Author: Joe Tracey, Way Out West Coalition

When someone is struggling with substance use, the conversation often starts with a label: addict, junkie, a lost cause. Sometimes it starts with a question: “Why don’t they just stop?”

Those words may come from fear, anger, or exhaustion. Families living with substance use disorder have often been hurt. Promises may have been broken. Trust may be gone. We do no one a favor by pretending those things haven’t happened.

But…we also need to ask what happens when a person believes everyone has already decided who they are.  Those labels that define that person’s identity.

Stigma is the shame and judgment attached to a condition or experience. For someone with a substance use disorder, it can make an already difficult step—admitting there is a problem—even harder. Fear of judgment can keep people from telling family members what is happening or seeking care.

Compassion and accountability can go together

Reducing stigma does not mean excusing harmful behavior. A person is responsible for the choices they make and for the work of recovery. That may include seeking treatment, being honest, following through, and taking steps to repair harm where possible. Some relationships take time to rebuild and that includes the relationship with one’s self as they work through admitting they need help and start the recovery process.

Families also have the right to set boundaries. They can say, “I care about you, and I cannot give you money,” or “I want to support your recovery, and you cannot stay here while you are using.” A boundary can protect someone’s safety and well-being without declaring that their loved one is beyond help.

The difference is between holding a person accountable for what they do and treating their struggle as their entire identity. Substance use disorder is a treatable health condition, though its effects on work, home, and relationships can be serious. We can take both truths seriously.

Families carry the weight, too

Substance use disorder rarely affects one person alone. Parents may lose sleep wondering if a child is safe. Partners may be managing bills, broken trust, and difficult decisions. Children may sense that something is wrong without understanding why. Families can feel ashamed to talk about any of it.

They deserve support, too. A family should be able to say, “We need help,” without fearing that others will blame them for everything that has happened.

Words can leave room for change

Calling someone “a person with a substance use disorder” may seem like a small change. It does not erase what they have done or remove their responsibility. It does remind us that a diagnosis or a painful chapter is not the whole person. The CDC recommends this kind of person-first language because words can reinforce stigma and negative bias.

We can be direct and respectful at the same time:

“I’m worried about your substance use. I’ve seen how it is affecting you and our family. I want you to get help.”

That is an honest conversation. It names the harm, asks for action, and leaves the door open to recovery.

If we want more people to ask for help, we need to make it possible to have that conversation. We can speak honestly about substance use, hold people accountable, support families, and still believe change is possible.

Maybe the way we talk about it is part of the problem. It can also be part of the solution.

If you or someone in your family needs help, visit FindTreatment.gov or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). The helpline offers confidential treatment referrals and information for individuals and families.

Author: Stephanie Siete, Executive Director (3PC)

As another school year begins, let it begin with the most valuable thing you can give your teen: a belief in their future. Start the school year by having conversations about dreams instead of just grades. Ask your teen what they hope to accomplish this year. What are they excited about? What challenges do they expect? Whether they dream of playing sports, performing in the school musical, attending college, learning a trade, or simply making new friends… help them see how today’s choices influence tomorrow’s opportunities. Want to add more value? Turn those dreams into written goals for the year and review them at the end of each grading period. (It is important to keep in mind these are their goals, not yours.)   

Encourage your teen to surround themselves with positive friends who support their goals instead of distracting them from them. Remind teens that real confidence comes from making decisions they can be proud of—not from following the crowd. Celebrate effort, resilience, kindness, and responsibility just as much as academic success. 

Most importantly, take advantage of available times to connect. Family dinners, rides to school, walks with the dog, or even a few uninterrupted minutes before bed create opportunities for meaningful conversations. Teens may not always show it, but they are listening. They notice your support, your consistency, and your belief in them. 

Parents and grandparents play an incredibly powerful role in that journey. Research consistently shows that teens who feel connected to caring adults, have clear family expectations, and believe they have a bright future are more likely to make healthy choices and avoid risky behaviors like alcohol, vaping, marijuana, and other drugs. Goal setting is a great way to make that connection!  

This school year, let’s challenge our teens to dream big, stay focused, and make choices that move them closer to the future they want. Every positive decision builds confidence, character, and resilience. Together, families and communities can empower young people to succeed in school, achieve their goals, and build healthy, substance-free lives. 

Author: Stephanie Siete, Executive Director (3PC)

Parents spend lots of time talking to their kids about what to avoid—drugs, alcohol, vaping, making poor decisions, etc. While these conversations are necessary, another conversation may be even more important: helping teens discover what matters most. 

One of the most meaningful concepts in prevention is this: the opposite of addiction is (not simply sobriety)— it is connection. 

Teens who feel connected to people, goals, hobbies, pets, sports, music, faith, or their future are often more motivated to protect those things. When young people have something they care deeply about, they are more likely to pause before making decisions that put those connections at risk. 

Think about a teen who loves their dog, dreams of becoming a nurse, plays on a team, volunteers in the community, or spends hours creating music. These connections create purpose, identity, and belonging. They provide healthy rewards (or natural highs!) that can replace the “buzz” of drugs or risky behaviors. 

Parents can help foster protective factors/connections by having simple but impactful open-ended conversations. Instead of asking, "How was school?" try asking:

• What are you most excited about right now? 

• What goals do you have for yourself this year? 

• Who do you feel closest to? 

• What makes you feel proud of yourself? 

These questions help teens reflect on what matters most to them and can strengthen their bonds that influence healthy decision-making. 

It’s important to remember connection does not require perfection. Teens do not need to be star athletes, honor students, or social leaders. They simply need opportunities to feel valued, supported, and connected. Sometimes that connection comes from a parent who listens without judgment, a trusted coach, a beloved pet, the faith community, or a future goal. 

Drug prevention is not only about teaching young people what to avoid or refuse. It’s also about helping them discover what really matters. Help teens find their purpose and passion. When they have meaningful connections, they gain something worth protecting—and that can make all the difference in the choices they make.

New Meeting Location and Time

Peoria's 2024 G.A.I.N Night was a huge success! We were able to distribute Narcan and educational resources to many families.