Coaching Episode: Using Self-Care and Motivation as Tools in Teen Harm Reduction

ABOUT THE EPISODE:
Kelly’s son began smoking marijuana all day, every day after a serious trauma two years ago. Therapy and harm reduction strategies have led them to an arrangement where he is allowed to smoke occasionally, but only in the garage. Her son is smoking much less now, and in combination with therapy, reports he’s stopped using substances as a primary coping mechanism.  

Things have mostly settled down, but Kelly is still experiencing the constant mental and emotional stress of worry about his safety, and a desire to see him continue moving forward toward sobriety. After two years of being on high alert at all times, and with the potential of paying for college looming on the horizon, Kelly is reaching the end of her rope, finding it difficult to get enough sleep. Her interactions with her son have become more judgmental than compassionate, and Kelly worries about driving him away.

In this coaching episode, Kelly and I discuss:

• The importance of positive reinforcement as a driver of motivation and change
• Why it’s important to acknowledging the progress both Kelly and her son have made in the past few years
• How to co-create new boundaries that move her son’s current harm reduction strategies toward safer behavior
• How “crowding out” substance use with desired activity works better than restriction and punishment – and how the process could simultaneously improve their relationship
• The “brain dump” method that might help Kelly get better sleep - something she desperately needs

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Coming to Harm Reduction Kicking and Screaming, Dee Dee Stout

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