ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE USE, 

ADDICTION, AND TREATMENT 

with Sarah Bagley, MD

■ Discussion Guide for Families 

This discussion guide is designed for families who are interested in learning up-to-date 

information about addressing substance use and addiction in adolescents and young adults.

Adolescence and young adulthood is a time when many people begin experimenting with 

alcohol and/or drugs. Although this experimentation does not always lead to addiction, 

most adults who have a substance use disorder started using before age 18 and develop 

the disorder by age 20. Drawing from experience as the Medical Director of the CATALYST 

addiction treatment clinic for teens and young adults at Boston Medical Center, Dr. Bagley 

shares the importance of addressing substance use during adolescence and the most 

effective approaches to treating addiction, including opioid addiction. The discussion guide 

can be used in a variety of settings including parent/school association or other school 

meetings, parenting classes and support groups, or in community or faith-based settings. 

Here are a few planning tips:

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Plan for participants to view Dr. Bagley’s videos either in individual segments or all 

together at one time. The videos are on YouTube and are a total of 30 minutes in 

length (divided into shorter segments).

Decide who will facilitate the conversation.

Allow about 30 minutes to discuss the questions. If the group is larger than 10 

people, consider breaking into small groups.

Ask the facilitator to walk through the resource list with the group (and, if possible, to 

review the resources themselves before the session).

■ Discussion Questions 

1. While discussing the importance of addressing substance use in adolescents, Dr. Bagley 

referred to addiction as a “brain disease.” Did this change your thinking about teenagers 

and substance use? How? Will this cause you to respond to substance use in teens 

differently?

2. Teen brains are more susceptible to addiction than adult brains. What are signs of 

addiction in teens? What can parents do when they suspect addiction? 
ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE USE, ADDICTION, AND TREATMENT

Discussion Guide for Families 2 

3. There has been a dramatic increase in opioid addiction and deaths in the United States. 

How many young people are affected? What kinds of effective treatment are available 

for teens and young adults? 

4. The medical community recommends that medications be offered as an option to 

address opioid addiction in teens. Why are medications an important part of treating

opioid addiction in teens? 

5. It is critical that our communities are fully informed about teens, substance use, and 

effective approaches to treating addiction. What information will you share with other 

parents? What information will you share with your children?

■ Additional Resources 

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National Institute on Drug Abuse (Content for for teens, parents, health professionals 

and educators) https://teens.drugabuse.gov/

Partnership for Drug Free Kids (Content for parents, including a warm line, parent

coaching, and online chatting) https://drugfree.org/

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (information 

for providers, patients, and families, including a treatment locator)

https://www.samhsa.gov/

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SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) TTY: 1-800-487-4889. This 

Helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential treatment referral and 

information about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention, and 

recovery in English and Spanish

Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator: Find alcohol, drug, or mental 

health treatment facilities and programs around the country 

https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov

The Association of Recovery Schools (Content for recovery high schools, 

communities, and individuals, and more information about the movement). 

https://recoveryschools.org

The Association of Recovery in Higher Education (Content for collegiate recovery 

programs and communities, parents, students, parents, and professionals). 

https://collegiaterecovery.org/

Young People in Recovery (Content for young people, family members, and 

community supporters about local community-led support chapters and training). 

http://youngpeopleinrecovery.org