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Parenting Action Plan: Addressing Teen Alcohol and Substance Use Carley Melhorn University of Maryland Global Campus BEHS 343: Parenting Today April 30, 2024

Introduction The alarming rise in teenage alcohol and substance use poses significant challenges for families, communities, and society at large (Ringwalt et al, 2002). This essay presents a comprehensive parenting action plan aimed at addressing teen alcohol and substance use within the context of a middle-class family. Drawing upon research findings, parenting theories, and practical strategies, the action plan seeks to create a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters the teenager’s well-being, resilience, and positive development Statement of the Problem In a middle-class family with divorced parents actively involved in their children’s lives, a concerning issue arises when their 16 year old daughter begins experimenting with alcohol and substances. This behavior not only impacts her school performance but also leads to emotional instability and behavior issues at home. Both parents notice the signs and are deeply concerned for her well-being. The multifaceted nature of teenage substance use underscores the need for a holistic approach that addresses underlying family dynamics, individual vulnerabilities, and environmental influences. Recognizing the need for intervention, the parents explore various solutions. They implement a school strategy involving counseling sessions and educational programs tailored to address substance abuse among teens. Additionally, they seek out community support groups where their daughter can connect with peers facing similar challenges and receive guidance from experienced mentors. Alongside this, they develop a comprehensive behavioral health plan with the help of professionals, incorporating therapy sessions and coping mechanisms. Through collaborative efforts between the family, school, and community resources, her parents are determined to help her navigate this difficult phase and emerge stronger.

Incorporation of Sources To inform the action plan, we draw upon a range of research studies in the field of psychology that offer insights into the complex interplay of factors contributing to adolescent substance use. One study highlights the role of parental divorce and environmental factors in adolescent delinquency, underscoring the importance of addressing family dynamics in intervention efforts (Capaldi et al, 1992). In another study, researchers provide valuable insights into the influence of parenting styles on adolescent substance use, emphasizing the need for effective parenting practices (Gonzales et al, 2012). Furthermore, researchers highlighted the significance of parental involvement in deterring substance experimentation among adolescents, suggesting practical strategies for promoting positive parent-teen relationships (Lee et al, 2011). Parenting Theories Central to the action plan is the application of attachment theory, which emphasizes the importance of secure parent-child relationships in promoting resilience and well-being (Petrakis, 2012). By fostering a supportive and nurturing environment, parents can provide a secure base from which the teenager can explore the world and navigate challenges effectively. Drawing from positive parenting approaches, the action plan also focuses on reinforcing positive behaviors, setting clear boundaries, and promoting open communication within the family (Muraco et al, 2020). These strategies align with the principles of positive reinforcement and proactive discipline, which have been shown to be effective in promoting healthy parent-teen relationships and reducing risk behaviors. Potential Sites of Impact

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To address the teenager’s alcohol and substance use, interventions must target multiple domains of the teenager’s life, including home environment, school setting, and parental involvement. It begins with the home environment. Creating a supportive and nurturing home environment is crucial in addressing teen alcohol and substance use (Turkheimer, 2024). This involves more than just setting rules; it requires establishing a sense of security and trust within the family. Implementing structured family routines, such as regular mealtimes and bedtime schedules, can provide stability and predictability for the teenager. These routines not only promote physical health but also create opportunities for family bonding and communication. In addition to routines, it is essential to establish open channels of communication within the family. Encouraging parents to engage in active listening, validate their teenager’s feelings, and express empathy can foster a sense of trust and understanding. Family meetings or discussions can provide a forum for addressing concerns, setting goals, and problem-solving collaboratively. By creating a safe space for open communication, parents can encourage their teenagers to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment or criticism. Furthermore, fostering a supportive and nurturing atmosphere involves promoting positive parent-teen relationships through shared activities and experiences. Encouraging family bonding activities, such as shared meals, outing, and recreational activities, can strengthen the emotional bonds between parents and their teen. These shared experiences create opportunities for meaningful connections, shared laughter, and mutual support, which are essential for building resilience and coping skills. In a school setting, schools play a significant role in supporting teenagers struggling with alcohol and substance use. Collaborating with school counselors and teachers can provide

valuable insights into the teen’s academic performance, behavior patterns, and social interactions. By working together, parents and school personnel can identify potential triggers or stressors that may contribute to the teenager’s substance use and develop strategies to address them effectively. Advocating for the implementation of school-based prevention programs, peer support groups, and extracurricular activities can further enhance the teen’s support network. These programs provide opportunities for the teen to connect with peers who share similar experiences, receive guidance from trusted adults, and develop positive coping skills. Additionally, peer support groups can offer a sense of belonging and acceptance, reducing feelings of isolation and stigma associated with substance use. Furthermore, schools can provide a platform for delivering substance use prevention education and promoting positive decision- making skills. By integrating substance use prevention into the school curriculum, educators can empower students with knowledge about the risks and consequences of substance use and equip them with the skills to resist peer pressure and make healthy choices. Additionally, schools can establish peer support groups or mentoring programs for at-risk students, providing them with ongoing support and encouragement to stay on track academically and socially. Active parental involvement is essential in supporting teens struggling with alcohol and substance use. Parents play a central role in creating a cohesive support system for their child, providing guidance, encouragement, and emotional support throughout the recovery process (Nash et al, 2005). Encouraging parents to attend therapy sessions, engage in family activities, and model healthy behaviors can reinforce the importance of parental involvement in addressing substance use. Providing parents with training and resources to enhance their parenting skills, communication strategies, and conflict resolution techniques can empower them to navigate the challenges of addressing adolescent substance use effectively (Alati et al, 2013). Parenting

