#those are all symptoms of a genetic opioid resistance

[3liza]

I have a crackpot theory about the comorbidity of endogenous opioid resistance with ADHD and autism and the widespread misunderstanding in both the medical field and wider culture about how much "fun" Adderall is for people it's prescribed to. I have never had fun in my life and I'm not about to start just because someone gave me legal amphetamines

[syamabalachandran]

USE OF DRUGS AND INTOXICANTS AMONG STUDENTS

INTRODUCTION

Use of drugs and intoxicants among students are important problems that affect school-age youth at earlier ages than in the past. Young people frequently begin to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs during the middle school years, with a smaller number starting during elementary school. By the time students are in high school, rates of substance use are remarkably high. According to national survey data, about one in three twelfth graders reports being drunk or binge drinking (i.e., five or more drinks in a row) in the past thirty days; furthermore, almost half of high school students report ever using marijuana and more than one-fourth report using marijuana in the past thirty days. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug.

What is drug abuse?

Clinically known as substance use disorder, drug abuse or addiction is caused by the habitual taking of addictive substances. Drugs include alcohol, marijuana, hallucinogens and opioids. Substance use disorder is a disease, causing people to compulsively use drugs despite

EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION

Drugs are chemicals that affect the body and brain. Different drugs can have different effects. Some effects of drugs include health consequences that are long-lasting and permanent. They can even continue after a person has stopped taking the substance.

There are a few ways a person can take drugs, including injection, inhalation and ingestion. The effects of the drug on the body can depend on how the drug is delivered. For example, the injection of drugs directly into the bloodstream has an immediate impact, while ingestion has a delayed effect. But all misused drugs affect the brain. They cause large amounts of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate our emotions, motivation and feelings of pleasure, to flood the brain and produce a “high.” Eventually, drugs can change how the brain works and interfere with a person’s ability to make choices, leading to intense cravings and compulsive drug use. Over time, this behavior can turn into a substance dependency, or drug addiction.l. They can impact almost every organ in the human body.Drug addiction can lead to a range of both short-term and long-term mental and physical health problems.

*A weakened immune system, increasing the risk of illness and infection

*Heart conditions ranging from abnormal heart rates to heart attacks and collapsed veins and blood vessel infections from injected drugs

*Nausea and abdominal pain, which can also lead to changes in appetite and weight loss

*Increased strain on the liver, which puts the person at risk of significant liver damage or liver failure

*Seizures, stroke, mental confusion and brain damage, lung disease

*Problems with memory, attention and decision-making, which make daily living more difficult

*Global effects of drugs on the body, such as breast development in men and increases in body temperature, which can lead to other health problems

Other life-changing complication

Dependene on drugs can create a number of dangerous and damaging complications, including:

*Accidents. People who are addicted to drugs are more likely to drive or do other dangerous activities while under the influence.

*Suicide. People who are addicted to drugs die by suicide more often than people who aren't addicted.

*Family problems. Behavioral changes may cause marital or family conflict and custody issues.

*Work issues. Drug use can cause declining performance at work, absenteeism and eventual loss of employment.

*Problems at school. Drug use can negatively affect academic performance and motivation to excel in school.

*Legal issues. Legal problems are common for drug users and can stem from buying or possessing illegal drugs, stealing to support the drug addiction, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or disputes over child custody.

*Financial problems. Spending money to support drug use takes away money from other needs, could lead to debt, and can lead to illegal or unethical behaviors.

Why Do Teens Use Drugs?

There are many different possible causes of teen drug use. Many are reacting to peer pressure and believe that turning to drugs and alcohol is how to become popular in high school. Some use drugs to self-medicate from painful feelings.

Some teens even turn to “study aid” drugs like Adderall or Ritalin, because they believe these substances will boost their academic performance. High school is often the first time that kids encounter illicit substances, and their curiosity often gets the better of them.

1 Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is influence from the people in one’s social group or setting. Not all peer pressure is bad, though. This influence can cause people to act more responsibly or join a sports team, for example. However, usually, when peer pressure is discussed, it is negative and often is tied to bullying.

Teens face an overwhelming amount of peer pressure in high school, from their classmates and friends. Peer pressure during adolescence often involves risky behaviors, such as trying drugs or alcohol. Teenagers may feel as though they need to give in to this pressure to fit in socially.

2 Academic Pressure

High school is an exceptionally busy and stressful period of life, and academic pressure in high school is very high. Students face harder classes and are gearing up to go to college or start a career. The pressure to get good grades, do well on entrance exams and succeed in extracurricular activities comes from both parents and teachers.

Overwhelmed by homework and studying, teens sometimes turn to performance-enhancing drugs to boost their energy and concentration. They might also take drugs to help them sleep better under stress. Taken without a prescription, these drugs can become addictive and can cause dangerous health effects.

3 Boredom

One of the most common reasons that teenagers begin experimenting with drugs and alcohol. They see drugs and alcohol as a pass time to be explored. Try to giving students more responsibilities or extra - curricular activities to get involved.

4 A bonding experience

Many teenagers usually around freshman year in high school are shy and have trouble making friends. We turn to drugs and alcohol to help us feel morw confident.

5 Depression

Some teens turn to drugs and alcohol as a form of escapism. When they are sad or depressed they see these substances as a way to self- medicate.

6 Curiosity

Curiosity is a natural of life and teenagers are not immune to the urge. Many teens begin experiencing with drugs and alcohol simply because they are curious and want to know what it feels like.

7 Weight loss

Female teenagers often turn to harder drugs such as cocaine for a quick way to lose weight. During high school especially young girls become more body conscious

8 Stress

During high school many teenagers are overly stressed with a packed schedule of advanced classes and extracurriculat activities. A lack of coping skills can lead them to seek out an artificial method of coping with stress. They then turn to drugs such as marijuana in order to relax.

9 Low self esteem

In teenagers, especially between the ages of fourteen and sixteen low self esteem due to physical appearance or lack of friends can lead to self destructive behaviour. The media bullied and often family put pressure on teenagers to act and look a certain way and they lose confidence in themselves if they do not meet those high standards. Drugs and alcohol seems like an easy way to escape they reality.

10 Enhanced experience

Drugs and alcohol ate often used to enhance certain experiences. Cocaine are commonly used to enhance energy and focus when they feel like they can't do something on their own and need a little help. Marijuana and alcohol are often used to relax and be more comfortable in social situation.

11 Now or Never

Teenagers often feel social imperatile to experiment and experience all that we can while they are still going. They feel like it is a now or never situation. They have to try drugs now before they become adults and have responsibilities. They feel like if they do not try it now they will be missing out.

12 Genetic

If there is a family history of drug addiction or alcoholism, teenagers may be genetically predisposed to experiment with drugs and alcohol and become addicted.

Preventing drug misuse in children and teenagers Take these steps to help prevent drug misuse in your children and teenagers:

*Talk to the children about the risks of drug use and misuse.

* Be a good listener when your children talk about peer pressure, and be supportive of their efforts to resist it.

*Set a good example. Don't misuse alcohol or addictive drugs. Children of parents who misuse

drugs are at greater risk of drug addiction.

* Help the child to make good choices and good friends.

* provide guidance and clear rules about not using drugs

*Strengthen the bond. Work on your relationship with your children. A strong, stable bond between you and your child will reduce your child's risk of using or misusing drugs

* Learn the facts about the harmful effects of drugs.

* Avoids tv programmes movies and vedio games that glamorize Tobacco, alcohol and drugs.

* Help the child learn the importance of being a responsible individual

Symptoms

Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors include, among others:

*Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — daily or even several times a day

*Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts

*Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect

*Taking larger amounts of the drug over a longer period of time than you intended

*Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug

*Spending money on the drug, even though you can't afford it

*Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use

*Continuing to use the drug, even though you know it's causing problems in your life or causing you physical or psychological harm

*Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing

*Driving or doing other risky activities when you're under the influence of the drug

*Spending a good deal of time getting the drug, using the drug or recovering from the effects of the drug

Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug

Conclusion

Teenagers might enter high school as children, but they graduate as young adults. This four-year period is transformational — full of growth, hardships and self-discovery. It’s also an experimental time, and for millions of teens, that means trying drugs and alcohol.

The availability of drugs at school is surprisingly high, especially in high school. Sadly, some teens using drugs will suffer serious consequences as a result of their substance use.

Declining grades, lack of interest in school subjects, lack of interest in a future career, absenteeism from school and other activities, and increased potential for dropping out of school completely are all major problems associated with adolescent substance abuse in this nation.

Most people are aware of the many health problems that can be caused by drug use. Though some individuals can get by with occasional substance use, every intoxicant has side effects and most are addictive in some form or another. Many also carry the risk of potentially deadly overdose, the risk of which can be increased by lack of experience and a low tolerance to the drug.

Which side effects, short-term and long-term, will arise during drug use depends largely on the type of drug. Many substances, including prescription medications, carry a minor risk of severe side effects emerging during their first use. These can include allergic reactions or psychological reactions such as panic attacks, hallucinations, and psychosis (loss of connection to reality). Some people are naturally more sensitive to intoxicants and therefore are more likely to experience rare side effects and/or overdose.

1. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-FFR1-2015/NSDUH-FFR1-2015/NSDUH-FFR1-2015.htm

2. https://WWW.mayoclini.org.

