In the latest episode of Raising Joy, titled “Drugs & Alcohol in Young Adults,” viewers are granted an insightful journey into the complexities of substance use among high school and college students. The episode features Caroline Sahba, LPC-S, LCDC, MBA, and Associate Director of the Counseling and Mental Health Center at Texas Christian University (TCU).

The conversation navigates through the current state of substance use in educational settings, pinpointing the warning signs and risk factors that educators, parents, and counsellors should be vigilant about. Sahba, with her extensive experience, lays down effective communication strategies for discussing drugs and alcohol with young adults. The episode emphasizes the importance of open, honest dialogues, shedding light on the various resources and support systems available for those grappling with substance use disorders.

One of the episode’s highlights is Sahba’s clarification of the term “substance use disorder,” a more clinical and less stigmatizing label compared to the outdated term “addiction.” She stresses the significance of language in shaping perceptions and the approach to treatment and recovery. Sahba also shares her wishes for parents to understand the evolving landscape of substance accessibility and the critical need for candid conversations about substance use and its consequences.

Raising Joy, a part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign aimed at preventing youth suicides continues to offer invaluable resources and guidance for tackling pressing issues facing today’s youth. This episode stands as an essential resource for anyone concerned with the well-being of young adults, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to foster healthy choices and prevent substance use disorders.

For more insights and practical tips from Caroline Sahba on navigating conversations about substance use and supporting the young adults in your life, watch the episode on YouTube and visit the Cook Children’s Joy Campaign at Cook Children’s Joy Campaign.

Find more from Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign (USA, February 2024)