New Handbook Aims to Support Caregivers of Youth Facing Substance Abuse
Addressing Community Needs
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has launched a new initiative designed to assist those caring for young people struggling with substance abuse. Central to this effort is the "Parents Like Us" handbook, which targets parents and guardians but also extends its relevance to a broader audience.
Background and Development
Released in June, the handbook was developed under the expertise of Stephanie Diebolt, a public health nurse on the health unit’s substance use health team. The resource is an adaptation of an original publication created by parents in Victoria, BC. Local research highlighted a significant need for a similar tool to support caregivers within the Thunder Bay community.
“We know youth in the Thunder Bay district continue to face lots of pressures like mental health, toxic drug supply, community violence, et cetera,” Diebolt explains. The adaptation process involved collaboration with caregivers to ensure the handbook meets the local context and needs.
Who Is It For?
While primarily aimed at caregivers of teenagers up to about 30 years old, Diebolt insists the handbook’s insights apply to a wider audience, including grandparents, siblings, and other support figures. “We’ve actually realized that it’s been great for any caregiver … supporting a person with substance use, including caregivers and parents of adult children,” she shares.
Content Overview
The "Parents Like Us" handbook is structured into nine informative chapters, each addressing various aspects of substance use. Topics covered include:
- Fundamental Understanding: A foundational overview of substance use.
- Identifying Problems: Guidance on recognizing when substance use may be becoming problematic.
- Overdoses: Essential information on recognizing and responding to overdoses.
- Navigating Systems: Tips for engaging with healthcare systems and resources.
- Self-Care: Strategies for caregivers to take care of their own mental health while supporting others.
- Family Relationships: Approaches to maintaining healthy family dynamics in the face of substance challenges.
A Unique Contribution: Youth Voices
One of the standout features of the handbook is a chapter dedicated to youth voices, filled with artwork and insights from young people who have lived experience with substance use. Diebolt emphasizes the importance of this perspective:
“They got to tell us how they want to be supported,” she says, noting this unique aspect elevates the voices of youth in a way that is both authentic and empowering. This chapter showcases what has worked for these young individuals and their needs, directly addressing the caregivers reading it.
Bridging Communication Gaps
A crucial goal of the handbook is to break down the communication barriers that often exist between caregivers and the youth they’re supporting. Diebolt acknowledges that many young people feel judged or ashamed when approaching their families for help. “Oftentimes youth, so they’ve told us, they feel a lot of judgment and shame going to their families for support,” she notes.
The hope is that the handbook will catalyze conversations around substance use that are rooted in empathy and support, rather than judgment. “Our hope is that caregivers feel less alone and more supported and better equipped to help their youth safely,” Diebolt asserts.
Accessibility of the Resource
The "Parents Like Us" handbook is easily accessible, available online and in print for free at all Thunder Bay District Health Unit offices across the region. In addition, the handbook has been distributed to various family and youth-centered organizations, making it a valuable resource for a broad range of caregivers.
Empowering Caregivers and Youth
In a world where discussions around substance use can often be stigmatized, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s initiative is a progressive step toward fostering understanding and support. By providing practical tools and insights, they aim to empower caregivers and youth alike to navigate the challenges of substance use with empathy and connection at the forefront.
