A Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist’s Perspective

Dr. Gray will offer insights based on clinical practice and research focused on understanding and addressing adolescent substance use. Amid a critical developmental window, adolescents are particularly prone to substance initiation and progression to problematic use. Clinical messaging to minimize substance-related harms in this age group presents several challenges. Overly simplistic messaging may be perceived as stilted and condescending, whereas overly complicated messaging may muddle critical information. Messaging specific to nicotine vaping requires nuance, especially when delivered in the context of general substance-related information. Dr. Gray will share perspectives on “planting seeds” of salient information in clinical contexts with adolescents, emphasizing thoughtful approaches to constructively inform adolescent decision-making.