[not-poignant]

Speaking of the stomach symptoms that Ef has to go through, how do you cope with your own symptoms and do you have any protips for dealing with the pain?

Hi anon!

This one's tough, because the cause of the pain can be so multi-factorial. Digestive issues - for the best pain treatment and management - require:

1. A diagnosis 2. Understanding your allergies and intolerances*** (and they are not the same thing) 3. Understanding your triggers

The thing is, a diagnosis can be as good as a cure for some people who are lucky enough have treatable digestive conditions. A person with a finicky digestive system who learns they're gluten intolerant has a cure, even if it's not an easy one (avoid all gluten - symptoms and pain gone! Huzzah!)

Anyone who is having difficult digestive times should, imho, never just leave that as something to self-diagnose and just accept. I get diagnosis is a matter of privilege in some cases, but where it's not, this is one area where you don't want to fuck around and find out. There are literally hundreds of different things it could be, all with different treatments, medications, options, and supports out there. And I do know people who've ended up with severe autoimmune conditions and losing like, feet of their intestinal tracts, or cancer-like conditions, because of chronic diarrhea in particular, because they just 'waited' on the pain they were experiencing in their digestive tract.

And then the rest of this post is mostly like, 'I can't help you because bodies are diverse and 'stomach symptoms like Ef' means hundreds to thousands of different illnesses and hell, I've suggested pain management techniques in that story that you can try right now, and also I can't tolerate any pain treatments so good luck anon but I got nothing.' But like, the long scenic route version.

I can't speak to your issues, anon, because I don't know what your diagnoses are. There's not really many 'idiopathic digestive issue' diseases, but there are a lot of chronic illnesses that can be diagnosed through exclusion that can't be cured. But again, of those - and there are many - I don't know what yours are. And what I have, may not apply to you. It may not even apply to someone with exactly the same symptoms I do.

A person having Efnisien's symptoms could just have some intolerances that could be easily cured by avoiding those foods. Another person might have cancer. Like...you'd be amazed how many diseases cause non-specific and painful cramps and diarrhea. Sometimes it seems like all of them can.

For example, one of my many digestive illnesses is severe medication resistant gastro-esophageal reflux disease. Everyone in my family on my mother's side has it to varying degrees.

My grandma has needed to have two Nissen fundoplication surgeries to survive it, and has taken a proton-pump inhibitor since they were invented to manage it (since the 1980s), and because she's been taking a PPI for 40+ years, her stomach is now also riddled with hundreds of (so far) benign polyps and cysts as a result of the medication that she must take.

She avoids certain foods that I don't have to avoid, but I also need to take more medications than her, my food triggers are different to her food triggers, my brother's food triggers are different to my food triggers and he has the same disease and presumably, with a very similar genetic make up because it comes through the family line. His is very severe like mine, and nearly caused esophageal cancer for going so long untreated (the medication to treat has side effects, but leaving medication-resistant GERD alone can cause cancer of the throat and esophagitis, which my brother has been diagnosed with). My sister also has it. My Mum's is very mild, and she just has to avoid certain foods but needs no medications. And so on and so forth.

So how I manage the pain of just that one digestive disease - for I have more than one - (PPI and H2 receptor antagonist, certain food avoidance, no NSAIDs at all) is different to how my grandmother manages the pain (two surgeries, food avoidance that I don't have to avoid, PPI only), is different to how my mother manages the pain (food avoidance only, and different foods to me), is different to how my sister manages the pain (heat packs). Even the specialists we see are different, and our doctors suggest different management protocols. In that sense, I'm lucky, because my GERD can be medicated and I can generally enjoy eating and not choking on my own stomach every single night. Though I still have 'breakthrough days' where I do wake up choking on my own stomach acid, and have a sore throat / cough for the rest of the day.

So like, I can't take anti-inflammatories for the pain because that affects the stomach lining and mine's already fucked from GERD, but you might be able to. I can't take Buscopan for the pain, but you might be able to. I can't take Immodium on bad days, but you might be able to! Don't get me started on opioids or tramadol, it is very much like my body wants to suffer sometimes, the way I can't tolerate meds that are specifically for pain management. :/ I highly recommend looking up some support groups for the diagnosis/es you have, and seeing what people are recommending.

Because I don't tolerate almost all painkillers, I can't take any pain relief for my digestive illness/es (of which there are like...four, not including doctors thinking that my genetic cancer is causing some of it too, which is just a whole lot of oh well) that isn't just paracetamol (acetaminophen) which doesn't work.

There are no medications that help my chronic diarrhea at the moment, because it doesn't seem to be an autoimmune disease (at least so far, despite flagging for mild autoimmune stuff in every bloodtest I've ever had since I was 18 years old, but that's another story), but if yours is autoimmune in nature, there will be options that aren't pain-medication that may help you, and anything that helps with symptoms also, by default, helps with pain.

Some of my symptoms/pain is stress-triggered (my PTSD and my tumours can cause massive and unusual amounts of adrenaline to dump through my system, and one of the side effects of adrenaline entering the system is diarrhea - it's part of the flight/fight response: digestive disturbance). Therefore, less stress would certainly help me. But one of my specialists just laughed at me gently when I asked him how people stress less. You have to be awfully privileged financially to even try, even without a diagnosis of PTSD. And my tumours will still likely do this to me for the rest of my life, whenever they just feel like manufacturing hormones. They're neuroendocrine tumours, they want to fuck up my hormonal system, lmao.

Basically, anon, your question is kind of too vague to suggest much more than what's in Falling Falling Stars - perhaps some pain killers, perhaps some food avoidance, perhaps some heat or cold packs. Who knows? I have no idea what your diagnoses are, what you can tolerate, and I know what other people use for support, I can't, so I can't speak to how good those things are.

I'm going to level with you, anon. I have no protips for dealing with the pain aside from sucking it up and dealing with it, because I have almost no other options myself except to develop a high pain tolerance (which I have, which is terrible, because it means I wait too long to see doctors for very serious issues, and this has fucked me over more than once - one of my specialists literally yelled at me for it only last year: 'WHY DIDN'T YOU COME IN SOONER, DO YOU NOT TRUST US' which was great).

I'm really hoping you are not in my situation, because my 'dealing with the pain' is a version of 'I am in moderate to significant and sometimes severe pain 24/7 and no one can do anything to help me.' I wish it was only my digestive issues causing that, but the Fibromyalgia is certainly part of that. Sometimes the only way to deal with pain is to see a psychologist, and learn how to live with pain.

Find the support groups for your illness/es anon, they will have big personal lists that everyone is doing, they will be highly diverse and everyone will be doing something different for pain management, from ketamine infusions, to low-dose naltrexone, to ultrasound therapy, to heat packs, to a billion different medications, some for pain, some for your diagnosis. Having a diagnosis will help, because there are medications for specific diseases and disorders, someone with Crohn's will be on a very different cocktail of drugs compared to someone with IBS-D type compared to someone with IBS-mixed type, compared to someone with food intolerances.

And if you're lucky, your issues will be caused by intolerances, in which case you have a cure, even if it's an inconvenient one. But that cure (avoiding the food) can permanently remove the pain in some cases.

I'm sorry I can't be more help. There's just...thousands of things that can cause diarrhea and stomach cramps, and thousands of ways to manage those things. It's too nonspecific, beyond what I've already suggested in Falling Falling Stars. And anything more than that comes with side effects, and it's not good to already strain a digestive system that's strained, when you can potentially avoid it.

*** Please remember that there is almost no way to know your intolerances except through a food elimination diet, and anyone trying to sell you a blood test that tells you otherwise (i.e. naturopaths) is a fucking charlatan. There are, I believe, only 2-3 intolerances that can be read through blood test, one of them is lactose. There is no such thing as an accurate 'intolerance blood panel.' And only an allergist can diagnose allergies (with the exception of coeliac and again probably lactose issues lol), and finally, allergy =/= intolerance. Elimination diets should be overseen with the help of a doctor or specialist or dietician, because they are difficult to do and can cause or exacerbate eating disorders and disordered eating. I am not a doctor, always talk to your doctor about this stuff first, if you're concerned.

[allthetimenews]

What Is Drug Addiction?

Originally posted on Pinnacle Treatment Centers

Substance use disorder (SUD) or drug addiction is a disease that negatively affects a person’s brain and behavior. A person can become obsessed with any legal or illegal drugs. Some people can get addicted to certain medications. This addiction gradually starts developing when the individual continues to consume the drug despite the impairment it causes. Nicotine, marijuana and alcohol are commonly misused drugs in today’s world.

What Causes Drug Addiction?

An action performed once as an experiment in a social situation can soon develop into a habit. An experimental use of alcohol at a college party can be used as an example. Substances such as alcohol and nicotine can affect the way one feels. Some people enjoy the physical and mental stimulations these substances create. In most cases, it is highly likely for the individual to get obsessed with such feelings. This condition ultimately leads the person to develop an addiction to that particular substance. Some people get addicted to even more than one substance. However, such a lifestyle often leads to a series of mental, physical and social impairments.

Drug Addiction Facts & Stats

Most people who suffer with substance abuse disorder (SUD) tend to hide their condition and prefer not to be vocal about it.

However, a staggering number of people in the U.S. struggle with the same condition.

