Resources for Caregivers and Families
Parents are the number one influence on their child's decision whether or not to use substances. Here are some helpful resources to empower Dedham parents as they guide their children toward healthy, positive decisions.
Talk. They Hear You.
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Check out our webinar series created by and for parents!
Talking early and often with your children about the health risks of alcohol and other drug use makes a difference. According to the 2018 MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey, 67% of Dedham High School students who do not drink said their parents' disapproval of drinking was an important factor in choosing to abstain from alcohol. Not sure where to start? Check out this resource toolkit for parents with easy tips for having conversations with your child about substance use.
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Support for Parents
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To access the 24/7 confidential Parental Stress Helpline, call 1-800-632-8188. This hotline is staffed by volunteer counselors who are trained to relieve stress and offer non-judgmental support.
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To help find substance use treatment for you or a loved one, call the MA Substance Use Helpline at 800-327-5050, or visit helplinema.org.
Finding Help for Your Child​
To find help for a child struggling with substance use, check out the resources at https://helplinema.org/for-parents/ or call 800-327-5050.
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If your child is a Dedham High School student, please contact Ashley Dube at adube@dedham.k12.ma.us to set up an appointment for your child’s mental health or substance use issues.
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My Life, My Quit™ has youth coach specialists trained to help young people quit vaping by phone or text. Young people can call or text "Start My Quit" to 855-891-9989 for free and confidential help or visit mylifemyquit.com to sign up online.
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Children's Hospital Boston - Adolescent Substance Abuse Program
Offers national leadership in the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of substance use disorders in children and adolescents.
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Contact: (617) 355-2727
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Website: www.childrenshospital.org/centers-and-services/adolescent-substance-abuse-program/overview
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Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL)
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Purpose: Provides direct clinical help for mental health and substance use emergencies.
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Availability: 24/7 support.
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Contact Methods:
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Call/Text: 833-773-2445
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MassRelay for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing: Dial 711
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Chat: Available through the Massachusetts BHHL website.
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Parent Action Team
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The Parent Action Team is a group of parents within DOSA who are dedicated to building a healthier community by offering their insight, and creating initiatives that educate community members on substance use awareness. If you are interested in joining this action team or learning more about it, you can reach out to Program Director whose contact information is listed below!
Substance Use Prevention for Parents
Understanding Substance Use
It's essential for parents to understand the signs, risks, and prevention strategies related to substance use among youth. Massachusetts provides valuable resources to help parents navigate these challenges.
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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health offers comprehensive information on substance use prevention for parents, including:
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Educational Resources: Articles, guides, and videos to help parents understand substance use and its impact.
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Prevention Tips: Strategies to prevent substance use among children and adolescents.
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Community Support: Access to local programs and initiatives promoting substance use prevention.
For more detailed information and resources, visit Massachusetts Department of Public Health - Substance Use Prevention for Parents.
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Parents and Caregivers
How to Encourage Your Child to Get Help for Their Substance Use or Addiction
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1. Approach the Conversation with Care
It can be challenging to start a conversation about substance use or addiction, especially if your child is reluctant to seek help. Carefully plan the discussion, choosing a calm moment when emotions aren't high. Be empathetic and non-judgmental, expressing your concern for their well-being rather than focusing on blame or punishment.
2. Know the Legal Landscape for Consent to Treatment
The age of consent for treatment varies depending on where you live. In some states, children as young as 12 years old can consent to their own treatment. It’s important to be familiar with your state's laws as your child may need to willingly agree to enter a treatment program.
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3. Offer Healthy Alternatives
Even if your child initially refuses treatment, offering positive alternatives can help them take steps toward wellness. Activities like rock climbing, music lessons, yoga, or meditation can provide healthy outlets and may open the door for future discussions about seeking professional help.
4. Consider Harm Reduction Approaches
If your child is not ready to completely stop using substances, you may want to consider harm reduction measures. These strategies aim to minimize the negative consequences associated with substance use, making it safer while continuing the conversation about treatment options.
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5. Prepare for Emergencies
In emergency situations, such as an overdose or escalating aggression, it’s crucial to act quickly. Call 988 for mental health crises or 911 for life-threatening emergencies. Being familiar with local resources like a mobile crisis unit can provide additional support when needed.
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6. Explore Your Community’s Resources
Take time to research and identify resources available in your community, such as counseling services, youth programs, and support groups. Having options readily available will make it easier to guide your child toward getting the help they need.
We understand how challenging it can be to find the right support when a child is facing substance misuse or addiction. That’s why we’ve gathered key resources to help you navigate this journey. From treatment options to emergency contacts and community support, our resource page offers guidance to help you take the next steps.
Change talk
So, how does a willingness to get help sound? It usually comes in the form of “change talk.” Change talk is any time your child voices a concern over the way things are, or expresses a desire to improve their life in some way. Do any of these sound familiar?
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“I’m really feeling depressed that I don’t have a decent job.”
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“I think I really upset [a friend] last night when he thought I had one too many.”
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“I wonder if I should go back to school.”
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“I want to move out and have my own place.”
When a loved one expresses change talk, help them connect the dots. Gently explain how their substance use is related to their current worries and their hopes for a better future.
Resources that promote both caregiver and care recipient well-being.
Explore MHA’s Caregiver Resource Center
Dive into MHA’s comprehensive Caregiver Resource Center—your one-stop shop for essential caregiving topics. Learn how to recognize caregiver burnout, build resilience, and find insightful tips to navigate your caregiving journey with confidence.​​​
​VA Caregiver Support: Click on this PDF to access information about VA Caregiver Support.
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