being in recovery and having resolved a substance use problem, 2.5% reported only resolving a substance use problem, and 2.9% identified as being in recovery only.
Given that returning to use is common, especially for young people, findings here suggest a need for continuing recovery supports that are developmentally appropriate. Adolescents in recovery describe how recovery is a journey with stages such as engagement and recovery maintenance. Those same adolescents also emphasized the importance of recovery role models. Thus, stakeholders hoping to support adolescents need to provide environments and opportunities for adolescents in recovery that support their recovery journey.
Report on How Teens Misuse Prescriptions
The DEA has released an updated version of Prescription for Disaster: How Teens Misuse Medicine. This publication is designed to be a guide to help the reader understand and identify the current medications that teens are misusing, how youth are accessing these pills and medications, and information about what parents can do.
Substance Use Supports & Discipline Office Hours
Dana Riemer, Sarah Holm and Mary Krogh host joint office hours on Mondays from 10:00-11:00 and Dana and Sarah offer a second time on Wednesdays from 9:00-10:00.
We answer questions about substance use resources, access to services and substance use related discipline. Please join us to staff students, talk through challenges and find out about specific services and supports.
For a list of the the Student Success & Health consultation hours, please click here.