As per the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 19.7 million adults in the U.S. battled SUD in 2017 (individuals who are aged 12 and older).

About 74% of those adults struggled with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2017.

About 38% of adults battled an illegal drug use disease in 2017.

One out of every eight adults had both SUD and AUD in the same year.

5 million adults in the U.S. had both SUD and mental health disorders or co-occurring disorders in 2017.

Drug addiction causes the U.S. a $740 billion annual loss.

– The extent of SUD in the U.S. is shown in the facts above –

Drug Addiction Common Symptoms

The common symptoms seen in drug addiction can vary from person to person while also depending on the type of drug that has been abused.

It is encouraged to pay heed to the below mentioned symptoms:

Having the urge to consume the drug frequently.

Having to increase the quantity of the drug to get the same effect.

Spending more money on the drug even when one can’t afford it.

Neglecting one’s own responsibilities such as work, family, etc.

Going to the extent of stealing cash in order to purchase the drug, when one doesn’t have sufficient funds.

Spending hours to have the drug in possession. Making sure that one has a stock at home.

Coming to a realization where one intends on stopping drug consumption because of its negative effects, yet, being unable to resist the urge, returns back to the same old habits.

Well-Known Causes of Drug Addiction

In most cases, substance abuse disorder is usually developed due to many social, personal, and environmental causes. However, some of these causes give the victim no control over them due to the size of their complexity.

Mentioned below are the most common causes of drug addiction:

Environmental Factors:

Having a group of friends who consume drugs. Peer pressure is considered to be one of the top causes of alcoholism and SUD. Many young individuals are reported to have started consuming drugs for the first time due to peer pressure from a group of friends who were frequent consumers themselves.

One’s family’s attitudes and beliefs.

Lack of family support or being ignored by parents.

The life incidents one witnesses as a child tend to play a significant

Genetics:

A person’s genetics can affect the progress of his/her drug addiction. They play a vital role in increasing or decreasing the speed of the progress.

A family history of any addiction is a risk factor here.

Some highly-addictive drugs frequently lead to this disorder.

An early use: If someone uses a drug at an early age, the changes in their brain development make the user more defenseless to the addiction he/she may have to that particular drug.

Intervention for Drug Addiction

Keeping their disorder to themselves and not willing to open up to other people about it are common causes of complications seen in those suffering with SUD. An intervention for SUD is a structured opportunity for you or a loved one to share thoughts about the addiction. Staging an intervention may be difficult at first. But the victim’s family and friends are encouraged to initiate it. In pressing cases, where the victim is unwilling to listen to family or friends, an alcohol/drug counselor or a treatment specialist is advised to be brought in. The heart-to-heart conversations brought out in this intervention usually show positive results and help those struggling in progressing towards recovery.

Treatment for Drug Addiction

The aim of this treatment is to make things better for the individual and their loved ones. Once diagnosed, the treatment doctor/specialist can suggest one or more of the following treatment plans:

Detoxification & withdrawal therapy: This combined treatment shows promising results in many cases. This treatment is advised to be carried out by healthcare professionals.

Chemical dependency treatment programs: These combined therapies explain the danger of drug addiction. The treatment specialist usually decides on which treatment elements to include in the program.

Behavior therapy: Another combined treatment plan performed by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or a licensed alcohol/drug counselor.

Self-help groups: Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous are support groups available for people with drug addiction disorders.

Conclusion: Substance use disorder (SUD) or drug addiction is a major issue in the world we live in today. You or your loved ones may be struggling with this condition. Even though there is no specific treatment for SUD, with the help of heart to heart conversations and evidence-based treatment plans under specialist supervision there is a high chance of overcoming this addiction and claiming your life back.

Don’t lose hope because help for you is right here!

Headquartered in New Jersey, Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a recognized leader in comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment serving more than 28,000 patients daily in California, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. With more than 110 community-based locations, Pinnacle provides a full continuum of quality care for adult men and women which includes medically-monitored detoxification/withdrawal management, inpatient/residential treatment, partial hospitalization/care, sober living, intensive and general outpatient programming, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. For more information, visit pinnacletreatment.com or call 800-782-1520.

Facility Spotlight

Aegis Treatment Centers 2055 Saviers Road Suite A Oxnard CA 93033 (805) 483-2253

About Recovery Works London

Recovery Works in London, Kentucky offers a 12-step approach to treatment, individual counseling, group counseling, and an intensive family education program. We offer a full continuum of care for the treatment of substance use disorders and dual diagnosis. Our addiction treatment programs include Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP), Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Residential Treatment (RTC), Alumni Aftercare Group/Meetings, and Medically Supervised Detox. Following a clinical evaluation, patients are eligible to receive buprenorphine (Suboxone) or Vivitrol as part of medication-assisted treatment. Treatment plans consist of individual, family, and group therapy in addition to medication management, anger management, and grief and loss therapy. Therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) accompany relapse prevention, nutritional counseling, and spirituality groups. Music therapy is also available. To encourage ongoing support in recovery, we offer on-site 12-step meetings, aftercare monitoring, and free alumni meetings.

Contact Recovery Works London

300 Carrera Drive London KY 40741 United States

1 (844) 768-0285

Website: https://pinnacletreatment.com/location/kentucky/london/recovery-works-london/

The post What Is Drug Addiction? appeared first on AllTheTimeNews.

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[newstvstation]

What Is Drug Addiction?

Originally posted on Pinnacle Treatment Centers

Substance use disorder (SUD) or drug addiction is a disease that negatively affects a person’s brain and behavior. A person can become obsessed with any legal or illegal drugs. Some people can get addicted to certain medications. This addiction gradually starts developing when the individual continues to consume the drug despite the impairment it causes. Nicotine, marijuana and alcohol are commonly misused drugs in today’s world.

What Causes Drug Addiction?

An action performed once as an experiment in a social situation can soon develop into a habit. An experimental use of alcohol at a college party can be used as an example. Substances such as alcohol and nicotine can affect the way one feels. Some people enjoy the physical and mental stimulations these substances create. In most cases, it is highly likely for the individual to get obsessed with such feelings. This condition ultimately leads the person to develop an addiction to that particular substance. Some people get addicted to even more than one substance. However, such a lifestyle often leads to a series of mental, physical and social impairments.

Drug Addiction Facts & Stats

Most people who suffer with substance abuse disorder (SUD) tend to hide their condition and prefer not to be vocal about it.

However, a staggering number of people in the U.S. struggle with the same condition.

As per the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 19.7 million adults in the U.S. battled SUD in 2017 (individuals who are aged 12 and older).

About 74% of those adults struggled with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2017.

About 38% of adults battled an illegal drug use disease in 2017.

One out of every eight adults had both SUD and AUD in the same year.

5 million adults in the U.S. had both SUD and mental health disorders or co-occurring disorders in 2017.

Drug addiction causes the U.S. a $740 billion annual loss.

– The extent of SUD in the U.S. is shown in the facts above –

Drug Addiction Common Symptoms

The common symptoms seen in drug addiction can vary from person to person while also depending on the type of drug that has been abused.

It is encouraged to pay heed to the below mentioned symptoms:

Having the urge to consume the drug frequently.

Having to increase the quantity of the drug to get the same effect.

Spending more money on the drug even when one can’t afford it.

Neglecting one’s own responsibilities such as work, family, etc.

Going to the extent of stealing cash in order to purchase the drug, when one doesn’t have sufficient funds.

Spending hours to have the drug in possession. Making sure that one has a stock at home.

Coming to a realization where one intends on stopping drug consumption because of its negative effects, yet, being unable to resist the urge, returns back to the same old habits.

Well-Known Causes of Drug Addiction

In most cases, substance abuse disorder is usually developed due to many social, personal, and environmental causes. However, some of these causes give the victim no control over them due to the size of their complexity.

Mentioned below are the most common causes of drug addiction:

Environmental Factors:

Having a group of friends who consume drugs. Peer pressure is considered to be one of the top causes of alcoholism and SUD. Many young individuals are reported to have started consuming drugs for the first time due to peer pressure from a group of friends who were frequent consumers themselves.

One’s family’s attitudes and beliefs.

Lack of family support or being ignored by parents.

The life incidents one witnesses as a child tend to play a significant

Genetics:

A person’s genetics can affect the progress of his/her drug addiction. They play a vital role in increasing or decreasing the speed of the progress.

A family history of any addiction is a risk factor here.

Some highly-addictive drugs frequently lead to this disorder.

An early use: If someone uses a drug at an early age, the changes in their brain development make the user more defenseless to the addiction he/she may have to that particular drug.

Intervention for Drug Addiction

Keeping their disorder to themselves and not willing to open up to other people about it are common causes of complications seen in those suffering with SUD. An intervention for SUD is a structured opportunity for you or a loved one to share thoughts about the addiction. Staging an intervention may be difficult at first. But the victim’s family and friends are encouraged to initiate it. In pressing cases, where the victim is unwilling to listen to family or friends, an alcohol/drug counselor or a treatment specialist is advised to be brought in. The heart-to-heart conversations brought out in this intervention usually show positive results and help those struggling in progressing towards recovery.

Treatment for Drug Addiction

The aim of this treatment is to make things better for the individual and their loved ones. Once diagnosed, the treatment doctor/specialist can suggest one or more of the following treatment plans:

Detoxification & withdrawal therapy: This combined treatment shows promising results in many cases. This treatment is advised to be carried out by healthcare professionals.

