Facilitate a conversation -- start talking

Watch to see how Derrick facilitated a conversation about substance abuse with Will.
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Facilitate a conversation -- start talking

Discussing these issues for the first time can be difficult.

Derrick took the right approach by:

• talking to Will about specific behaviors
  
• sharing the story about teammates who had gotten into trouble in the past
  
• providing Will with the information necessary to get confidential help because
        drinking can become a serious problem

Evaluate and Revise and revisit

Student-athletes with substance abuse problems may say nothing is wrong or may be embarrassed about the conversation. You may feel uncomfortable, but don’t let that deter you. An initial discussion may not result in immediate change, but the person may choose to act at a later stage or continue the conversation with others. Evaluate the conversation and considering revising and revisiting the topic in the future. Your actions make a difference.

Derrick: Hey, you got a second to talk?
Will: Yeah, what's up?
Derrick: Seems like you've been pretty off at practice lately. What's up?
Will: Is this about the team dinner I missed?
Derrick: Kind of. I mean a couple of people got in trouble for drinking last year. I don't want that to happen to you.
Will: I'm not one of those guys. I'm fine.
Derrick: All right. If you need help, there's a lot of counseling centers I can give you the number for.
Will: Yeah, okay.
Derrick: I mean they are confidential. Coach and the other teammates won't find out.
Will: Yeah. I guess I could go.
Derrick: All right. I'm glad I talked to you about this, I didn't know if I should approach you.
Will: Yeah, I mean it was kind of weird but I appreciate it.
Derrick: All right. No problem dude. We're teammates.

Derrick and Will - Transcript