In this episode, I speak with Jess Lahey about her latest book, The Addiction Inoculation, and what she learned from her work as a teacher at a drug and alcohol rehab for adolescents. Jess talks candidly about the effects of alcohol and drug use on developing brains and provides parents with tips for having age appropriate discussions about the topic with their children and teenagers. Jess also shares how genetics, parenting styles, and education can all play a role in both risk and protective measures against child substance abuse. Join us for valuable insights into navigating how to raise healthy kids and prevent substance use disorder in children.

Timestamps:
[02:11] Introducing Jess Lahey.
[03:27] What does an alcoholic look like?
[05:39] Defining “substance use disorder”.
[09:56] What should we know about substance abuse and developing brains?
[16:28] The role of genetics and epigenetics on substance abuse.
[21:33] Looking at the brain in early childhood and mindfulness.
[29:53] Substance abuse and arrested development.
[32:02] How to frame and encourage positive risk in adolescents.
[34:56] Jess Lahey compares different schools of thought in addiction science and substance abuse.
[38:49] What are the impacts of different parenting styles?
[42:56] The importance of self-efficacy.
[47:17] How to make education feel more relevant and connected for children and teens.
[52:47] Jess Lahey discusses the importance of family connection with examples.
[01:00:13] Jess Lahey talks about navigating her son’s friendship with a peer struggling with substance abuse.
[01:04:37] Final question and piece of advice.

After listening to our conversation, I hope you and your child are able to approach the topic of addiction and substance abuse with clarity and compassion.

Resources:
The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey: https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Failure-Parents-Children-Succeed/dp/0062299255
The Addiction Inoculation by Jessica Lahey: https://www.amazon.com/Addiction-Inoculation-Raising-Healthy-Dependence/dp/006288378X
Jessica’s website: https://www.jessicalahey.com/

If you have a high school aged student and would like to talk about putting a tutoring or college plan together, reach out to Ned's company, PrepMatters at www.prepmatters.com