Chemical dependency treatment programs: These combined therapies explain the danger of drug addiction. The treatment specialist usually decides on which treatment elements to include in the program.

Behavior therapy: Another combined treatment plan performed by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or a licensed alcohol/drug counselor.

Self-help groups: Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous are support groups available for people with drug addiction disorders.

Conclusion: Substance use disorder (SUD) or drug addiction is a major issue in the world we live in today. You or your loved ones may be struggling with this condition. Even though there is no specific treatment for SUD, with the help of heart to heart conversations and evidence-based treatment plans under specialist supervision there is a high chance of overcoming this addiction and claiming your life back.

Don’t lose hope because help for you is right here!

Headquartered in New Jersey, Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a recognized leader in comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment serving more than 28,000 patients daily in California, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. With more than 110 community-based locations, Pinnacle provides a full continuum of quality care for adult men and women which includes medically-monitored detoxification/withdrawal management, inpatient/residential treatment, partial hospitalization/care, sober living, intensive and general outpatient programming, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. For more information, visit pinnacletreatment.com or call 800-782-1520.

Facility Spotlight

Aegis Treatment Centers 2055 Saviers Road Suite A Oxnard CA 93033 (805) 483-2253

About Recovery Works Cambridge City

Residential facility located in Cambridge City, Indiana offering tailored detox and residential services. We serve people from all walks of life and take Healthy Indiana Plan, Medicaid and most commercial insurances. Our structured program is managed by a multidisciplinary team that includes a psychiatrist, medical providers, nurses, counselors, and residential aides. Services include education sessions, process groups, yoga, medications (as applicable), individualized assignments, exposure to 12-Step concepts and meetings (optional), and fun activities. We will pick you up and take you home.

Contact Recovery Works Cambridge City

2060 State Road 1 North Cambridge City IN 47327 United States

1 (844) 768-0285

Website: https://pinnacletreatment.com/location/indiana/cambridge-city/recovery-works-cambridge-city/

The post What Is Drug Addiction? appeared first on News TV Station.

from WordPress https://ift.tt/35dhGQ2 via News TV Station

[businesstribune]

What Is Drug Addiction?

Originally posted on Pinnacle Treatment Centers

Substance use disorder (SUD) or drug addiction is a disease that negatively affects a person’s brain and behavior. A person can become obsessed with any legal or illegal drugs. Some people can get addicted to certain medications. This addiction gradually starts developing when the individual continues to consume the drug despite the impairment it causes. Nicotine, marijuana and alcohol are commonly misused drugs in today’s world.

What Causes Drug Addiction?

An action performed once as an experiment in a social situation can soon develop into a habit. An experimental use of alcohol at a college party can be used as an example. Substances such as alcohol and nicotine can affect the way one feels. Some people enjoy the physical and mental stimulations these substances create. In most cases, it is highly likely for the individual to get obsessed with such feelings. This condition ultimately leads the person to develop an addiction to that particular substance. Some people get addicted to even more than one substance. However, such a lifestyle often leads to a series of mental, physical and social impairments.

Drug Addiction Facts & Stats

Most people who suffer with substance abuse disorder (SUD) tend to hide their condition and prefer not to be vocal about it.

However, a staggering number of people in the U.S. struggle with the same condition.

As per the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 19.7 million adults in the U.S. battled SUD in 2017 (individuals who are aged 12 and older).

About 74% of those adults struggled with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2017.

About 38% of adults battled an illegal drug use disease in 2017.

One out of every eight adults had both SUD and AUD in the same year.

5 million adults in the U.S. had both SUD and mental health disorders or co-occurring disorders in 2017.

Drug addiction causes the U.S. a $740 billion annual loss.

– The extent of SUD in the U.S. is shown in the facts above –

Drug Addiction Common Symptoms

The common symptoms seen in drug addiction can vary from person to person while also depending on the type of drug that has been abused.

It is encouraged to pay heed to the below mentioned symptoms:

Having the urge to consume the drug frequently.

Having to increase the quantity of the drug to get the same effect.

Spending more money on the drug even when one can’t afford it.

Neglecting one’s own responsibilities such as work, family, etc.

Going to the extent of stealing cash in order to purchase the drug, when one doesn’t have sufficient funds.

Spending hours to have the drug in possession. Making sure that one has a stock at home.

Coming to a realization where one intends on stopping drug consumption because of its negative effects, yet, being unable to resist the urge, returns back to the same old habits.

Well-Known Causes of Drug Addiction

In most cases, substance abuse disorder is usually developed due to many social, personal, and environmental causes. However, some of these causes give the victim no control over them due to the size of their complexity.

Mentioned below are the most common causes of drug addiction:

Environmental Factors:

Having a group of friends who consume drugs. Peer pressure is considered to be one of the top causes of alcoholism and SUD. Many young individuals are reported to have started consuming drugs for the first time due to peer pressure from a group of friends who were frequent consumers themselves.

One’s family’s attitudes and beliefs.

Lack of family support or being ignored by parents.

The life incidents one witnesses as a child tend to play a significant

Genetics:

A person’s genetics can affect the progress of his/her drug addiction. They play a vital role in increasing or decreasing the speed of the progress.

A family history of any addiction is a risk factor here.

Some highly-addictive drugs frequently lead to this disorder.

An early use: If someone uses a drug at an early age, the changes in their brain development make the user more defenseless to the addiction he/she may have to that particular drug.

Intervention for Drug Addiction

Keeping their disorder to themselves and not willing to open up to other people about it are common causes of complications seen in those suffering with SUD. An intervention for SUD is a structured opportunity for you or a loved one to share thoughts about the addiction. Staging an intervention may be difficult at first. But the victim’s family and friends are encouraged to initiate it. In pressing cases, where the victim is unwilling to listen to family or friends, an alcohol/drug counselor or a treatment specialist is advised to be brought in. The heart-to-heart conversations brought out in this intervention usually show positive results and help those struggling in progressing towards recovery.

Treatment for Drug Addiction

The aim of this treatment is to make things better for the individual and their loved ones. Once diagnosed, the treatment doctor/specialist can suggest one or more of the following treatment plans:

Detoxification & withdrawal therapy: This combined treatment shows promising results in many cases. This treatment is advised to be carried out by healthcare professionals.

Chemical dependency treatment programs: These combined therapies explain the danger of drug addiction. The treatment specialist usually decides on which treatment elements to include in the program.

Behavior therapy: Another combined treatment plan performed by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or a licensed alcohol/drug counselor.

Self-help groups: Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous are support groups available for people with drug addiction disorders.

Conclusion: Substance use disorder (SUD) or drug addiction is a major issue in the world we live in today. You or your loved ones may be struggling with this condition. Even though there is no specific treatment for SUD, with the help of heart to heart conversations and evidence-based treatment plans under specialist supervision there is a high chance of overcoming this addiction and claiming your life back.

Don’t lose hope because help for you is right here!

Headquartered in New Jersey, Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a recognized leader in comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment serving more than 28,000 patients daily in California, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. With more than 110 community-based locations, Pinnacle provides a full continuum of quality care for adult men and women which includes medically-monitored detoxification/withdrawal management, inpatient/residential treatment, partial hospitalization/care, sober living, intensive and general outpatient programming, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. For more information, visit pinnacletreatment.com or call 800-782-1520.

Facility Spotlight

Aegis Treatment Centers 2055 Saviers Road Suite A Oxnard CA 93033 (805) 483-2253

About Recovery Works Cambridge City

Residential facility located in Cambridge City, Indiana offering tailored detox and residential services. We serve people from all walks of life and take Healthy Indiana Plan, Medicaid and most commercial insurances. Our structured program is managed by a multidisciplinary team that includes a psychiatrist, medical providers, nurses, counselors, and residential aides. Services include education sessions, process groups, yoga, medications (as applicable), individualized assignments, exposure to 12-Step concepts and meetings (optional), and fun activities. We will pick you up and take you home.

Contact Recovery Works Cambridge City

2060 State Road 1 North Cambridge City IN 47327 United States

1 (844) 768-0285

Website: https://pinnacletreatment.com/location/indiana/cambridge-city/recovery-works-cambridge-city/

The post What Is Drug Addiction? appeared first on Business Tribune.

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Gambling Addiction:  A Reality in Today’s World by Kristen M Gaughan, MS, LPC

With the options for gambling exponentially increasing, the possibility for one to acquire a gambling addiction increases as well.   Whether it’s scratch off tickets and casino gambling on a mobile phone, the Monday night bingo game at a church, or raffle tickets for a school fundraiser, gambling is everywhere.   While the field of psychology once saw gambling as a compulsive behavior that does not rise to the level of addiction, this is no longer the case.  Gambling, like any other addiction, can create ruin in many areas of one’s life.  That is why it is essential for an understanding of gambling addiction and its consequences to become commonplace in our culture.  Although gambling can be a leisure activity for many, it can be a devastating experience for a select group of people.   It is time to identify gambling addiction as a genuine problem and give those with this disease the support they need to enter into treatment and gain the recovery that will allow them to take back control of their lives.  The following article by Ferris Jabr in Scientific American entitled, “How the Brain Gets Addicted to Gambling”, can help to shed some additional light on this subject.

