Discussing  Substance  Abuse:  
 
Around  the  Table   Effective    
 
Talking  about  substance  abuse  is  never  an  easy  
conversation,  but  through  utilizing  certain  resources  
The  Around  the  Table  initiative  is  based  on  18+  years   Communication  
of  studies  by  the  National  Center  for  Addiction  and    
and  taking  the  right  approach,  the  conversation  can  
Substance  Abuse  at  Columbia  University,  which   Importance  of  Family  Communication:  
be  facilitated.      
found  a  link  between  the  frequency  of  family  dinners    
 
and  positive  behaviors-­‐lower  rates  of  teen   Building  a  strong  relationship  within  one’s  family  
1.    Show  you  disapprove  of  underage  drinking  and  
pregnancy,  depression,  higher  grade  point  averages   requires  effective  communication.  By  
substance  abuse.  
and  greater  self-­‐esteem.   intentionally  working  to  create  an  open  
2.    Show  you  care  about  your  child’s  happiness  and  
  atmosphere  that  invites  family  members  to  
well-­‐being.  
Modeled  after  the  Family  Dinner  Project  and   communicate  with  one  another,  children  and  
3.    Show  you  are  a  good  source  of  information  about  
GoodWork  Project  at  Harvard  University,  Porter   adults  will  be  more  likely  to  discuss  what’s  on  
alcohol  and  other  drugs.  
County’s  Around  the  Table  will  offer  support  for   their  mind.    
4.    Show  you  are  paying  attention  and  that  you  will  
families  to  help  them  come  together  more    
notice  if  your  child  is  using  alcohol  or  other  
frequently  and  to  engage  in  more  meaningful   If  effective  communication  begins  when  children  
substances.  
conversations.   are  very  young,  those  children  will  be  more  likely  
5.    Build  your  child’s  skills  for  avoiding  peer  pressure  
  to  open  up  to  parents  during  their  adolescent  
to  engage  in  drinking,  substance  abuse  or  other  risky  
Around  the  Table  creates  opportunities  to   years.  It  is  never  too  early  to  discuss  family  
behaviors.  
strengthen  relationships  at  home  by  providing   beliefs  and  values  and  to  set  family  goals  
   
resources  that  foster  compassionate  dialogue  and   together.    
 
resilient  relationships.  
  Tip    
  Children  should  feel  free  to  discuss  any  topic  or  
  Keep  it  low  k ey.  Don’t  worry;  you  won’t  have  
  ask  any  question  about  something  they  don’t  
  to  get  everything  a cross  in  one  conversation.  
  understand.  Adults,  in  turn,  should  provide  age  
  Many  small  talks  are  better.  
  appropriate  open  and  honest  answers  the  child’s  
 
  question.  
 
   
 
 
For  a  more  complete  discussion  of  this  topic,  visit   Communication  Defined:  
 
http://www.samsha.gov.    Go  to  “Talk  They  Listen”.      
 
This  is  an  excellent  resource!   Family  members  should  talk  with  one  another.  
 
  They  should  share  good  news  with  each  other  
For  more  information  about  becoming  involved,  
Helpful  Resources:   as  well  as  discuss  things  that  are  bothering  
contact  Kaye  Frataccia  at  219  242-­‐3977  
•   www.casacolumbia.org     them.  Equally  as  important  as  talking  is  
 
•   www.pal.ua.edu   listening.  Listening  shows  respect.  It  shows  that  
Visit  us  at  empowerpc.org  
•   www.advocatesforyouth.org   the  feelings  of  others  are  valuable  and  
Or  follow  us  on  facebook.com/AroundTheTablePC  
•   www.thefamilydinnerproject.org   important.  No  questions  are  inappropriate  and  
and  Twitter  (@EmpowerPC)  
•   www.healthychildren.org   no  opinions  are  disrespected.    
•   www.samhsa.gov   No  subject  should  be  considered  off  limits.