How Self-Medication Theory, Prochaska's Stages of Change & Harm Reduction Can Improve Outcomes for System Involved Youth

Dr. Lauren Szyper

Training Description

The focus of this training is to better understand how heightened stress and mental health challenges that system involved youth and families face can lead them to turn to food, substance use, and other repetitive behaviors as a way of attempting to soothe themselves. The Self-Medication Theory and Prochaska’s Stages of Change in conjunction with Meyer’s Minority Stress Model will be covered as ways to conceptualize and better understand this way of self-soothing.

Learning Objectives

● Participants will learn about the common reasons at-risk system involved youth and families turn to food, substances, or other habitual activities as a way of attempting to cope

● Participants will learn the difference between use and abuse.