“When Shirley was in her mid-20s she and some friends road-tripped to Las Vegas on a lark. That was the first time she gambled. Around a decade later, while working as an attorney on the East Coast, she would occasionally sojourn in Atlantic City. By her late 40s, however, she was skipping work four times a week to visit newly opened casinos in Connecticut. She played blackjack almost exclusively, often risking thousands of dollars each round—then scrounging under her car seat for 35 cents to pay the toll on the way home. Ultimately, Shirley bet every dime she earned and maxed out multiple credit cards. “I wanted to gamble all the time,” she says. “I loved it—I loved that high I felt.”

In 2001 the law intervened. Shirley was convicted of stealing a great deal of money from her clients and spent two years in prison. Along the way she started attending Gamblers Anonymous meetings, seeing a therapist and remaking her life. “I realized I had become addicted,” she says. “It took me a long time to say I was an addict, but I was, just like any other.”

Ten years ago the idea that someone could become addicted to a habit like gambling the way a person gets hooked on a drug was controversial. Back then, Shirley's counselors never told her she was an addict; she decided that for herself. Now researchers agree that in some cases gambling is a true addiction.

In the past, the psychiatric community generally regarded pathological gambling as more of a compulsion than an addiction—a behavior primarily motivated by the need to relieve anxiety rather than a craving for intense pleasure. In the 1980s, while updating the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the American Psychiatric Association (APA) officially classified pathological gambling as an impulse-control disorder—a fuzzy label for a group of somewhat related illnesses that, at the time, included kleptomania, pyromania and trichotillomania (hair-pulling). In what has come to be regarded as a landmark decision, the association moved pathological gambling to the addictions chapter in the manual's latest edition, the DSM-5, published this past May. The decision, which followed 15 years of deliberation, reflects a new understanding of the biology underlying addiction and has already changed the way psychiatrists help people who cannot stop gambling.

More effective treatment is increasingly necessary because gambling is more acceptable and accessible than ever before. Four in five Americans say they have gambled at least once in their lives. With the exception of Hawaii and Utah, every state in the country offers some form of legalized gambling. And today you do not even need to leave your house to gamble—all you need is an Internet connection or a phone. Various surveys have determined that around two million people in the U.S. are addicted to gambling, and for as many as 20 million citizens the habit seriously interferes with work and social life.

Two of a Kind

The APA based its decision on numerous recent studies in psychology, neuroscience, and genetics demonstrating that gambling and drug addiction are far more similar than previously realized. Research in the past two decades has dramatically improved neuroscientists' working model of how the brain changes as an addiction develop. In the middle of our cranium, a series of circuits known as the reward system links various scattered brain regions involved in memory, movement, pleasure, and motivation. When we engage in an activity that keeps us alive or helps us pass on our genes, neurons in the reward system squirt out a chemical messenger called dopamine, giving us a little wave of satisfaction and encouraging us to make a habit of enjoying hearty meals and romps in the sack. When stimulated by amphetamine, cocaine or other addictive drugs, the reward system disperses up to 10 times more dopamine than usual.

Continuous use of such drugs robs them of their power to induce euphoria. Addictive substances keep the brain so awash in dopamine that it eventually adapts by producing less of the molecule and becoming less responsive to its effects. As a consequence, addicts build up a tolerance to a drug, needing larger and larger amounts to get high. In severe addiction, people also go through withdrawal—they feel physically ill, cannot sleep and shake uncontrollably—if their brain is deprived of a dopamine-stimulating substance for too long. At the same time, neural pathways connecting the reward circuit to the prefrontal cortex weaken. Resting just above and behind the eyes, the prefrontal cortex helps people tame impulses. In other words, the more an addict uses a drug, the harder it becomes to stop.

Research to date shows that pathological gamblers and drug addicts share many of the same genetic predispositions for impulsivity and reward seeking. Just as substance addicts require increasingly strong hits to get high, compulsive gamblers pursue ever riskier ventures. Likewise, both drug addicts and problem gamblers endure symptoms of withdrawal when separated from the chemical or thrill they desire. And a few studies suggest that some people are especially vulnerable to both drug addiction and compulsive gambling because their reward circuitry is inherently underactive—which may partially explain why they seek big thrills in the first place.

Even more compelling, neuroscientists have learned that drugs and gambling alter many of the same brain circuits in similar ways. These insights come from studies of blood flow and electrical activity in people's brains as they complete various tasks on computers that either mimic casino games or test their impulse control. In some experiments, virtual cards selected from different decks earn or lose a player money; other tasks challenge someone to respond quickly to certain images that flash on a screen but not to react to others.

A 2005 German study using such a card game suggests problem gamblers—like drug addicts—have lost sensitivity to their high: when winning, subjects had lower than typical electrical activity in a key region of the brain's reward system. In a 2003 study at Yale University and a 2012 study at the University of Amsterdam, pathological gamblers taking tests that measured their impulsivity had unusually low levels of electrical activity in prefrontal brain regions that help people assess risks and suppress instincts. Drug addicts also often have a listless prefrontal cortex.

Further evidence that gambling and drugs change the brain in similar ways surfaced in an unexpected group of people: those with the neurodegenerative disorder Parkinson's disease. Characterized by muscle stiffness and tremors, Parkinson's is caused by the death of dopamine-producing neurons in a section of the midbrain. Over the decades researchers noticed that a remarkably high number of Parkinson's patients—between 2 and 7 percent—are compulsive gamblers. Treatment for one disorder most likely contributes to another. To ease symptoms of Parkinson's, some patients take levodopa and other drugs that increase dopamine levels. Researchers think that in some cases the resulting chemical influx modifies the brain in a way that makes risks and rewards—say, those in a game of poker—more appealing and rash decisions more difficult to resist.

A new understanding of compulsive gambling has also helped scientists redefine addiction itself. Whereas experts used to think of addiction as dependency on a chemical, they now define it as repeatedly pursuing a rewarding experience despite serious repercussions. That experience could be the high of cocaine or heroin or the thrill of doubling one's money at the casino. “The past idea was that you need to ingest a drug that changes neurochemistry in the brain to get addicted, but we now know that just about anything we do alters the brain,” says Timothy Fong, a psychiatrist and addiction expert at the University of California, Los Angeles. “It makes sense that some highly rewarding behaviors, like gambling, can cause dramatic [physical] changes, too.”

Gaming the System

Redefining compulsive gambling as an addiction is not mere semantics: therapists have already found that pathological gamblers respond much better to medication and therapy typically used for addictions rather than strategies for taming compulsions such as trichotillomania. For reasons that remain unclear, certain antidepressants alleviate the symptoms of some impulse-control disorders; they have never worked as well for pathological gambling, however. Medications used to treat substance addictions have proved much more effective. Opioid antagonists, such as naltrexone, indirectly inhibit brain cells from producing dopamine, thereby reducing cravings.

Dozens of studies confirm that another effective treatment for addiction is cognitive-behavior therapy, which teaches people to resist unwanted thoughts and habits. Gambling addicts may, for example, learn to confront irrational beliefs, namely the notion that a string of losses or a near miss—such as two out of three cherries on a slot machine—signals an imminent win.

Unfortunately, researchers estimate that more than 80 percent of gambling addicts never seek treatment in the first place. And of those who do, up to 75 percent return to the gaming halls, making prevention all the more important. Around the U.S.—particularly in California—casinos are taking gambling addiction seriously. Marc Lefkowitz of the California Council on Problem Gambling regularly trains casino managers and employees to keep an eye out for worrisome trends, such as customers who spend increasing amounts of time and money gambling. He urges casinos to give gamblers the option to voluntarily ban themselves and to prominently display brochures about Gamblers Anonymous and other treatment options near ATM machines and pay phones. A gambling addict may be a huge source of revenue for a casino at first, but many end up owing massive debts they cannot pay.

Shirley, now 60, currently works as a peer counselor in a treatment program for gambling addicts. “I'm not against gambling,” she says. “For most people it's expensive entertainment. But for some people it's a dangerous product. I want people to understand that you really can get addicted. I'd like to see every casino out there take responsibility.”

This article was originally published with the title "Gambling on the Brain"

Retrieved 10/31/2018:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-the-brain-gets-addicted-to-gambling/

[evawilliams3741]

Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kids

Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kids

Parents of adolescents face a tough dilemma about substance use: we may want our children to be abstinent, but what do we do if they are not? The risks are high, as we’ve discussed in our blog about adolescent substance use and the developing brain. While parents can and should communicate clearly that non-use is the best decision for health, we simply can’t control every aspect of young people’s lives. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to successful dialogue with teens about substance use, but these principles may be helpful.

1.   Make your values and your rules clear

Parents sometimes use phrases like “be smart” or “make good decisions,” though these terms may have very different meanings to different people. For example, a parent who says, “Be smart!” may think he is asking his child not to drink, while the child may interpret the instructions as, “Don’t drink enough to black out.” So, be specific. If you mean, “You can go out with your friends as long as you can assure me you will not use marijuana,” then say it that way.

