Substance use disorders can have a genetic component but are preventable. For adolescents with adverse childhood experiences, substance use may be a mechanism to cope with trauma or unaddressed socioemotional or mental health concerns. Fortunately, prevention science has advanced in recent decades. Evidence-based research now focuses on risk and protective factors, a developmental framework, and a continuum of care. This Practice Academy reveals how professionals seeking to support family recovery must consider the risk factors, needs, and mental health of children and adolescents while strengthening family protective factors. Family treatment court (FTC) teams can help parents and caregivers implement science-based strategies and interventions and support positive childhood experiences to disrupt the cycle of substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges.
Learning Objectives:
1. Demonstrate the developmental nature of substance use disorders and recognize why child development and family wellness are foundational to prevention.
2. List risk and protective factors for children while examining factors specific to those affected by childhood adversity and familial substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
3. Adopt age-appropriate strategies and identify interventions for children and adolescents based on substance use prevention science.
Find an overview of the series here: https://www.cffutures.org/ftc-practice-academy/navigating-risk/
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