Eps 378: Talking to Brenda Zane About How to Be with Teen Substance Use - a podcast by Casey ORoarty

My guest today is Brenda Zane, and we are digging deep into teen substance abuse. 

Brenda shares about her son’s drug misuse&what got her started in this work. We talk about teens who are exploring risky behavior and teens who are using drugs regularly/daily. Brenda shares tips for having uncomfortable (and ongoing) conversations about drug use with your adolescent and how to come from a place of curiosity (not judgment). We talk about why the confrontational, punitive approach does not work&to consider drug use as a solution for a problem you don’t know about. Brenda and I also dig into how to share information about drugs with your kids&how to stay calm when you’re freaked out. Brenda finishes up teaching me about fentanyl&when overdoses don’t look like what you’d expect.  

Takeaways from the showNovelty seeking as part of teenage brain development

Substance use&responding as a parent 

Alcohol&marijuana use 

Covid, anxiety, isolation,&devices affecting drug use 

Experimenting vs. problematic use Uncomfortable conversations&coming from a place of curiosity 

Drug use as a solution for a problem you don’t know about Confrontational, punitive approach does not work 

Information as harm reduction Information about fentanyl&overdoses


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Further episodes of Joyful Courage for Parenting Teens

Further podcasts by Casey O'Roarty

Website of Casey O'Roarty