Partners offer free support to Massachusetts families

Parents in Massachusetts whose adolescent or young adult child is struggling with substance use now will have access to free contact with parent support specialists, under a joint effort of Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction and the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.

Launched last week, the services allow parents to receive help either online or over the phone. Parents will learn strategies from individuals whose families also have experienced a child's substance use problem. A multimedia public service campaign is drawing attention to the free resources.

“Young adults are among the most vulnerable populations at risk of addiction and overdose deaths in this epidemic that has touched every community in our state,” Grayken Center executive director Michael Botticelli said in a news release. “One of the Grayken Center's priority goals is to close the gap in support for parents, as well as in treatment and prevention for young adults.”

A website developed by the two organizations details the various resources available to Massachusetts families.