Working with parents & families

Volatile substance use (VSU) affects not only the user but also parents, families and significant others. Often parents and close family members live in the same house as the drug user and are exposed to negative behaviours related to VSU such as lying, moodiness, aggression, psychosis, criminal activity or antisocial behaviours. Parents and families may also be concerned for the person's general health and well-being.

Parents and significant others may feel a range of emotions about their child’s or other family member’s VSU including feelings of guilt, fear, anger and powerlessness. Feelings of stigma and shame can make it difficult for parents and families to reach out for help.

For more information about how to work with parents and families, see the following pages of this website:

List of related resources laid out in a table.
KEY RESOURCES YEAR ID #
link

Talking about alcohol and other drugs

Australian Drug Foundation. Drug information website page with general drug information for parents about drugs, young people and preventing harm.

Tags Parents & families | Publication

2016 ADF-3
document

Sniffing and chroming: A guide for parents and carers worried about their children

Drug and Alcohol Office, WA. Strong Spirit Strong Mind resource. Designed for Aboriginal parents and families concerned about their young person's use of volatile substances.

Tags Parents & families | pdf 1.2 MB

2014 DAO-3
document

Inhalant use: A guide for parents and families

Drug and Alcohol Office, WA. A guide for parents and families concerned about their young person's use of volatile substances. Suitable for urban-based families.

Tags Parents & families | pdf 415.3 KB

2014 DAO-4
document

About inhalant abuse - Information for parents and community members

Department of Human Services, Victoria. A series of three books and a poster. Suitable for work with Aboriginal people. Part of a series of resources (see also DHSV-1A; DHSV-1B; DHSV-1C).

Tags Communities | pdf 551.5 KB

2003 DHSV-1D

See other Parents and families-related resources from the Resource Library of this website.