Alcohol remains the predominant choice among teens who experiment with substances. Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines are a close second – quickly becoming the fastest growing form of substance abuse today. Yet, many young people continue to test the limits and experiment with everything from household chemical inhalants to illegal drugs, despite the overwhelming evidence they damage the developing brain.
What’s a parent to do? How can they learn to talk openly with their kids and protect them from the devastating damage of substance abuse? What are the warning signs and how can parents be prepared to confront the issue?
Dr. Anthony Vitiello, Ph.D., a well-known and respected licensed clinical psychologist with Associated Psychological Services, P.C., will present the latest facts regarding teens and substance abuse at the RVA Parents Forum Series on Tuesday, November 11 at 6 p.m. at the Richmond Children’s Museum-Short Pump location. Dr. Vitiello will equip parents with common sense communication skills, review warning signs of potential problems, and offer solutions to help them during this challenging time of experimentation.
“Research shows that kids who have supportive relationships with parents and open lines of communication are less likely to use drugs and alcohol,” said Liz Pearce, director of parent engagement at the Children’s Museum of Richmond.
Commonwealth Parenting is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary and new partnership with the Children’s Museum of Richmond by presenting the RVA Parents Forum Series, bringing together experts and family educators with parents to address challenging issues ranging from bullying, alcohol, drugs, and sex to divorce, technology, and dealing with stress.
The RVA Parents Forum Series will be held the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Children’s Museum of Richmond-Short Pump location, 2200 Old Brick Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060. The six-part series kicked off October 14, 2014 and will run through April 14, 2015. Cost is $30 per class and includes dinner, class, parenting experts, and interactive Q&A session. Babysitting is available, reservations required. Please call 804-545-1272.