2.   Ask and listen, but resist the urge to lecture

As adults we very much want to impart as much wisdom as we can to help young people avoid the same mistakes that we made. But, it is probably more useful to draw out their innate curiosity and encourage them to seek out answers on their own. Consider beginning by asking a question like, “Tell me, what do you know about marijuana?” Teens who feel like their point of view is valued may be more willing to engage in a conversation. In response to what your child says, use nonjudgmental reflective statements to make sure she feels listened to, then follow up with a question. For example: “So you’ve heard that marijuana is pretty safe because it is natural. Do you think that is correct?” You don’t need to agree with everything your teen says; you just need to make it clear you are listening. For more guidance on active listening skills, see this resource from The Center for Parenting Education.

3.   If your child has used substances, try to explore the reasons

Teens may use substances to help manage anxiety, relieve stress, distract from unpleasant emotions, or connect socially with peers. Being curious about those reasons can help him feel less judged. It may also give you a window into your teen’s underlying struggles, help him develop insight into his own behavior, and point to problems that may need professional support. On the other hand, these conversations may be challenging for a parent to have with a child, and some young people have limited understanding as to why they use substances. For adolescents who are using substances regularly, we recommend an assessment by a professional who can support them in behavior change.

4.   Know when (and how) to intervene

Engaging with adolescents on the topic of substance use can be a delicate dance. We want to encourage openness and honesty, and we also want them to get clear messages that help to keep them safe. Teens who use substances recurrently and/or who have had a problem associated with substance use may be on a trajectory for developing a substance use disorder. It is a good idea for them to have a professional assessment. You can find a detailed list of signs and symptoms, as well as information about specific substances, on the website for the Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. If an assessment is warranted, you can start with your pediatrician, who can help refer you to a specialist as necessary.

5.   Be mindful of any family has a history of substance use disorders

Much of the underlying vulnerability to developing substance use disorders is passed down genetically. Exposure to substance use in the home is also a major risk factor. Both may affect children with a first- or second-degree relative (like a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle) with a substance use disorder. While we know from studies that the genetic heritability of addiction is strong, it is also complex, passed on through a series of genes and generally not limited to a single substance. In other words, children who have a relative with an opioid use disorder may themselves develop a cannabis or sedative use disorder. Honest conversations about unhealthy substance use, addiction, and the family risk of substance use disorders can help provide teens a good, solid reason for making the smart decision not to start using in the first place.

https://ift.tt/2Pf1eq4

[laurenjohnson437]

Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kids

Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kids

Parents of adolescents face a tough dilemma about substance use: we may want our children to be abstinent, but what do we do if they are not? The risks are high, as we’ve discussed in our blog about adolescent substance use and the developing brain. While parents can and should communicate clearly that non-use is the best decision for health, we simply can’t control every aspect of young people’s lives. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to successful dialogue with teens about substance use, but these principles may be helpful.

1.   Make your values and your rules clear

Parents sometimes use phrases like “be smart” or “make good decisions,” though these terms may have very different meanings to different people. For example, a parent who says, “Be smart!” may think he is asking his child not to drink, while the child may interpret the instructions as, “Don’t drink enough to black out.” So, be specific. If you mean, “You can go out with your friends as long as you can assure me you will not use marijuana,” then say it that way.

2.   Ask and listen, but resist the urge to lecture

As adults we very much want to impart as much wisdom as we can to help young people avoid the same mistakes that we made. But, it is probably more useful to draw out their innate curiosity and encourage them to seek out answers on their own. Consider beginning by asking a question like, “Tell me, what do you know about marijuana?” Teens who feel like their point of view is valued may be more willing to engage in a conversation. In response to what your child says, use nonjudgmental reflective statements to make sure she feels listened to, then follow up with a question. For example: “So you’ve heard that marijuana is pretty safe because it is natural. Do you think that is correct?” You don’t need to agree with everything your teen says; you just need to make it clear you are listening. For more guidance on active listening skills, see this resource from The Center for Parenting Education.

3.   If your child has used substances, try to explore the reasons

Teens may use substances to help manage anxiety, relieve stress, distract from unpleasant emotions, or connect socially with peers. Being curious about those reasons can help him feel less judged. It may also give you a window into your teen’s underlying struggles, help him develop insight into his own behavior, and point to problems that may need professional support. On the other hand, these conversations may be challenging for a parent to have with a child, and some young people have limited understanding as to why they use substances. For adolescents who are using substances regularly, we recommend an assessment by a professional who can support them in behavior change.

4.   Know when (and how) to intervene

Engaging with adolescents on the topic of substance use can be a delicate dance. We want to encourage openness and honesty, and we also want them to get clear messages that help to keep them safe. Teens who use substances recurrently and/or who have had a problem associated with substance use may be on a trajectory for developing a substance use disorder. It is a good idea for them to have a professional assessment. You can find a detailed list of signs and symptoms, as well as information about specific substances, on the website for the Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. If an assessment is warranted, you can start with your pediatrician, who can help refer you to a specialist as necessary.

5.   Be mindful of any family has a history of substance use disorders

Much of the underlying vulnerability to developing substance use disorders is passed down genetically. Exposure to substance use in the home is also a major risk factor. Both may affect children with a first- or second-degree relative (like a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle) with a substance use disorder. While we know from studies that the genetic heritability of addiction is strong, it is also complex, passed on through a series of genes and generally not limited to a single substance. In other words, children who have a relative with an opioid use disorder may themselves develop a cannabis or sedative use disorder. Honest conversations about unhealthy substance use, addiction, and the family risk of substance use disorders can help provide teens a good, solid reason for making the smart decision not to start using in the first place.

https://ift.tt/2Pf1eq4

[sofiawright4411]

Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kids

Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kids

Parents of adolescents face a tough dilemma about substance use: we may want our children to be abstinent, but what do we do if they are not? The risks are high, as we’ve discussed in our blog about adolescent substance use and the developing brain. While parents can and should communicate clearly that non-use is the best decision for health, we simply can’t control every aspect of young people’s lives. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to successful dialogue with teens about substance use, but these principles may be helpful.

1.   Make your values and your rules clear

Parents sometimes use phrases like “be smart” or “make good decisions,” though these terms may have very different meanings to different people. For example, a parent who says, “Be smart!” may think he is asking his child not to drink, while the child may interpret the instructions as, “Don’t drink enough to black out.” So, be specific. If you mean, “You can go out with your friends as long as you can assure me you will not use marijuana,” then say it that way.

2.   Ask and listen, but resist the urge to lecture

As adults we very much want to impart as much wisdom as we can to help young people avoid the same mistakes that we made. But, it is probably more useful to draw out their innate curiosity and encourage them to seek out answers on their own. Consider beginning by asking a question like, “Tell me, what do you know about marijuana?” Teens who feel like their point of view is valued may be more willing to engage in a conversation. In response to what your child says, use nonjudgmental reflective statements to make sure she feels listened to, then follow up with a question. For example: “So you’ve heard that marijuana is pretty safe because it is natural. Do you think that is correct?” You don’t need to agree with everything your teen says; you just need to make it clear you are listening. For more guidance on active listening skills, see this resource from The Center for Parenting Education.

3.   If your child has used substances, try to explore the reasons

Teens may use substances to help manage anxiety, relieve stress, distract from unpleasant emotions, or connect socially with peers. Being curious about those reasons can help him feel less judged. It may also give you a window into your teen’s underlying struggles, help him develop insight into his own behavior, and point to problems that may need professional support. On the other hand, these conversations may be challenging for a parent to have with a child, and some young people have limited understanding as to why they use substances. For adolescents who are using substances regularly, we recommend an assessment by a professional who can support them in behavior change.

4.   Know when (and how) to intervene

Engaging with adolescents on the topic of substance use can be a delicate dance. We want to encourage openness and honesty, and we also want them to get clear messages that help to keep them safe. Teens who use substances recurrently and/or who have had a problem associated with substance use may be on a trajectory for developing a substance use disorder. It is a good idea for them to have a professional assessment. You can find a detailed list of signs and symptoms, as well as information about specific substances, on the website for the Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. If an assessment is warranted, you can start with your pediatrician, who can help refer you to a specialist as necessary.

5.   Be mindful of any family has a history of substance use disorders

Much of the underlying vulnerability to developing substance use disorders is passed down genetically. Exposure to substance use in the home is also a major risk factor. Both may affect children with a first- or second-degree relative (like a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle) with a substance use disorder. While we know from studies that the genetic heritability of addiction is strong, it is also complex, passed on through a series of genes and generally not limited to a single substance. In other words, children who have a relative with an opioid use disorder may themselves develop a cannabis or sedative use disorder. Honest conversations about unhealthy substance use, addiction, and the family risk of substance use disorders can help provide teens a good, solid reason for making the smart decision not to start using in the first place.

https://ift.tt/2Pf1eq4

[richardgarciase23]

Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kids

Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kids

Parents of adolescents face a tough dilemma about substance use: we may want our children to be abstinent, but what do we do if they are not? The risks are high, as we’ve discussed in our blog about adolescent substance use and the developing brain. While parents can and should communicate clearly that non-use is the best decision for health, we simply can’t control every aspect of young people’s lives. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to successful dialogue with teens about substance use, but these principles may be helpful.

1.   Make your values and your rules clear

Parents sometimes use phrases like “be smart” or “make good decisions,” though these terms may have very different meanings to different people. For example, a parent who says, “Be smart!” may think he is asking his child not to drink, while the child may interpret the instructions as, “Don’t drink enough to black out.” So, be specific. If you mean, “You can go out with your friends as long as you can assure me you will not use marijuana,” then say it that way.

