• Jim discusses the painful loss of his son to a drug overdose and how it motivates his work with Generation SOS
• Exploring the inception and objectives of Generation SOS
• Jim details the outreach and educational programs aimed at preventing drug abuse among teens
• Discussion on the significant reach of Generation SOS, which helps over 50,000 young people and their families annually through workshops, training, and direct outreach
• Jim explains why Generation SOS focuses on prevention rather than treatment
• The societal and systemic barriers to effective drug abuse prevention, including government inaction and the influence of the pharmaceutical industry
• Jim’s critique of the current state of affairs where more emphasis is placed on treatment rather than preventing drug issues before they start
• How Generation SOS uses relatable, young sober speakers to connect with teens
• The power of personal stories in breaking down barriers and misconceptions about drug abuse

This episode features an interview with:

CEO and Board Member of Generation S.O.S.

Jim has a distinguished career of over four decades, helping organizations across various industries, including nonprofits, achieve significant growth. He has extensive experience in general management, business strategy, marketing, finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Jim has held key roles at Young & Rubicam, Lehman Brothers, and First Boston (Credit Suisse), and co-founded HipCricket.

After the tragic death of his son, Jim devoted himself to addressing adolescent addiction. He has been involved in pioneering initiatives, including the Unite to Face Addiction event and collaborating on the Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health. Currently, Jim is the CEO of Generation S.O.S., which helps teens make life-saving choices about substance misuse and mental health. He holds degrees from Cornell and Harvard and resides in Westport, CT.

Website: https://generationsos.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/generationsosusa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/generationsos/

X: https://twitter.com/generationsosus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/generationsos/

Signs of Drug Use Map: How to Recognize the Warning Signs of Teen Drug Abuse

• Get to know Russ De Vos, a coach dedicated to helping families navigate the tumultuous waters of teen drug abuse

• Russ De Vos shares his own harrowing experience with his son’s drug addiction, from early behavioral challenges to the dire consequences of a failed rehabilitation program

• An overview of the transformative program designed to empower parents in supporting their children’s journey to recovery

• Learning the value of listening, respect, and creating a safe and supportive home environment

• Russ De Vos emphasizes the shift from trying to control to being a model of respect and support for one’s children

• Russ De Vos recommends “Scream-Free Parenting” by Hal Runkel, a pivotal book that influenced his approach to parenting and coaching

• A message of hope and encouragement for families facing the challenges of teen drug abuse, emphasizing the potential for beauty and growth from adversity

• Reflecting on the journey from despair to hope, Russ De Vos and Ziv discuss the potential for beauty and growth that can emerge from the most challenging circumstances

This episode features an interview with:

Catalyst Coaching & Ministries

Mentor to Parents of Drug-Abusing and Delinquent Teens

Russ De Vos, the founder of Catalyst Coaching, is a dedicated coach and mentor specializing in supporting families and individuals grappling with the complexities of teen drug abuse. With a background enriched by personal experience, Russ has navigated the challenging journey of helping his own son combat drug addiction. This profound personal encounter led him to establish Catalyst Coaching, aiming to provide guidance, support, and effective strategies to families facing similar turmoil.

Through his innovative Lifeline program, Russ emphasizes the importance of parental transformation and strategic support systems in fostering a conducive environment for recovery. His approach is characterized by compassion, understanding, and a deep commitment to facilitating lasting change and empowerment for both teens and their families.

devosruss@catalystcoachinghq.com

Catalyst Coaching HQ: Home | The Catalyst (catalystcoachinghq.com)

Lifeline Quick Start Guide: Available for download at Catalyst Coaching HQ Free Guide | The Catalyst (catalystcoachinghq.com)

“Scream-Free Parenting” by Hal Runkel: A must-read for parents navigating the challenges of raising teens.

Signs of Drug Use Map: How to Recognize the Warning Signs of Teen Drug Abuse

• The Teen Drug Abuse Podcast features Jean Farmer, a substance abuse counselor

• Substance abuse is a biopsychosocial disease with multiple contributing factors

• Addiction progresses and can lead to severe consequences

• Treatment options include outpatient programs and court-mandated accountability

• Accountability plays a crucial role in successful treatment

• Parents can set limits, conduct drug tests, and enforce consequences for their teens

• Understanding the impact of substance abuse on the brain’s reward system is important

• Three primary prevention strategies for parents: setting a positive example, maintaining open communication, and monitoring

• Monitoring includes physical searches, searching through the phone, and drug testing

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is recommended as a resource

• Early intervention and addressing underlying issues are key

• Taking mental health issues seriously and treating conditions like ADHD can reduce the risk of substance use disorder

This episode features an interview with:

Published author, speaker, trainer

Jean is a substance abuse counselor with 9 years of experience in direct counseling. Mental health and substance abuse assessments and treatment, counseling and social work in private practice, center-based and community-based programs, academic environments, working with children, teens and adults. Jean has an experience with chemical dependency and other addictions, marriage and parenting, anxiety and depression, and work-related issues including clergy and cross-cultural concerns.

jeanfarmer@me.com

Jean A. Farmer | LinkedIn

NIDA.NIH.GOV | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Signs of Drug Use Map: How to Recognize the Warning Signs of Teen Drug Abuse