Raising Good Humans Ep 88: The Addiction Inoculation with Best-Selling Author and Educator Jessica Lahey.
Apr 2, 2021
Jessica Lahey, best-selling author of 'The Addiction Inoculation', shares her expertise on preventing substance abuse in children. She emphasizes the importance of intentional parenting, open conversations, and strong relationships. Lahey discusses how genetics and early experiences influence addiction risk, and offers strategies to address social anxiety and promote self-confidence. By maintaining supportive communication, parents can empower kids to resist peer pressure and foster healthier choices throughout their development.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Genetics Is A Loaded Gun
- Genetics explains roughly 50–60% of addiction risk while trauma often acts as the trigger that activates that risk.
- Epigenetics and early life experiences further shape how those genes express across a lifetime.
Adverse Experiences Raise Risk
- Adverse childhood experiences and social failures increase risk because kids may try to numb or self-medicate difficult feelings.
- Early interventions for trauma, social ostracism, and academic issues can reduce later substance use.
Have Many Small Early Talks
- Start many small, age‑appropriate conversations early about health, bodies, and what goes into them rather than one big talk.
- Use everyday moments (medication, cleaners, Tide Pods) to teach why some substances are dangerous.
