logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2024
13m 27s

The Reality of Teen Drug Use

MARK GREGSTON
About this episode

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the critical issue of teen drug use, offering insights on why some teens turn to substances and reminding parents that no one is immune to this challenge. They highlight key signs to watch for and emphasize the importance of NOT assuming it could never happen to your child. With compassion and practical advice, they guide parents on how to respond effectively if they discover their teen is using drugs, providing steps for both prevention and intervention.

If your teen is struggling, we invite you to learn more about Heartlight Ministries by visiting heartlightministries.org

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org.

Up next
May 8
I Mustache Mark a Question: Grief, Guardianship and Growing Up Too Soon
When family life gets complicated, teens can feel lost, misunderstood or pushed away. In today's show, Mark answers questions from listeners facing challenging family situations, including coping with the loss of a parent, handling strained relationships after divorce and support ... Show More
24m 53s
May 7
How to Get Your Teen to Actually Listen
Do your conversations with your teen turn into debates, shutdowns or eye rolls? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore why teens often resist opinions, but still deeply need your wisdom. Learn how to replace lectures with perspective, liste ... Show More
27m 16s
May 6
Relationship Is Your Greatest Legacy
What will your teen remember most about you years from now? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional on legacy, influence and the power of relationship. While many parents focus on rules, performance or getting everything right, Mark reminds us that what lasts longest is connect ... Show More
21m 16s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2025
Ep. 220 | Discipling Preteens with Leslie Nunnery
<p>Would you like to discover effective strategies for connecting with your preteen on a deeper level while fostering open communication and nurturing their faith? Are you looking for practical ways to guide them well on their spiritual journey as they navigate changing emotions ... Show More
29m 1s
Oct 2025
241: Is My Teen Defining Herself by her "Depression"?
Here’s the good news: today’s tweens and teens talk openly about mental health. Here’s the not-so-good news, sometimes they inaccurately diagnose themselves or organize their emerging identities around a diagnosis. So what happens when your child insists they’re depressed, and yo ... Show More
23m 44s
Oct 2025
240: Talk to Your Boys: Raising Confident, Caring Young Men
Many boys are struggling, and parents are often left wondering how to reach them. If your tween or teen son seems distant, gives one-word answers, or is spending too much time online, you’re not alone. In this episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens,” psych ... Show More
41m 27s
Sep 2025
The Follow-Up: 5 Things to Stop Doing as Parents
In this week’s Follow Up, Dr. Mona revisits one of her earliest and most popular episodes: 15 Things We Need to Stop Doing as Parents. This quick-hit version pulls out 5 powerful reminders that every parent needs to hear. From the viral Instagram post that sparked thousands of sa ... Show More
16m 46s
Dec 2023
How to talk to teens about drugs
Overdose deaths among teenagers have skyrocketed in the last few years due to opioids like fentanyl. Experts say drug education that focuses on harm reduction, an approach that focuses on safety rather than abstinence, could help save lives. Here's how to start the conversation w ... Show More
22m 51s
Oct 2024
Breaking Screen Addiction: A Teen’s Perspective on Setting Boundaries (#212)
<p>In this episode, host Melanie Hempe is joined by her son, Andrew, who shares his personal insights on screen habits and addiction. Together, they dispel the myth that setting boundaries around screen time leads to rebellion. Instead, Andrew explains how boundaries are an act o ... Show More
38m 25s
Sep 2025
2734: Eating Disorder Awareness: What Parents Need to Know About Prevention by Crystal Karges on Holistic Family Health
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2734: Children today are increasingly exposed to risk factors for eating disorders, but as Crystal Karges explains, prevent ... Show More
9m 18s