In mythology, “shapeshifting”takes place when a being possesses the ability to transform its physical presence. Remember the frog that became a handsome prince when freed by the princess’s kiss?  That’s shapeshifting at is best. Sometimes it is purposeful and intentional; other times it springs from a spell or a curse.

I’m using the flames of addiction to shift my shape and transform myself into a wiser, more purposeful, more resilient person. Forged by fire, I choose to opt out of the collateral damage from this disease of addiction. I’m claiming my power to change the course of teen substance abuse in my community by joining hands with other mothers who share the same commitment. Over the last two years, some of these mothers have worked hard to help kids and their parents understand that the innocent first drink or pill at a party can take them down a deadly road they never intended to travel.

The team’s hallmark project is a documentary, Collision Course-Teen Addiction Epidemic, a documentary that features teens in recovery, teens struggling with substance abuse, and parents of kids trapped by their addiction or alcoholism. Collision Course won an Emmy last weekend.  I’m thrilled that the team’s tireless work has been recognized.  Even more, I am thrilled that people are starting to wake up to the tsunami of teen addiction that is devastating our communities.  By spreading the word about Collision Course, I’m helping shift the shape of teen substance abuse, one teen or one parent at a time.  You can help too, by sharing Collision Course in your community and shifting your experience of your child’s chemical dependency from hopelessness to helpfulness, and from powerlessness to purpose.