FEAR: Addiction and FASD

How can I help my Young Adult with FASD Avoid Addiction

As a parent of a young adult with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), you play a crucial role in helping your child navigate the challenges of life, including the risk of addiction. Here are some key strategies to consider:

1. Understand the Unique Challenges of FASD

• FASD affects how the brain processes information and regulates emotions, making your child more vulnerable to stress and impulsive behaviors.
• Your young adult may struggle with decision-making and understanding consequences, which can increase the risk of substance use.
• Recognizing that certain behaviors are symptoms of brain differences, not willful misconduct, can help you respond more effectively.

2. Focus on Building Strengths

• Every person with FASD has unique talents and abilities that can be nurtured and developed.
• Encouraging your child’s strengths can boost self-esteem and provide healthy alternatives to substance use.
• Help your young adult find activities and interests that align with their strengths, providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

3. Create a Supportive Environment

• A stable, structured home environment can help reduce stress and minimize triggers for substance use.
• Clear, consistent routines and expectations can help your young adult feel more secure and in control.
• Surround your child with understanding friends and family who can provide positive social support.

4. Educate About Substance Use Risks

• Explain how alcohol and drugs can affect the brain, especially for someone with FASD.
• Discuss the potential consequences of substance use in concrete, easy-to-understand terms.
• Be open and honest about your concerns, creating a safe space for your child to ask questions and share their thoughts.

5. Develop Coping Strategies Together

• Work with your young adult to identify healthy ways to manage stress and difficult emotions.
• Practice problem-solving skills to help them navigate challenging situations without turning to substances.
• Encourage the use of self-regulation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises.

6. Seek Professional Help

• Consider working with a therapist or counselor who specializes in FASD and addiction prevention.
• Look for support groups where your young adult can connect with peers who understand their challenges.
• Don’t hesitate to reach out to addiction specialists if you notice signs of substance use problems.

Prevention is key, but if your young adult does struggle with addiction, early intervention can make a significant difference. Stay involved, be patient, and never give up hope. With the right support and understanding, your child can lead a fulfilling life free from addiction.

Some ways parents can help their young adults with FASD identify and leverage their strengths:

1. Recognize the importance of strengths:
   • Understand that everyone with FASD has strengths, gifts, talents, and interests.
   • Acknowledge that these strengths can help individuals adapt, overcome challenges, and contribute to the world.
   • Remember that strengths can be a reason to keep going when times are tough.
2. Help identify unique strengths:
   • Observe and discuss your young adult’s natural abilities and interests.
   • Encourage self-reflection on what activities they enjoy and excel at.
   • Look for patterns in their successes and positive experiences.
3. Focus on strengths as a foundation:
   • Use identified strengths as a basis for developing coping strategies and accommodations.
   • Encourage your young adult to build on their strengths when facing challenges.
   • Help them see how their unique abilities can contribute to their personal and professional life.
4. Develop accommodations based on strengths:
   • Work with your young adult to create “workarounds” that leverage their strengths.
   • Use their talents and interests to find alternative ways to manage difficult tasks or situations.
   • Encourage creative problem-solving that utilizes their unique abilities.
5. Promote a strength-based perspective:
   • Shift focus from deficits to strengths when discussing challenges.
   • Celebrate and reinforce moments when they successfully use their strengths.
   • Help them reframe negative self-perceptions by highlighting their positive qualities.
6. Use tools like the Whole Person Wheel
   (A good description is in Sip by Sip 2nd Edition by Patti Kasper:
   • Utilize assessment tools that provide a comprehensive view of functioning, including strengths.
   • Help your young adult visualize how their strengths contribute to different aspects of their life.
   • Use these tools to identify areas where strengths can be applied to improve challenging areas.
7. Encourage exploration and growth:
   • Support your young adult in pursuing activities and experiences that align with their strengths.
   • Provide opportunities for them to develop and showcase their talents.
   • Help them find environments where their strengths are valued and can flourish.

Identifying and leveraging strengths is an ongoing process.

Be patient and supportive as your young adult discovers and develops their unique abilities. By focusing on strengths, you can help build their self-esteem, resilience, and ability to navigate life’s challenges more effectively.