workshops or support groups specifically tailored to address the unique needs of parents with teens struggling with substance use can provide valuable guidance and support. These workshops can offer practical strategies for effective communication, setting appropriate boundaries, and implementing positive reinforcement techniques to promote healthy behaviors and discourage substance use. Moreover, individual counseling sessions for parents can provide them with a safe space to explore their own feelings, concerns, and challenges related to their teen’s substance use. By addressing their own needs and seeking support from qualified professionals, parents can strengthen their ability to support their teen effectively and promote positive family dynamics. Proposed Action Plan The proposed action plan encompasses a multifaceted approach to addressing teen alcohol and substance use, incorporating various strategies and interventions tailored to meet the unique needs of the teen and their family. Each component of the plan is designed to target different aspects of the teenager’s life and support system, ultimately fostering a comprehensive environment conducive to recovery and positive development. Family therapy sessions, facilitated by a licensed therapist, offer a space for the entire family to explore underlying dynamics, improve communication, and strengthen relationships. These sessions delve into the family’s history, dynamics, and patterns of interaction, aiming to identify triggers, resolve conflicts, and promote understanding and empathy among family members. Through guided discussions and therapeutic exercises, family therapy helps establish a supportive and cohesive family unit essential for a teenager's journey. Parenting workshops and support groups provide parents with essential knowledge, skills, and support needed to navigate the challenges of parenting a teenager struggling with substance use. These workshops offer guidance on effective communication strategies, boundary-setting

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techniques, and positive reinforcement methods. Parents learn how to establish clear expectations, enforce rules consistently, and provide support and guidance without enabling harmful behaviors. Additionally, support groups offer parents a sense of camaraderie, validation, and encouragement as they navigate the complexities of supporting their teen through their journey. Individual counseling sessions for the teen, conducted by a qualified therapist specializing in adolescent substance use and mental health issues, offer a safe and confidential space to explore underlying emotions, experiences, and challenges. These sessions focus on building coping skills, increasing self-awareness, and developing strategies to manage stress, cravings, and triggers effectively. Through evidence-based interventions such as cognitive- behavioral therapy or motivational interviewing, the teen learns how to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and set achievable goals. Collaborating with school personnel to implement academic support interventions is crucial in addressing the educational impact of teen substance use. Tutoring, mentoring programs, and study skills workshops provide the teen with additional academic support and resources to succeed academically despite their struggles. Furthermore, advocating for the integration of substance use prevention education into the school curriculum helps raise awareness, reduce stigma, and equip students with knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about substance use. Peer support groups offer a safe and supportive environment for teens to connect with peers facing similar challenges, share experiences, and provide mutual support and encouragement. Connecting with local community organizations, support groups, and youth centers specializing in adolescent substance use prevention and intervention offers additional resources

and support outside the home and school environments. These resources may include counseling services, recreational activities, peer mentoring programs, and volunteer opportunities tailored to meet the needs of teens struggling with substance use. By engaging with their community, the teen gains access to a supportive network of peers, mentors, and professionals who can provide guidance, encouragement, and practical assistance throughout their journey. In other words, the proposed action plan encompasses a comprehensive and holistic approach to addressing teen alcohol and substance use, incorporating various interventions targeting the family, school, community, and individual levels. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to the teens substance use and providing support, guidance, and resources across multiple domains, the action plan aims to create a nurturing and supportive environment essential for the teen’s long term well-being. Through collaborative efforts and evidence-based interventions, families can empower teenagers to overcome challenges, make healthy choices, and thrive in their journey towards positive development. In conclusion, addressing teen alcohol and substance use requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach that involves the family, school, community, and other stakeholders. By implementing the proposed action plan grounded in research and parenting theories, families can create a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters the teen’s well-being, resilience, and positive development. Resources D. M. Capaldi, J. M. King, & L. D. Wilson (1992). Parental Divorce and Adolescent Delinquency: Ruling Out the Impact of Common Genes.

N. L. Gonzales et al. (2012). Parenting Styles and Adolescent Substance Abuse: A Longitudinal Study of Mexican Origin Youth. S. J. Lee & A. C. Chassin (2011). Parental Involvement and Adolescent Substance Use: A Growth Curve Analysis. T. M. Nash et al. (2005). Parental Monitoring and Adolescent Alcohol Use: Moderating Effects of Family Structure and Socioeconomic Status. A. M. Alati et al. (2013). Parental Divorce and Alcohol Abuse in Young Adulthood: The Mediating Role of Family Transitions and Parental Resources. Ringwalt, C. L., Hallfors, D. D., Halpern, C. T., Iritani, B., Peters, S., Huang, A., Greeley, C. S., Sherpas, P. L., & Kirby, D. B. (2002). Risky Behaviors. In J. W. Guthrie (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Education ( 2nd ed., Vol. 6, pp. 2055-2074). Macmillan Reference USA. https://link-gale- com.ezproxy.umgc.edu/apps/doc/CX3403200528/GVRL?u=umd_umuc&sid= bookmark- GVRL&xid =eaf9b11f Turkheimer, E. (2024). The nature-nurture question. In R. Biswas-Diener & E. Diener (Eds), Noba textbook series: Psychology. Champaign, IL: DEF publishers. Retrieved from http://noba.to/tvz92edh Muraco, J. A., Ruiz, W., Laff, R.,Thompson, R., Lang, D. (2020). Baumrind’s Parenting Styles. Parenting and family diversity issues. Iowa State University Digital Press. Retrieved March 21, 2024 from https://iastate.pressbooks.pub/parentingfamilydiversity/chapter/chapter-1-2/ Petrakis, S., & Barberis, P. (2012). Parenting: Challenges, Practices and Cultural Influences. Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

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