How to Support Teens Struggling with Substance Use

It’s never too early to start an honest conversation with teens about substance use. In this episode of Health Talks, we sit down with Dr. Maria Rahmandar, an attending physician in Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at Lurie Children's Hospital and the founding medical director of their Substance Use and Prevention Program. Dr. Rahmandar shares her personal and professional journey into adolescent substance use treatment, including how a family tragedy shaped her commitment to this work. 

We dive into timely and complex issues from the evolving potency of cannabis and the rise of nicotine vapes to the intersection of mental health and substance use among teens. Dr. Rahmandar offers practical insights for providers, emphasizing empathy, harm reduction, and the importance of building trust. She also discusses how social media plays a dual role in both connection and risk, and shares strategies for engaging youth in meaningful, nonjudgmental conversations about their health. Whether you're a provider, caregiver, or advocate, this episode is a powerful guide to supporting young people with compassion and clarity.

As Dr. Rahmandar reminds us: “It is really important to celebrate those successes, live in the moment, and be proud of people for the hard work they’ve done.”