Seeking Help for Teenage Substance Abusers

October 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Source: A Public Health Approach to Drug Contr...
Image via Wikipedia

If you feel that your teenager may be involved with drugs, there are few behavioral changes to look for.

1. Friendship changes.
2. Increased hostility, irritability, defensiveness, and evasiveness.
3. Changes in appearance.
4. Skipping school and avoiding school activities.

If your loved one shows any of the above behaviors, chances are he/she has a substance abuse problem. You shouldn’t be alarmed, but keep in mind that early detection is the key to helping your teen with substance abuse problems. It’s important for you to get help as soon as you can.

Since drugs provide an alternative way to assimilate with the rest of the crowd, teens aren’t necessarily motivated to stop using them. It may sound trite or oversimplified, but once teens start using drugs, it’s very hard for them to stop. Teens don’t feel that drugs pose a problem because they feel invincible, especially when they ingest drugs into their system.

In order to get help for your teen, it’s essential that you get involved and encouraging them to get help as soon as possible. Without support, it is unlikely that teens will do it on their own.

Seeking Help

There are many drug treatment programs for adolescents in your community. The following are a few options to consider:

Teens who need safe and supervised relief from withdrawal systems can enter Detoxification centers anywhere in the country. These centers are available for teens and others who need abstain from drugs and receive medical attention.

Rehabilitation is also available within the teen’s residence or home. This type of treatment helps teens that need constant supervision (24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week). The types of teens seeking constant supervision simply cannot quit independently. They continue to use drugs and don’t care about the risks involved. These individuals may have attempted to stop using before, but have failed in those attempts.

All of the above programs offer therapy, twelve-step programs, relapse prevention, and more.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, Rehab, Substance Abuse Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Warning Signs For Teenage Substance Abuse

October 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Norwegian warning signs.
Image via Wikipedia

Being a teenager in today’s society is a lot more stressful than days past. Expectations are very high for adolescents. They’re expected to have excellent grades and keep up with the other kids in sports, school clubs, and other social events. Sometimes the stress becomes unbearable, and teenagers turn to drugs to help deal with it. If you’re concerned that your teen might be using drugs, there are several warning signs to look for in your adolescent’s behavior that could be indicators.

The following are some of the warning signs or indications of substance abuse:

Evidence of drugs or paraphernalia. Teens often feel you’re invading their privacy when you search through their personal belongings, but it never hurts to look for blatant physical signs of drugs or paraphernalia around the house. For example, marijuana smoke has a very strong and distinct odor. It doesn’t smell anything like cigarette smoke at all. If your teen comes home wreaking of marijuana smoke, don’t be afraid to confront him/her with some questions about what they’ve been doing that evening.

Behavioral problems. If your teen suddenly seems disinterested in school and other activities like sports and social events, ask them about it. A major deterrent from drug use of any kind is simple, honest communication with your teen. We’re not recommending that you become nosey or intrusive, but it’s always a good idea to take a genuine interest in your teen’s welfare. Let him/her know that you care about their well-being. A simple question like, “How is school going,” is always a good opening to a good conversation with your son or daughter.

Emotional distance, depression, or fatigue. Young teenagers should be full of vitality and energy. They really shouldn’t act listless or apathetic in any way. After all, they’re young, and have a whole life ahead of them. If your teenage suddenly seems disinterested or depressed, ask them about it. Again, you don’t want to appear nosey, but a little bit of care and interest will go a long way. Sometimes teens just need a little push to get them going in the right direction.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, Rehab, Substance Abuse Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Teenage Substance Abuse

October 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Substance-abuse
Image via Wikipedia

Teenagers in today’s society are faced with challenges, stress, and confusion. As a result, many teens fall prey to substance abuse in hopes to deal with everyday problems and challenges, only to discover bigger problems by turning to drugs as solution. As a teen, it’s difficult to predict problems that can occur down the road. Younger people are more impetuous, and seek and immediate solution to problems. A small circle of friends at school may use drugs, and those kids say that there’s no harm involved. A vulnerable teenager sees his friends, taking drugs and decides to give it a try. After all, what is there to lose? Well, in the long run, there’s plenty to lose, but no one realizes the true facts of drug abuse until it’s much too late.

