Mar 03

What Parents Should Know About Youth and Substance Use

This training equips parents with practical tools to help prevent youth substance misuse and addiction. Parents will learn what addiction is and is not, how the developing brain works, and why youth are vulnerable. The session explores environmental, behavioral, and developmental risk factors, and provides 12 concrete actions parents can take, along with effective communication strategies that build trust, awareness, and healthy decision-making at home. 1 CE for LCSW, LMFT, LMHC, and CMSW through Florida CEBroker. Recognized by the FL Certification Board in child welfare and mental health.

Free

Live virtually on Zoom

Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST

(10-11:00 am CT, 9-10:00 am MT, 8-9:00am PST)

Cost: FREE

$10 for 1 CE for LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, and CMSW through Florida CEBroker

The Florida Certification Board recognizes this training in the area of mental health and child welfare.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Define addiction and distinguish it from common myths.
Explain how youth brain development increases vulnerability to substance use.
Identify key risk factors for youth substance misuse.
Recognize warning signs of substance misuse and addiction.
Describe evidence-based strategies parents can use to help prevent addiction.
Apply effective communication strategies when talking with children about substance use

This training is designed for parents, and professionals, wherever you may reside. Feel free to share with fellow colleagues, and professionals. Together we are better!

1 Continuing Education hour is available for Florida-Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, and Certified Master Social Workers through CEBroker.

The Florida Certification Board recognizes this training in the area of mental health and child welfare.

Certificates will be provided for self-reporting.

Linda Christensen, BS, MEd

Director of Education Program for Suncoast Institute on Chemical Dependency

With 35 years in urban education, Linda brings deep experience in teaching, mentoring educators, and designing impactful learning programs. Drawing on lived experience of recovery, she now educates communities on substance use disorder, prevention, and pathways to healing—grounded in the belief that education and understanding save lives.