Postcard Pointers: Addiction Prevention & Support
When responding to youth impacted by addiction there is often a series of complex factors contributing to these moments of human connection & support. As a caregiver, frontline worker, support professional, or camp partner – we recognize the need for resources that can be easily referenced and shared. Designed by Eluna’s diligent programmatic teams, we are proud to present these pocket-size postcard pointers with top tips from the field of substance use disorder.
You are welcome to print the Addiction Prevention & Support postcard pointers and distribute freely or you can purchase a set of pre-printed postcards from Eluna to be shipped directly to you or a community organization.
Substance Use Disorder Prevention & Support
Pointers:
- Reassure youth that they are valued and it is not their fault
- Use person-first language that recognizes addiction as a disease & public health issue “_____ is struggling with a substance use disorder”
- Show respect toward the person struggling with a substance use disorder & support the youth’s connection to that person
- Model & encourage healthy routines & activities that bring joy
- Provide prevention support by talking about risks, setting clear expectations, staying engaged & intervening early
- Consider prevention & mentorship programs – like Camp Mariposa
- Check in regularly & stay involved, offering support & an open door
- Welcome questions & LISTEN! LISTEN! LISTEN!
Things to Avoid:
- Stigmatizing language that produces judgment, such as “addict” or “drug abuser”
- Prying without first building trust – start by spending time together and showing interest
- Expecting youth to take on ‘parenting’ or ‘caregiving’ roles instead of receiving care
Click here to see the full postcard pointer series
This resource and all materials contained therein are the property of eluna and its licensors and are protected by intellectual property laws. You shall not remove, destroy, replace, or modify any proprietary rights notices or markings from all or any portion of this resource or any copy thereof, including, without limitation, any trademarks, trade names, trade dress, service marks, logos or other similar branding material and any copyright notices. You shall not place any proprietary rights notices or markings or other branding material on all or any portion of this resource or any copy thereof without the express prior written consent of Eluna.