Today’s adolescents don’t perceive the problems associated with drug use. To them, it’s a harmless way to alleviate stress and escape from reality. At first, taking drugs is just another way to relax and have fun. They don’t realize the risks and consequences involved. Even though adolescent drug abuse doesn’t necessarily lead to problems later on, drug use at any stage in life has negative consequences. Although drug use at any early age doesn’t necessarily lead to addiction later on, it’s like a game of Russian roulette, no different than holding a gun to your head and pulling the trigger, hoping that the chamber is empty.

For most teens, drug use has consequences, including poor academic performance, deteriorating relationships with loved ones, and a general lack of interest in everything life has to offer. Substance abuse changes behavior in teens. A newly discovered obsession with drugs overshadows all other activities. A teen who was previously involved in sports and other productive activities suddenly becomes apathetic. The captain of the swim team stops showing up to practice due to his/her preoccupation with drugs. Everything valuable and important takes a second seat to drug users. Unfortunately, drugs will eventually take precedence over a teenager’s life.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, Rehab, Substance Abuse Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Preventing Drug Abuse in the U.S.

October 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Various prescription and street drugs may caus...
Image via Wikipedia

Drug abuse in the U.S. has reached epidemic proportions. It’s difficult to determine why, but people abuse substances like alcohol, tobacco, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, an more. The drug problem in the U.S. is a difficult problem to solve, since the people who use drugs don’t want to admit it. Since it’s against the law, the keep it a secret, and as a result, there are more drug users/abusers in our country than anyone realizes. People use drugs for their own personal reasons, whether they just want to get high or maybe even relieve stress, that high (or temporary feeling of euphoria) comes at a cost to the drug user and to society as well.

The toll for drug abuse can range from extended stays in emergency rooms and hospitals or even jail time. It’s a well know fact that the majority of offenders who spend time in jail are alcohol/drug abusers. It’s a growing problem in the U.S., and drastic measures need to be taken in order to stop it. Finding the right treatment to help prevent drug abuse is challenging, however, medical professionals are gaining a better understanding of the problem through knowledge and research. Since drug abuse often starts at an early age, drug education among teens and younger people is a major key to prevention.

According to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, the number of illicit drug users in the U.S. is around 13 million. Since the survey was performed several years ago, the number of drug users has grown significantly. The survey also said that 10% of all Americans either use or abuse alcohol, and 25% of them smoke cigarettes. Despite the health hazards and risks of tobacco, people still smoke cigarettes, saying that it gives them pleasure, increased performance, and less depression. People drink alcohol for many reasons. Although most people say they drink it for a “pick me up,” alcohol actually depresses the brain. It lessens your inhibition, slurs speech, and impairs judgment. For the most part, the disadvantages of alcohol, cigarettes, and other drugs outweigh the advantages.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, Rehab, Substance Abuse Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Myths About Teens and Prescription Drug Abuse

September 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Resized image of Ritalin-SR-20mg-full.png; squ...
Image via Wikipedia

When it comes to teens and prescription drugs, there are several myths surrounding the problem that simply aren’t true. One such myth is that teens buy illegal prescription drugs from drug dealers. Even though some teens know about people who sell drugs at school and on the street, many of them find drugs in their own homes. They steal the pills right from the medicine cabinet without being noticed. The common types of drugs that teens abuse are over-the-counter cough syrup, Ritalin (medication for ADHD), amphetamines, sedatives, and just about anything they can get their hands on.

According to the “Monitoring the Future” survey of 50,000 teens in the U.S., adolescents obtain prescription drugs from the following sources: home, friends, strangers, and illegal pharmacies on the Internet. The study also mentioned that one of the reasons that teen drug abuse is running rampant is that prescription drugs are so readily available.

Teens can get prescription drugs from a variety of sources at no charge. In order to keep prescription drugs away from your teens, hide them in a safe place, and properly dispose of any unused medications. Although many medications may seem harmless, they’re dangerous when misused. Teenagers also need to fully understand the potential dangers of taking prescription drugs for recreational purposes.

