1.
John D Lieberman, MA I/O Psych
Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers
visionsteen.com

2.
ies who are struggling with substance ab

3.
UCLA Loneliness Scale 3
All Survey Questions
1. How often do you feel that you are “in tune” with the people around you?
2. How often do you feel that you lack companionship?
3. How often do you feel that there is no one you can turn to?
4. How often do you feel alone?
5. How often do you feel part of a group of friends?
6. How often do you feel that you have a lot in common with the people around you?
7. How often do you feel that you are no longer close to anyone?
8. How often do you feel that your interests and ideas are not shared by those around you?
9. How often do you feel outgoing and friendly?
10.How often do you feel close to people?
11.How often do you feel left out?
12.How often do you feel that your relationships with others are not meaningful?
13.How often do you feel that no one really knows you well?
14.How often do you feel isolated from others?
15.How often do you feel that you can find companionship when you want it?
16.How often do you feel that there are people who really understand you?
17.How often do you feel shy?
18.How often do you feel that people are around you but not with you?
19.How often do you feel that there are people you can talk to?
20.How often do you feel that there are people you can turn to?

4.
“Adolescence is
the critical
period during
which
marijuana use
can be
damaging.”
“Long-term use of cannabis destroys dopamine, the
feel-good chemical in the brain that inspires get-up-
and-go.” Imperial College London
University School of Medicine

5.
ana use is on the rise. All other substance use is at the lowest in about 20

6.
The most recent information from “Monitoring the Future Survey”

7.
Overdose deaths continue to rise for the past 3 years.

8.
That is 134 deaths a day from opioids.

9.
191 deaths each day from drug overdose in the US.

10.
The greatest risk for addiction and
addiction-related consequences is
at the age of first use.
The best place to start addressing
this issue…
is at home and at school.

11.
Secrets

12.
LONELINESS
ALIENATION
ISOLATION
LOST
DISCONNECTED

13.
Recently my nephew was diagnosed
with type 1 diabetes. His family got
together over dinner and discussed how
this will affect him and their family.
They made a list of family, friends,
teachers and healthcare professionals
they would contact over the next few
days.

14.
What happens when a family learns
that their son or daughter has a
substance abuse issue?
They generally withdraw and
become isolated and alone.

15.
Last month my UBER driver told me about his
son. “My son always did well. He met this girl
and his world got turned upside down. My son
became suicidal and it took two years for him to
get out of it.”
Then he said, “I don’t understand. What did I
do wrong? I raised him right.”
Dad's first thought was to question what he had
done wrong. Substance abuse and mental
health issues carry such a heavy weight of
shame and self-blame for parents and family
members.

16.
Family is the ultimate “safe” place to
find comfort, companionship and
emotional support.
But when loved ones discover
substance abuse or mental health
issues are affecting someone in the
family…home can become a
lonely place.

17.
Loneliness is suffering.
Suffering affects the whole
person.
Studies show that
loneliness may be as
hazardous as smoking.

18.
Families come in all shapes and sizes.

19.
Group rage will never create a sense of belonging.
stake “fitting in” for belonging. Twitter, Facebook, blogs
We do not have to change to “belong”
We change ourselves to “fit in”

20.
Who knows me?
How can I (or we) make meaning of
something that makes no sense?
I may never have an answer as to Why…
n. Connecting through shared experiences creates conn

21.
Addiction is a disease
of alienation and self-
destruction.
Alienation also seems
to be contagious.

22.
Addiction is a disease of alienation.
Stigma… Fear… Shame… Guilt
all contribute to the pervasive loneliness of
the addict and the family experience.

23.
Letting go with love?
“THE SPIRITUALITY OF
TAKING ACTION!” DEBRA JAY, AUTHOR
INTERVENTIONST
Taking action is healing.

24.
John D Lieberman, MA
Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers
visionsteen.com