Phoenix House Texas provides substance use prevention and mental health education services primarily throughout Dallas, Austin, and Houston, Texas.

Our Project Empathy initiative is available throughout Texas and nationwide.

Having an open and honest conversation with your teenager about substance can be challenging, but it’s an essential step to support a sober and healthy future for your teen. Here are some tips to help guide your discussion:

• Choose the Right Time and Place: Find a calm and private setting where both of you can talk without distractions or interruptions.
• Express Care and Concern: Begin the conversation by expressing your concern for their well-being. Let them know that you love and support them, and that seeking more support or treatment is an act of love and care.
• Be Non-Judgmental: Avoid blaming or criticizing your teen. Instead, focus on understanding their struggles and empathizing with their challenges and goals.
• Share Observations: Gently discuss the behaviors and changes you’ve noticed that indicate a potential issue with substance use. This helps your teen understand that you’re aware of their struggles and genuinely want to help.
• Educate Yourself and Your Teen: Research together about substance use disorders, support and treatment options, and the benefits of professional help. This will enable you to have an informed conversation and address your teen’s concerns.
• Listen and Validate Feelings: Give your teen the space to express their thoughts, fears, and reservations. Listen actively, validate their feelings, and reassure them that getting help is a positive step towards a healthier future.
• Offer Support: Let your teen know that you’ll be there for them. Emphasize that sobriety and recovery are a team effort; together, you will navigate the challenges and celebrate their successes.

Thanks to grants through HHSC and the support of our generous donors, all of our prevention and education services are provided at no cost to the recipient.

For information on how to bring Phoenix House Texas’ Positive Prevention services to your school and/or partner with us for community events, please email or call us.

Project Empathy is an innovative initiative dedicated to breaking down stigmas surrounding addiction and related mental health conditions through educational workshops. Visit our Project Empathy page to learn more about this initiative and to request a workshop.

Phoenix House Texas provides workshops and community trainings, including:

• Project Empathy
• Positive Psychology & Well-Being
• Harm Reduction: Opioids & Naloxone

To request a training, please submit the Workshop Request Form.