Prevent Teen Drinking and Impaired Driving: Expert Tips from MADD CEO to Keep Your Teen Safe

Dr. Cam Caswell sits down with Stacey D. Stewart, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), to discuss the critical issue of underage drinking and impaired driving. Stacey highlights the ongoing dangers of these issues and the devastating impact they can have on families. She emphasizes that parents play a key role in prevention through open, ongoing conversations with their teens. Stacey encourages parents to provide resources and information to help their children make informed decisions and understand the consequences of alcohol and substance use. Modeling responsible behavior and seeking help if a child struggles with substance use is also key.

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• The lasting dangers of underage drinking and impaired driving, and how parents can help prevent them.
• Why ongoing, open communication with teens is crucial for prevention.
• Practical resources and tips for parents to help their teens make informed choices about alcohol and substance use.
• How parents can model responsible behavior to reinforce the importance of safe choices.
• The importance of addressing mental health concerns and seeking help when necessary.

 

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS

• Underage drinking and impaired driving remain serious issues with severe consequences.
• Parents can prevent these dangers by maintaining open communication with their teens and providing educational resources.
• Modeling responsible behavior is essential for guiding teens toward making better decisions.
• Early conversations about alcohol and substance use should begin as early as elementary school.
• If a teen is struggling with substance use, parents should seek support and resources immediately.

 

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• MADD's digital Power of Parents handbook

 

EPISODE CHAPTERS

• 00:00 Introduction and the Importance of Prevention
• 03:39 The Disconnect Between Knowledge and Action
• 06:34 Starting the Conversation Early
• 11:31 Continuing the Conversation and Reinforcing the Dangers
• 18:39 Creating a Plan for Safe Transportation
• 26:27 Modeling Responsible Behavior and Addressing Mental Health

 

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Stacey D. Stewart

• Website: MADD Website
• Instagram: @MADDNational
• Facebook: MADD Official Facebook
• LinkedIn: Stacey D. Stewart LinkedIn
• X (Twitter): @MADDOnline
• YouTube: MADD YouTube Channel
• TikTok: @MADDNational

 

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell

• Website: AskDrCam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• TikTok: @the.teen.translator
• YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
• Facebook: @DrCamCaswell

 

FULL TRANSCRIPT  

Dr. Cam (00:01.026)

The thought of your teen making a life -altering mistake because of alcohol is terrifying. We know that underage drinking can lead to devastating consequences, from impaired driving accidents to the dangerous combination of alcohol with other drugs. But here's the thing, these tragedies are entirely preventable. To help us navigate these tough topics, I am joined by Stacey D. Stewart, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving or MADD. Stacey is going to share how we as parents can address these fears take action and keep our teens safe from the dangers of drinking and driving. Stacey, welcome to the show.

 

Stacey D. Stewart (00:37.837)

Thank for having me.

 

Dr. Cam (00:39.182)

Absolutely, Kaso. I always love starting with a backstory. So what inspired you to get involved with MAD?

 

Stacey D. Stewart (00:47.544)

You know, my whole career has kind of been defined by leading and working in organizations that are doing good in society and doing good for others. It's my career