I know we’re all concerned about substance abuse in this country and its detrimental effects. For myself, it’s even more concerning, both as a parent and child and adolescent therapist, the number of children and teens who are abusing alcohol and drugs.

As concerned as we are, we’re often afraid to see the truth…to think that it’ even possible that our kids could be abusing drugs and alcohol. A parent’s response, “Not my child”, may not be true. We’re often even unaware of the signs to look for.

So parents, I wanted to begin a conversation to help educate all of us about teen substance abuse and the important role that you play in your childrens’ lives and choices that they are making. I believe as Maya Angelou says, “When we know better we do better”.

I’ve invited my guest, Viktoriya Magid PhD, to join my conversation today. After completing her psychology internship at the Medical University of South Carolina, she joined the faculty in The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences as an Assistant Professor in 2009. Her clinical and research interests include the etiology, prevention, and treatment of substance use and co-occurring disorders in adolescents and young adults. Dr. Magid provides individual and group psychotherapy to adolescents and adults through the Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs outpatient clinic and the Institute of Psychiatry inpatient units. She is the Founding Director of a substance use adolescent outpatient program, “ASSET”, offering individual, family, and group psychotherapy for teens with substance use problems. Dr. Magid delivers talks and workshops about addiction and adolescent substance use trends to mental health professionals, interns, residents, and local schools in the area. Treatment and prevention of substance abuse among adolescents is her passion.