Bullying and Pressure: The Hidden Triggers of Substance Use

Description

Jodie Sweetin and Krystal Lewis, a clinical psychologist at National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), are joined by special guest Jodee Blanco, a prominent anti-bullying advocate and renowned author, to tackle the hidden triggers of substance use tied to bullying during Anti-Bullying Week for this week’s episode called “Bullying and Pressure: The Hidden Triggers of Substance Use”. They explore the link between bullying and drug use, emphasizing the emotional toll on victims. Jodee defines bullying's aggressive nature and discusses the signs that bullying might be happening, shedding light on isolation and various bullying forms.

The episode also addresses the challenging situation of discovering that your child is the bully, advocating for empathy and sharing personal anecdotes to navigate this complex issue. Practical steps for parents are highlighted, from documenting incidents to promoting acts of kindness. The hosts delve into the influence of peer pressure on bullying and offer valuable advice on supporting children who struggle to fit in, encouraging open dialogue and self-discovery. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on "Bullying and Pressure: The Hidden Triggers of Substance Use," aiming to raise awareness and provide solutions for a pressing issue impacting today's youth.

Key Takeaways:

Bullying involves repetitive aggressive behavior that harms others.
Victims of bullying may face drug use, isolation, and self-doubt.
Various forms of bullying are discussed, including physical, verbal, and social bullying.
Practical steps to address bullying include documentation, empathy promotion, and encouraging kindness.
Supporting children who don't fit in involves communication, listening, and self-discovery opportunities.
Bullying is a persistent issue requiring ongoing attention and intervention; being a positive role model is crucial.

Jodie Sweetin is an actress, author, and advocate, best known for her role as Stephanie Tanner on the iconic sitcom "Full House" and its sequel "Fuller House". In 2009 she penned her memoir, "unSweetined", which chronicles her journey through addiction and into recovery. With her frank and open approach, Jodie has emerged as a compelling speaker and advocate who now seeks to use her platform and experiences to educate others and reduce the stigma associated with addiction and recovery. @jodiesweetin

Dr. Krystal M. Lewis is a licensed Clinical Psychologist at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). She received her PhD from Virginia Tech and completed clinical training at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Dr. Lewis is passionate about the provision of clinical care, training, and mentorship and uses culturally informed, developmentally appropriate, and evidence-based approaches. Her clinical and research interests are focused on identifying mechanisms of change in psychological treatment for pediatric anxiety disorders. She has a small private practice where she provides assessment, treatment and psychoeducational testing to children, adolescents, and adults. She is a Board member for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and a member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. @DrKrystalLewis

Jodee Blanco is the author of the seminal NY Times bestseller Please Stop Laughing at Me…. that established her as anti-bullying’s first voice. One of education’s most trusted experts, she has presented to thousands of students, teachers and parents. Administrators turn to her regularly for professional development and to implement her anti-bullying program in their schools. She also consults on enlightened communication practices and crisis management for schools. In addition to her memoir, she has written multiple other successful books, a series of critically acclaimed white papers on bullying, and taught at The University of Chicago and NYU. The media use her regularly as a resource and her life story has been featured in hundreds of newspapers in the U.S. and abroad. Her anti-bullying program INJJA (It’s NOT Just Joking Around!), that consists of live presentations, extensive professional development and a comprehensive curriculum continues to redefine the possibilities for curbing suffering in schools worldwide. For more info, visit www.jodeeblanco.com

Elks: As a 150-year-old organization, they are 100% inclusive with a membership of close to 1 million diverse men and women in over 2,000 Lodges nationally, and while they consider themselves faith based, they are nondenominational and open to all creeds. The Elks have always prided themselves on civic duty, and the Elks Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program is the nation's largest all volunteer Kids Drug & Alcohol Use Prevention program. The Elks are also strong supporters of our brave men and women in the military, having built and donated the nation's first VA Hospital to the U.S. government. The Elks have donated more than $3.6 billion in cash, goods, and services to enrich the lives of millions of people!

DEA: The United States Drug Enforcement Administration was created in 1973 by President Nixon after the government noticed an alarming rise in recreational drug use and drug-related crime. A division of the Department of Justice, DEA enforces controlled substances laws by apprehending offenders to be prosecuted for criminal and civil crimes. DEA is the largest and most effective antidrug organization in the world, with 241 domestic locations in 23 field divisions and 93 international field divisions in 69 countries.