Young people also need to understand that taking prescription drugs is illegal. The fact that these drugs are prescriptions doesn’t mean that it’s okay to take them. Too often, teenagers hear from their friends that it’s safer to take prescription drugs as opposed to illegal ones. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Teenagers need to realize that doctors go through a very long process when they prescribe drugs. Doctors perform physical examinations, tests, more tests, and medical histories. After all that preparation, a prescription is made, and hopefully the drug produces the expected result. Teenagers thinking about taking prescription drugs need to realize that taking drugs to get high is foolish.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Health, Substance Abuse Tagged With: , , ,

Teenage Substance Abuse Problems

September 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment
teenager-drug addicts
Image by kr4gin via Flickr

Being a teenager in today’s society is a challenge, to say the least. It’s a stressful time for young kids and their parents alike. No one really knows why, but substance abuse has become a part of teenager’s lives. Although most teenagers don’t necessarily become drug addicts in their later years, drug use is without a doubt risky business for teenagers. Young kids don’t realize it, but even the smallest amount of drug use (for example, alcohol and marijuana) has negative consequences. Unfortunately, school and family relationships are undoubtedly the most affected areas of drug abuse.

How Can You Tell When a Teen is Using Drugs?

Possibly the most telling sign of drug abuse is a teen’s preoccupation with drugs. Drug use overshadows all other activities and becomes a part of the teen’s daily life. Friendship groups and family relations change. Other warning signs may include the use of more dangerous drugs like cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin. Since kids do their best to hide their drug use, drug detection is a big challenge for parents.

There’s no single cause for drug addiction in teens. Instead there are several pathways to his/her drug problems. It develops over time, and doesn’t necessarily begin as full-blown problem with addiction.

Warning Signs

Some of the factors that may place teens at risk are:

Lack of supervision from parents
No communication between parents and kids about the dangers of drugs
No set rules or boundaries against drug use
Inconsistent and/or excessive discipline
Conflict in the family
A history of alcohol or dug abuse in the family
Favorable attitudes regarding drug or alcohol use from parents and peers

The following are individual risk factors

Impulsive behavior
Psychological stress
Emotional instability
A perception of low harmfulness from drug use
Extension drug use by peers

Early detection is the key to helping kids with drug problems, and the earlier a drug user seeks help for his/her problems, the better. Now more than ever, parents need to have open communication with their children about drugs.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Addiction, Health, Substance Abuse Tagged With: , ,

Tennessee Drug Treatment Facilities Offer Strength and Caring for Patients to Overcome Addiction

September 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Admitting that you have a drug problem is hard enough to do with yourself, let alone when you have to share the admission with friends and family. There are so many issues that are tied to drug abuse and depending on the length and depth of your struggle to stay sober, there are likely many relationships and opportunities that have suffered. Whether it’s missed appointments for your job or misunderstandings with family and friends, it’s likely that there are things that you regret because of your substance abuse. Some of these situations you want to remedy, and some you want to avoid reliving. If you are a resident of Tennessee who is coping with substance abuse, it’s time to stop the cycle and find help.

Taking Steps to Overcome Addiction

Coping with substance abuse is difficult and requires the help of trained professionals who understand the nature of addiction and the steps you need to take to begin your lifelong recovery. Understanding the origin of the disease and finding ways to substitute addictive behaviors associated with alcohol and drug abuse with healthy habits is part of the recovery process. Good staff members who are versed in addiction can help you trace back when you started turning to substances to cope and what led to your choices. The next part of the process is dealing with repercussions of your actions and finding ways to mend fences and repair your life as you re-enter society substance free.

Treatment with caring and trained professionals can lead to lifelong sobriety in patients, so finding a facility where you are comfortable is key. If you are ready to put an end to your addiction, contact one of the many Tennessee drug treatment facilities today and start a new, drug-free life.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Health, Rehab, Substance Abuse Tagged With: , , ,

Preventing Teen Substance Abuse

September 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Owen
Image by Mostly Muppet via Flickr

When it comes to preventing drug abuse among teenagers, doctors, parents, and educators need to figure out a way to integrate honesty and communication with teens in order to help prevent this ongoing problem. But let’s start with some good news. New research indicates that professionals know a lot more today about substance abuse and drug addiction than they knew just a few years ago from today.

Current research indicates that alcohol causes damage to the developing brains of teenagers. Researchers have also discovered that teenagers who use alcohol damage their brains much more than adults who also drink alcohol. This new research refutes previous beliefs that people can drink heavily for several without causing serious neurological injury to their brains. Researchers have also found that the brain continues to develop until people reach their mid twenties, whereas many believed the brain stops developing by the time kids reach 15 or 16 years old. Recent research seems to suggest that young people who drink run the risk of damaging their brains at any early stage in life.

