What’s underneath the chaos when your teen or young adult is out of control? I may seem like they don’t care about anything: school, their future, you. But what if underneath, there’s a deep sense of fear, loneliness, and the desperate need to belong?
As parents, we often only see the surface: defiance, shutdowns, risky behavior, silence. But there's always something underneath. And this conversation offers a rare and incredibly valuable glimpse inside the mind of a troubled teen who lived through it all, and came out the other side.
This week, I’m joined by Enzo, a young man who spent years struggling with school refusal, substance abuse, and running away from treatment. After overdosing twice, he made a decision that changed everything. Today, Enzo works with teens in the very program he once ran from.
You’ll hear Enzo’s story in his own words: honest, insightful, and full of perspective most parents never get to hear. If you’ve ever wondered what your teen is thinking or why they’re making such dangerous choices, this episode will give you a whole new lens.
In this episode on what goes on inside the mind of a troubled teen, we discuss:

• What Enzo remembers about being labeled a “behavioral” kid in elementary school
• How early therapy, ADHD meds, and divorce shaped his internal world
• The pull of belonging, and why he clung to his new friend group, even when it meant breaking rules
• His decision to run from treatment and how his family tried to intervene
• The two near-fatal overdoses that finally changed his mindset
• The surprising role of small, consistent goals in rebuilding his life
• Why he now works in treatment, and what he’s learned from helping teens just like he once was
• What he wishes every parent knew about kids who are struggling

Looking for support?
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More about Enzo
Vicenzo "Enzo" Narciso grew up in Seattle, Washington, where struggles with substance use, skipping school, and falling in with the wrong crowd led him to drop out of high school. A turning point came when he was sent to Elements Wilderness Therapy in Utah, followed by treatment at a therapeutic boarding school. After returning home, Enzo relapsed, and a near-fatal overdose left him in a coma, after which he had to relearn basic tasks while beginning to rebuild his life.

Driven by perseverance and support, Enzo committed to long-term healing and personal growth. His path eventually led him to pursue higher education and later, a career helping others. Today, he shares his story and mentors kids from the next generation to inspire those navigating similar challenges, emphasizing that meaningful change is possible with consistent effort and courage.
You can reach out to Enzo at [email protected]

Have a question or need support? You can email me at [email protected]
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And remember parents, the change begins with us.