What better way to start today off than by helping a kid stop using BEFORE he hits rock bottom. My morning wake-up call today was from a mom of a child I had worked with almost a year ago. She was calling to thank me. Thank me for introducing her child to the wonderful word of what I call “preoccupation.” Preoccupation is what I stress the most. Staying busy with something your child enjoys will each and everytime have nothing less than a positive affect on your child’s desire to get and stay clean. I introduce most kids I work with to the wonderful world of music by introducing them to a musical instrument. This keeps them so busy and motivates them to do some amazing things. Many have gone on to start bands themselves, thus keeping them busy and sober.
Whether it is the gym, band class, sports, or something else, get your kids interested in something they enjoy early on. If they are busy with constructive and fun things that they find comforting, then they are less apt to let their minds wander to drugs.
Super Star
www.superstarsuperstar.com
www.weareoneonline.org
teenage drug abuse
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Tolerance and withdrawal from drugs
Tolerance and withdrawal from drugs, do the research!
Did you know that most abused drugs are not only mentally addictive but physically addictive as well? Over time, tolerance is built up to almost all drug use. More and more of the drug is needed to achieve the desired effect.It happened very quickly for me with crack and I know this happens to everyone else as well. As the body physically adjusts to the abusers drug of choice, trying to cut down or stop is unpleasant or even painful. This is most common with Heroin, Barbiturates (Benzos), and Alcohol. These withdrawal symptoms, depending on the drug, can include shakes, chills, severe aches and pains, difficulty sleeping, agitation, depression, and even hallucinations or psychosis. Many addicts would rather continue to use than have to face the pain and uncomfortableness of withdraw. Avoiding this withdrawal adds to the urgency of keeping up drug abuse and increases the dependence on the drug. Its important to know what the risks are associated with your drug as you go through withdrawals. For example, there are two drugs that can cause death during withdrawal. These are alcohol and benzos. The abusers of these two drugs should seek treatment while trying to break their dependence from them. All others are extremely unpleasant but can be dealt with outside a medical facility.
Any attempt to go through “withdrawal” yourself or for your child should involve proper research. Get the facts beforehand, this will make the attempt more successful and might save your child’s life.
Super Star
www.weareoneonline.com
Did you know that most abused drugs are not only mentally addictive but physically addictive as well? Over time, tolerance is built up to almost all drug use. More and more of the drug is needed to achieve the desired effect.It happened very quickly for me with crack and I know this happens to everyone else as well. As the body physically adjusts to the abusers drug of choice, trying to cut down or stop is unpleasant or even painful. This is most common with Heroin, Barbiturates (Benzos), and Alcohol. These withdrawal symptoms, depending on the drug, can include shakes, chills, severe aches and pains, difficulty sleeping, agitation, depression, and even hallucinations or psychosis. Many addicts would rather continue to use than have to face the pain and uncomfortableness of withdraw. Avoiding this withdrawal adds to the urgency of keeping up drug abuse and increases the dependence on the drug. Its important to know what the risks are associated with your drug as you go through withdrawals. For example, there are two drugs that can cause death during withdrawal. These are alcohol and benzos. The abusers of these two drugs should seek treatment while trying to break their dependence from them. All others are extremely unpleasant but can be dealt with outside a medical facility.
Any attempt to go through “withdrawal” yourself or for your child should involve proper research. Get the facts beforehand, this will make the attempt more successful and might save your child’s life.
Super Star
www.weareoneonline.com
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The alcoholic parents effects on our children
It has always been obvious to me that addiction runs in the family. Some call that an excuse and purely stupid. However, you can’t ignore the facts. Alcoholism and other drug addiction do tend to run in families. Children of addicted parents are more at risk for alcoholism and other drug abuse than are other children. Here are some of those facts
• Children of addicted parents are the highest risk group of children to become alcohol and drug abusers due to both genetic and family environment factors.
• Biological children of alcohol dependent parents who have been adopted continue to have an increased risk (2-9 fold) of developing alcoholism.
• Recent studies suggest a strong genetic component, particularly for early onset of alcoholism in males. Sons of alcoholic fathers are at fourfold risk compared with the male offspring of non-alcoholic fathers.
• Use of substances by parents and their adolescent children is strongly correlated; generally, if parents take drugs, sooner or later their children will also.4 Adolescents who use drugs are more likely to have one or more parents who also use drugs.
• The influence of parental attitudes on a child's drug taking behaviors may be as important as actual drug abuse by the parents. An adolescent who perceives that a parent is permissive about the use of drugs is more likely to use drugs.