The use of alcohol and drugs changes the way young people think and behave. A pleasure-seeking area of the brain called the nucleus accumbens helps with decision making and thinking. This part of the brain doesn’t reach full maturity until a teen reaches his/her twenties. As result, young teenagers are much less likely to inhibit pleasure-seeking behavior, since this area of their brain isn’t fully mature.

The new findings from researchers also suggest that people who start drinking in their teens face the risk of becoming alcoholics later on in life. A national survey of over 40,000 adults (from Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine) said that 47 percent of adults who started drinking before age 14 became alcohol dependent at some point in their lives. Only 9 percent of the 40,000 became alcohol dependent when they waited until age 21 to start drinking. The results of the survey seem to prove that alcoholism develops at an early age.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Addiction, Health, Substance Abuse

Addiction: A Perplexing Problem for Psychiatrists

September 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

After decades of studying drug use, the phenomenon never ceases to puzzle psychiatrists. One psychiatrist reported that his patient said he continues to snort cocaine even though it doesn’t make him high anymore. People’s habits and addictions are hard to explain, and even more perplexing to diagnose and eventually cure. Cocaine addicts prefer a cocaine high more than anything else in the world, including eating, drinking, and sleeping. Apparently the patient mentioned earlier simply lost the euphoria that he experienced from cocaine, and eventually he lost he job. When his wife threatened to divorce him, he sought help from a professional.

It hasn’t been until recently that psychiatrists are beginning to understand the growing problem of substance abuse and addiction in our country. However, for years professional people have understood the attraction of recreational drugs like cocaine, alcohol, and opiates. These people know that their patients take drugs in order to activate the brain’s reward system and experience what many addicts call euphoria.

A medical definition of addiction may be difficult to nail down, but most people know what it means. Put simply, addiction is doing something you can’t stop. even though it interferes with your daily life.

Addictive Characteristics

The following are common characteristics people who are chemically dependent share:

1. A desire for increased amounts of the substance in order to achieve the same effect.
2. Using the substance for longer periods of time.
3. A prolonged desire for the substance (or failed attempts to cut down or stop using it).
4, Spending a lot of time trying to obtain the substance.
5. Giving up or cutting back on everyday activities (important social, work, or family activities).
6. Continued substance use/abuse even though it causes problems (social and legal).

Addictive Behaviors

For most addicts, addiction can involve any type of behavior, an addiction may involve a wide range of behaviors (e.g., gambling, spending money, eating, having sex). However, these behaviors interfere with an addict’s normal life or routine). In addition, addicts tend to get defensive when people criticize their behavior.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Addiction, Health, Substance Abuse Tagged With: , ,

How Drug Abuse Affects the Brain

September 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Source: The National Institute on Drug Abuse, ...
Image via Wikipedia

Researchers are discovering that drug addiction can be prevented. Community leaders, medical professionals, and families have developed nationwide programs to help put a stop to drug abuse. It’s important for everyone to understand the risks involved when people take drugs. It’s a serious problem in our country, and people need to be aware of it. Most people believe that the majority of people spending time in jail are addicted to drugs, alcohol, or both. It’s important for the community to know that drugs are dangerous. However, by the same token, drug addiction can be prevented as along as people don’t abuse drugs in the first place.

Through years of study, researchers are beginning to understand how drugs interfere with the brain’s communication system. The nerves in your brain are responsible for calling, sending, receiving, and analyzing information. Drugs actually interfere with the brain’s natural communication system in many ways. Interestingly, drugs imitate the brain’s messengers. For example, heroin and marijuana have the same structure as the brain’s chemical messengers, so they are capable of imitating those messengers.

The chemical messengers in your brain are referred to as neurotransmitters. Since drugs have a similar structure as the neurotransmitters, they transmit abnormal messages and fool the brain. Drugs like meth and cocaine transmit large amounts of these messages to the brain.

Drugs also stimulate the reward portion of the brain with a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for controlling peoples actions like movement, emotion, and motivation. It also makes the brain respond favorably to behaviors like eating, sleeping, and spending time with loved ones. Heroin and marijuana over stimulate the brain’s reward and produce a feeling of joy to the user. Drug users describe it as a feeling of euphoria.

In order for drug users to re-experience a feeling of euphoria, they continue to abuse drugs. After repeated usage, the brain reduces the amount of dopamine receptors in the brain. When this happens, it becomes more difficult for the user to achieve the same high as before, which is the reason why people take larger quantities of drugs.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Addiction, Drug Addiction, Substance Abuse Tagged With: , ,
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »