How to Prevent Teen Addiction Before It Starts

If you're worried about your teen's substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 (US). It's free, confidential, and available 24/7. Want to prevent teen addiction before it starts? Whether you're worried about technology, substances, or other behaviors, this episode shows you the early signs and the proactive steps that help protect your teen.

👉 Want to lower your teen's risk before there's a problem? Parenting Teens Academy helps you build the connection and habits that protect teens from addiction. Join us here: https://www.skool.com/parenting-teens-academy/about

Worried your teen could be headed toward addiction? The good news is there's a lot parents can do before a problem starts. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I'm joined by child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Gayani DeSilva, author of A Psychiatrist's Guide: Stop Teen Addiction Before It Starts and A Psychiatrist's Guide: Helping Parents Reach Their Depressed Tween. She shares proactive steps parents can take to help protect their teens.

What you'll learn: 1. The early signs of addiction, whether it's tech, substances, or behaviors 2. Why some teens are more vulnerable than others 3. Proactive steps that help protect your teen 4. How to talk with your teen about substances and screens

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• A Psychiatrist's Guide: Stop Teen Addiction Before It Starts
• A Psychiatrist's Guide: Helping Parents Reach Their Depressed Tween

Connect with Dr. Gayani DeSilva: Website: https://lagunafamily.com/gayani-desilva-md/

Connect with Dr. Cam Caswell: Website: https://www.askdrcam.com Instagram: @drcamcaswell

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About the show: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach. Each episode gives you practical strategies, expert advice, and real-world insight to build a stronger relationship with your teen. If you're worried about your teen and drugs, alcohol, vaping, or screens, this conversation gives you practical ways to lower their risk. Topics include prevent teen addiction, teen addiction prevention, teen substance use, signs of addiction in teens, teen vaping, and screen addiction.