2.   Ask and listen, but resist the urge to lecture

As adults we very much want to impart as much wisdom as we can to help young people avoid the same mistakes that we made. But, it is probably more useful to draw out their innate curiosity and encourage them to seek out answers on their own. Consider beginning by asking a question like, “Tell me, what do you know about marijuana?” Teens who feel like their point of view is valued may be more willing to engage in a conversation. In response to what your child says, use nonjudgmental reflective statements to make sure she feels listened to, then follow up with a question. For example: “So you’ve heard that marijuana is pretty safe because it is natural. Do you think that is correct?” You don’t need to agree with everything your teen says; you just need to make it clear you are listening. For more guidance on active listening skills, see this resource from The Center for Parenting Education.

3.   If your child has used substances, try to explore the reasons

Teens may use substances to help manage anxiety, relieve stress, distract from unpleasant emotions, or connect socially with peers. Being curious about those reasons can help him feel less judged. It may also give you a window into your teen’s underlying struggles, help him develop insight into his own behavior, and point to problems that may need professional support. On the other hand, these conversations may be challenging for a parent to have with a child, and some young people have limited understanding as to why they use substances. For adolescents who are using substances regularly, we recommend an assessment by a professional who can support them in behavior change.

4.   Know when (and how) to intervene

Engaging with adolescents on the topic of substance use can be a delicate dance. We want to encourage openness and honesty, and we also want them to get clear messages that help to keep them safe. Teens who use substances recurrently and/or who have had a problem associated with substance use may be on a trajectory for developing a substance use disorder. It is a good idea for them to have a professional assessment. You can find a detailed list of signs and symptoms, as well as information about specific substances, on the website for the Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. If an assessment is warranted, you can start with your pediatrician, who can help refer you to a specialist as necessary.

5.   Be mindful of any family has a history of substance use disorders

Much of the underlying vulnerability to developing substance use disorders is passed down genetically. Exposure to substance use in the home is also a major risk factor. Both may affect children with a first- or second-degree relative (like a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle) with a substance use disorder. While we know from studies that the genetic heritability of addiction is strong, it is also complex, passed on through a series of genes and generally not limited to a single substance. In other words, children who have a relative with an opioid use disorder may themselves develop a cannabis or sedative use disorder. Honest conversations about unhealthy substance use, addiction, and the family risk of substance use disorders can help provide teens a good, solid reason for making the smart decision not to start using in the first place.

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[laurenbaker553]

Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kids

Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kids

Parents of adolescents face a tough dilemma about substance use: we may want our children to be abstinent, but what do we do if they are not? The risks are high, as we’ve discussed in our blog about adolescent substance use and the developing brain. While parents can and should communicate clearly that non-use is the best decision for health, we simply can’t control every aspect of young people’s lives. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to successful dialogue with teens about substance use, but these principles may be helpful.

1.   Make your values and your rules clear

Parents sometimes use phrases like “be smart” or “make good decisions,” though these terms may have very different meanings to different people. For example, a parent who says, “Be smart!” may think he is asking his child not to drink, while the child may interpret the instructions as, “Don’t drink enough to black out.” So, be specific. If you mean, “You can go out with your friends as long as you can assure me you will not use marijuana,” then say it that way.

2.   Ask and listen, but resist the urge to lecture

As adults we very much want to impart as much wisdom as we can to help young people avoid the same mistakes that we made. But, it is probably more useful to draw out their innate curiosity and encourage them to seek out answers on their own. Consider beginning by asking a question like, “Tell me, what do you know about marijuana?” Teens who feel like their point of view is valued may be more willing to engage in a conversation. In response to what your child says, use nonjudgmental reflective statements to make sure she feels listened to, then follow up with a question. For example: “So you’ve heard that marijuana is pretty safe because it is natural. Do you think that is correct?” You don’t need to agree with everything your teen says; you just need to make it clear you are listening. For more guidance on active listening skills, see this resource from The Center for Parenting Education.

3.   If your child has used substances, try to explore the reasons

Teens may use substances to help manage anxiety, relieve stress, distract from unpleasant emotions, or connect socially with peers. Being curious about those reasons can help him feel less judged. It may also give you a window into your teen’s underlying struggles, help him develop insight into his own behavior, and point to problems that may need professional support. On the other hand, these conversations may be challenging for a parent to have with a child, and some young people have limited understanding as to why they use substances. For adolescents who are using substances regularly, we recommend an assessment by a professional who can support them in behavior change.

4.   Know when (and how) to intervene

Engaging with adolescents on the topic of substance use can be a delicate dance. We want to encourage openness and honesty, and we also want them to get clear messages that help to keep them safe. Teens who use substances recurrently and/or who have had a problem associated with substance use may be on a trajectory for developing a substance use disorder. It is a good idea for them to have a professional assessment. You can find a detailed list of signs and symptoms, as well as information about specific substances, on the website for the Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. If an assessment is warranted, you can start with your pediatrician, who can help refer you to a specialist as necessary.

5.   Be mindful of any family has a history of substance use disorders

Much of the underlying vulnerability to developing substance use disorders is passed down genetically. Exposure to substance use in the home is also a major risk factor. Both may affect children with a first- or second-degree relative (like a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle) with a substance use disorder. While we know from studies that the genetic heritability of addiction is strong, it is also complex, passed on through a series of genes and generally not limited to a single substance. In other words, children who have a relative with an opioid use disorder may themselves develop a cannabis or sedative use disorder. Honest conversations about unhealthy substance use, addiction, and the family risk of substance use disorders can help provide teens a good, solid reason for making the smart decision not to start using in the first place.

https://ift.tt/2Pf1eq4

[robertharris6685]

Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kids

Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kids

Parents of adolescents face a tough dilemma about substance use: we may want our children to be abstinent, but what do we do if they are not? The risks are high, as we’ve discussed in our blog about adolescent substance use and the developing brain. While parents can and should communicate clearly that non-use is the best decision for health, we simply can’t control every aspect of young people’s lives. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to successful dialogue with teens about substance use, but these principles may be helpful.

1.   Make your values and your rules clear

Parents sometimes use phrases like “be smart” or “make good decisions,” though these terms may have very different meanings to different people. For example, a parent who says, “Be smart!” may think he is asking his child not to drink, while the child may interpret the instructions as, “Don’t drink enough to black out.” So, be specific. If you mean, “You can go out with your friends as long as you can assure me you will not use marijuana,” then say it that way.

2.   Ask and listen, but resist the urge to lecture

As adults we very much want to impart as much wisdom as we can to help young people avoid the same mistakes that we made. But, it is probably more useful to draw out their innate curiosity and encourage them to seek out answers on their own. Consider beginning by asking a question like, “Tell me, what do you know about marijuana?” Teens who feel like their point of view is valued may be more willing to engage in a conversation. In response to what your child says, use nonjudgmental reflective statements to make sure she feels listened to, then follow up with a question. For example: “So you’ve heard that marijuana is pretty safe because it is natural. Do you think that is correct?” You don’t need to agree with everything your teen says; you just need to make it clear you are listening. For more guidance on active listening skills, see this resource from The Center for Parenting Education.

3.   If your child has used substances, try to explore the reasons

Teens may use substances to help manage anxiety, relieve stress, distract from unpleasant emotions, or connect socially with peers. Being curious about those reasons can help him feel less judged. It may also give you a window into your teen’s underlying struggles, help him develop insight into his own behavior, and point to problems that may need professional support. On the other hand, these conversations may be challenging for a parent to have with a child, and some young people have limited understanding as to why they use substances. For adolescents who are using substances regularly, we recommend an assessment by a professional who can support them in behavior change.

4.   Know when (and how) to intervene

Engaging with adolescents on the topic of substance use can be a delicate dance. We want to encourage openness and honesty, and we also want them to get clear messages that help to keep them safe. Teens who use substances recurrently and/or who have had a problem associated with substance use may be on a trajectory for developing a substance use disorder. It is a good idea for them to have a professional assessment. You can find a detailed list of signs and symptoms, as well as information about specific substances, on the website for the Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. If an assessment is warranted, you can start with your pediatrician, who can help refer you to a specialist as necessary.

5.   Be mindful of any family has a history of substance use disorders

Much of the underlying vulnerability to developing substance use disorders is passed down genetically. Exposure to substance use in the home is also a major risk factor. Both may affect children with a first- or second-degree relative (like a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle) with a substance use disorder. While we know from studies that the genetic heritability of addiction is strong, it is also complex, passed on through a series of genes and generally not limited to a single substance. In other words, children who have a relative with an opioid use disorder may themselves develop a cannabis or sedative use disorder. Honest conversations about unhealthy substance use, addiction, and the family risk of substance use disorders can help provide teens a good, solid reason for making the smart decision not to start using in the first place.

https://ift.tt/2Pf1eq4

[mhealthb007]

Parents of adolescents face a tough dilemma about substance use: we may want our children to be abstinent, but what do we do if they are not? The risks are high, as we’ve discussed in our blog about adolescent substance use and the developing brain. While parents can and should communicate clearly that non-use is the best decision for health, we simply can’t control every aspect of young people’s lives. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to successful dialogue with teens about substance use, but these principles may be helpful.

