NAVIGATING YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE IN MARIN COUNTY
Marin youth have easy access and opportunity to use drugs and alcohol. But as parents and caregivers, we can help them navigate this environment. Where can we start? Know the facts, communicate openly, and listen to our kids.
GROWING UP IN MARIN
With easy access to the outdoors, good schools, and tight knit communities, it’s no wonder that Marin County consistently ranks as one of the healthiest places to live in the United States. But there is a notable exception: our rates of substance use are far higher than the California average. There’s no one answer to why our rates are higher, but our teens live with easy access, high achievement pressure, a big equity gap, and adults whose substance use behaviors may inadvertently normalize teen use.
EXPLORE THE LET’S TALK CONTENT
There is no single right way to address the topic of adolescent substance use, no step-by-step roadmap that promises success. But we do have a lot of solid research, best practices, and intuitive wisdom as parents and caretakers. And we do have resilient, creative and energetic kids. So let's explore what we know, connect with our kids, and build our own roadmaps for support. Let's dive in.
Know what to expect from our children as their brains, emotions, and social worlds start changing.
Learn the basics about drugs and how to start talking about them.
Get to know the factors that impact adolescent mental health, including both risks and opportunities to support our kids.
Find out how we can set the stage now for a healthy adolescence, and how to talk about substances with young children at various stages.
As a parent, you can’t guarantee an easy pathway for your children. But you can help establish protective relationships and healthy spaces that foster resilience.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
COMMUNITY DISCUSSIONS
In our community discussions, we take a deeper dive into the content with guest facilitators and topic experts. Parents and caregivers have the opportunity to share their experiences and best practices in a safe, solution-oriented environment
YOU’RE READY FOR MORE SUPPORT
If you’re looking for help including treatment, counseling, crisis support, education and youth development opportunities, check out our listing of organizations and services designed to support youth and families.
DOWNLOAD A BOOKLET
These booklets were created for parents and care givers of high school and middle school students. They are full of vital information, resources and stories so caregivers can be educated about substance use among youth in Marin County.
