Our #1 suggestion for anyone looking to provide intervention around substance use, especially of a young person, is to ask "Why?" Why are you choosing to use substances? Why are you needing something to alter your brain, alter your experiences of today, alter your perceptions of the world around you, alter yourself? Parents often jump to "Who were you with?" "What did you use?", "Where did you get it?" and skip "Why?" entirely.
Be careful not to assume that you know the reasons. Be open to the possibility that things going on in their life that you aren't fully aware of, or understand. Listen with an open mind, and accept their experience is their own.
We strongly encourage you to talk with your loved one about why.
Teens or young adults looking to quit smoking or vaping
To quit vaping or smoking, teens and young adults ages 13-24 can visit thetruth.com or text “DITCHVAPE” to 88709 This is Quitting is an anonymous vaping cessation program that combines age-appropriate advice, cognitive and behavioral coping strategies, and social support to help young people feel motivated, inspired, and supported throughout their quitting journey. First launched in 2019, This is Quitting was developed with input from teens, college students, and young adults who have attempted to, or successfully, quit e-cigarettes. The program uses text messages — tailored by age, e-cigarette product usage, and stage of quit journey — to show the reality of quitting — the ups and the downs.
If you are looking for intervention supports, we recommend looking at the Partnership to End Addiction, they have a number of supports, including a Risk Assessment Survey that may help you determine the level of need your child is currently facing.