1.   Make your values and your rules clear

Parents sometimes use phrases like “be smart” or “make good decisions,” though these terms may have very different meanings to different people. For example, a parent who says, “Be smart!” may think he is asking his child not to drink, while the child may interpret the instructions as, “Don’t drink enough to black out.” So, be specific. If you mean, “You can go out with your friends as long as you can assure me you will not use marijuana,” then say it that way.

2.   Ask and listen, but resist the urge to lecture

As adults we very much want to impart as much wisdom as we can to help young people avoid the same mistakes that we made. But, it is probably more useful to draw out their innate curiosity and encourage them to seek out answers on their own. Consider beginning by asking a question like, “Tell me, what do you know about marijuana?” Teens who feel like their point of view is valued may be more willing to engage in a conversation. In response to what your child says, use nonjudgmental reflective statements to make sure she feels listened to, then follow up with a question. For example: “So you’ve heard that marijuana is pretty safe because it is natural. Do you think that is correct?” You don’t need to agree with everything your teen says; you just need to make it clear you are listening. For more guidance on active listening skills, see this resource from The Center for Parenting Education.

3.   If your child has used substances, try to explore the reasons

Teens may use substances to help manage anxiety, relieve stress, distract from unpleasant emotions, or connect socially with peers. Being curious about those reasons can help him feel less judged. It may also give you a window into your teen’s underlying struggles, help him develop insight into his own behavior, and point to problems that may need professional support. On the other hand, these conversations may be challenging for a parent to have with a child, and some young people have limited understanding as to why they use substances. For adolescents who are using substances regularly, we recommend an assessment by a professional who can support them in behavior change.

4.   Know when (and how) to intervene

Engaging with adolescents on the topic of substance use can be a delicate dance. We want to encourage openness and honesty, and we also want them to get clear messages that help to keep them safe. Teens who use substances recurrently and/or who have had a problem associated with substance use may be on a trajectory for developing a substance use disorder. It is a good idea for them to have a professional assessment. You can find a detailed list of signs and symptoms, as well as information about specific substances, on the website for the Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. If an assessment is warranted, you can start with your pediatrician, who can help refer you to a specialist as necessary.

5.   Be mindful of any family has a history of substance use disorders

Much of the underlying vulnerability to developing substance use disorders is passed down genetically. Exposure to substance use in the home is also a major risk factor. Both may affect children with a first- or second-degree relative (like a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle) with a substance use disorder. While we know from studies that the genetic heritability of addiction is strong, it is also complex, passed on through a series of genes and generally not limited to a single substance. In other words, children who have a relative with an opioid use disorder may themselves develop a cannabis or sedative use disorder. Honest conversations about unhealthy substance use, addiction, and the family risk of substance use disorders can help provide teens a good, solid reason for making the smart decision not to start using in the first place.

The post Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kids appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

from Harvard Health Blog https://ift.tt/2Pf1eq4 Original Content By : https://ift.tt/1UayBFY

[annahgill]

Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kids

Parents of adolescents face a tough dilemma about substance use: we may want our children to be abstinent, but what do we do if they are not? The risks are high, as we’ve discussed in our blog about adolescent substance use and the developing brain. While parents can and should communicate clearly that non-use is the best decision for health, we simply can’t control every aspect of young people’s lives. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to successful dialogue with teens about substance use, but these principles may be helpful.

1.   Make your values and your rules clear

Parents sometimes use phrases like “be smart” or “make good decisions,” though these terms may have very different meanings to different people. For example, a parent who says, “Be smart!” may think he is asking his child not to drink, while the child may interpret the instructions as, “Don’t drink enough to black out.” So, be specific. If you mean, “You can go out with your friends as long as you can assure me you will not use marijuana,” then say it that way.

2.   Ask and listen, but resist the urge to lecture

As adults we very much want to impart as much wisdom as we can to help young people avoid the same mistakes that we made. But, it is probably more useful to draw out their innate curiosity and encourage them to seek out answers on their own. Consider beginning by asking a question like, “Tell me, what do you know about marijuana?” Teens who feel like their point of view is valued may be more willing to engage in a conversation. In response to what your child says, use nonjudgmental reflective statements to make sure she feels listened to, then follow up with a question. For example: “So you’ve heard that marijuana is pretty safe because it is natural. Do you think that is correct?” You don’t need to agree with everything your teen says; you just need to make it clear you are listening. For more guidance on active listening skills, see this resource from The Center for Parenting Education.

3.   If your child has used substances, try to explore the reasons

Teens may use substances to help manage anxiety, relieve stress, distract from unpleasant emotions, or connect socially with peers. Being curious about those reasons can help him feel less judged. It may also give you a window into your teen’s underlying struggles, help him develop insight into his own behavior, and point to problems that may need professional support. On the other hand, these conversations may be challenging for a parent to have with a child, and some young people have limited understanding as to why they use substances. For adolescents who are using substances regularly, we recommend an assessment by a professional who can support them in behavior change.

4.   Know when (and how) to intervene

Engaging with adolescents on the topic of substance use can be a delicate dance. We want to encourage openness and honesty, and we also want them to get clear messages that help to keep them safe. Teens who use substances recurrently and/or who have had a problem associated with substance use may be on a trajectory for developing a substance use disorder. It is a good idea for them to have a professional assessment. You can find a detailed list of signs and symptoms, as well as information about specific substances, on the website for the Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. If an assessment is warranted, you can start with your pediatrician, who can help refer you to a specialist as necessary.

5.   Be mindful of any family has a history of substance use disorders

Much of the underlying vulnerability to developing substance use disorders is passed down genetically. Exposure to substance use in the home is also a major risk factor. Both may affect children with a first- or second-degree relative (like a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle) with a substance use disorder. While we know from studies that the genetic heritability of addiction is strong, it is also complex, passed on through a series of genes and generally not limited to a single substance. In other words, children who have a relative with an opioid use disorder may themselves develop a cannabis or sedative use disorder. Honest conversations about unhealthy substance use, addiction, and the family risk of substance use disorders can help provide teens a good, solid reason for making the smart decision not to start using in the first place.

The post Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kids appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

from HealthIsWealth via Anna Gill on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Pf1eq4

[quintinefowler-blog]

Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kids

Parents of adolescents face a tough dilemma about substance use: we may want our children to be abstinent, but what do we do if they are not? The risks are high, as we’ve discussed in our blog about adolescent substance use and the developing brain. While parents can and should communicate clearly that non-use is the best decision for health, we simply can’t control every aspect of young people’s lives. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to successful dialogue with teens about substance use, but these principles may be helpful.

1.   Make your values and your rules clear

Parents sometimes use phrases like “be smart” or “make good decisions,” though these terms may have very different meanings to different people. For example, a parent who says, “Be smart!” may think he is asking his child not to drink, while the child may interpret the instructions as, “Don’t drink enough to black out.” So, be specific. If you mean, “You can go out with your friends as long as you can assure me you will not use marijuana,” then say it that way.

2.   Ask and listen, but resist the urge to lecture

As adults we very much want to impart as much wisdom as we can to help young people avoid the same mistakes that we made. But, it is probably more useful to draw out their innate curiosity and encourage them to seek out answers on their own. Consider beginning by asking a question like, “Tell me, what do you know about marijuana?” Teens who feel like their point of view is valued may be more willing to engage in a conversation. In response to what your child says, use nonjudgmental reflective statements to make sure she feels listened to, then follow up with a question. For example: “So you’ve heard that marijuana is pretty safe because it is natural. Do you think that is correct?” You don’t need to agree with everything your teen says; you just need to make it clear you are listening. For more guidance on active listening skills, see this resource from The Center for Parenting Education.

3.   If your child has used substances, try to explore the reasons

Teens may use substances to help manage anxiety, relieve stress, distract from unpleasant emotions, or connect socially with peers. Being curious about those reasons can help him feel less judged. It may also give you a window into your teen’s underlying struggles, help him develop insight into his own behavior, and point to problems that may need professional support. On the other hand, these conversations may be challenging for a parent to have with a child, and some young people have limited understanding as to why they use substances. For adolescents who are using substances regularly, we recommend an assessment by a professional who can support them in behavior change.

4.   Know when (and how) to intervene

Engaging with adolescents on the topic of substance use can be a delicate dance. We want to encourage openness and honesty, and we also want them to get clear messages that help to keep them safe. Teens who use substances recurrently and/or who have had a problem associated with substance use may be on a trajectory for developing a substance use disorder. It is a good idea for them to have a professional assessment. You can find a detailed list of signs and symptoms, as well as information about specific substances, on the website for the Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. If an assessment is warranted, you can start with your pediatrician, who can help refer you to a specialist as necessary.

5.   Be mindful of any family has a history of substance use disorders

Much of the underlying vulnerability to developing substance use disorders is passed down genetically. Exposure to substance use in the home is also a major risk factor. Both may affect children with a first- or second-degree relative (like a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle) with a substance use disorder. While we know from studies that the genetic heritability of addiction is strong, it is also complex, passed on through a series of genes and generally not limited to a single substance. In other words, children who have a relative with an opioid use disorder may themselves develop a cannabis or sedative use disorder. Honest conversations about unhealthy substance use, addiction, and the family risk of substance use disorders can help provide teens a good, solid reason for making the smart decision not to start using in the first place.

The post Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kids appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.