Get help for yourself or someone you know. Please
Super Star
www.superstarsuperstar.com
• Children of addicted parents are the highest risk group of children to become alcohol and drug abusers due to both genetic and family environment factors.
• Biological children of alcohol dependent parents who have been adopted continue to have an increased risk (2-9 fold) of developing alcoholism.
• Recent studies suggest a strong genetic component, particularly for early onset of alcoholism in males. Sons of alcoholic fathers are at fourfold risk compared with the male offspring of non-alcoholic fathers.
• Use of substances by parents and their adolescent children is strongly correlated; generally, if parents take drugs, sooner or later their children will also.4 Adolescents who use drugs are more likely to have one or more parents who also use drugs.
• The influence of parental attitudes on a child's drug taking behaviors may be as important as actual drug abuse by the parents. An adolescent who perceives that a parent is permissive about the use of drugs is more likely to use drugs.
Get help for yourself or someone you know. Please
Super Star
www.superstarsuperstar.com
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Understanding the three categories of substance abuse
As far as I am concerned, there are three categories of substance abuse. It might help for me to give you a once over of the each of them. Of course, all of them are bad with Dependence being the worst so it is important to recognize the differences. Doing so will help you decipher your plan of attack in regards to seeking the proper help.
A. Use: The occasional use of alcohol or other drugs without developing tolerance or withdrawal symptoms when not in use.
B. Abuse: The continued use of alcohol or other drugs even while knowing that the continued use is creating problems socially, physically, or psychologically.
C. Dependence: At least three of the following factors must be present:a. Substance is taken in larger amounts or over longer periods of time than the person intended.b. A persistent desire with unsuccessful efforts to control the use.c. Large periods of time spent obtaining, taking, or recovering from, the substance.d. Frequent periods of intoxication or detoxification especially when social and major role obligations are expected (school, social situations, etc.)e. Continued use even while knowing that the continued use is creating problems socially, physically, and/or psychologically.f. Increased toleranceg. Withdrawal symptomsh. Substance taken to relieve withdrawal symptoms.
Remember, doing your homework and educating yourself about this disease is the best plan of attack. You have to work both the offense and the defense to succeed.
Super Starhttp://www.superstarsuperstar.com/
http://www.weareoneonline.com/
A. Use: The occasional use of alcohol or other drugs without developing tolerance or withdrawal symptoms when not in use.
B. Abuse: The continued use of alcohol or other drugs even while knowing that the continued use is creating problems socially, physically, or psychologically.
C. Dependence: At least three of the following factors must be present:a. Substance is taken in larger amounts or over longer periods of time than the person intended.b. A persistent desire with unsuccessful efforts to control the use.c. Large periods of time spent obtaining, taking, or recovering from, the substance.d. Frequent periods of intoxication or detoxification especially when social and major role obligations are expected (school, social situations, etc.)e. Continued use even while knowing that the continued use is creating problems socially, physically, and/or psychologically.f. Increased toleranceg. Withdrawal symptomsh. Substance taken to relieve withdrawal symptoms.
Remember, doing your homework and educating yourself about this disease is the best plan of attack. You have to work both the offense and the defense to succeed.
Super Starhttp://www.superstarsuperstar.com/
http://www.weareoneonline.com/
Friday, August 21, 2009
Some quick statistics on the drug use amongst our youth
I read some interesting static’s today. They are astounding to me.
For example, did you know that every day, approximately 4,700 American youth under the age of 18 try marijuana for the first time? Since I intend to get my butt over to some schools this year let me put this into the “schools theme’s” perceptive. That is about equal to the enrollment of six average-sized U.S. high schools. Crazy huh?
In 2003, nearly nine out of 10 twelfth graders reported marijuana as being easily accessible. I don’t recall it being so easy to get when I was younger, but then again, I wasn’t looking for it while in high school. However, I can recall hearing that it was there if I wanted it.
Here’s another on for you. By the time students finish the eighth grade, approximately 50 percent of them have had at least one drink, with more than 20 percent of them having been “drunk.” Scary to know that becoming drunk for me the first time did actually happen while I was in the 8th grade and I can recall it opening many doors for my addiction
Drug and alcohol use by teens increases the risk of addiction and can change the developing brain for life. Despite these statistics, one thing remains true:
Our parents are the most important influence in a teen’s decisions about drug use. You can and do make a difference. If you suspect or know that your child using drugs, take action now, because the longer you wait, the harder it will be to deal with your child’s drug use and in some circumstances, it may be too late.
Super Star
http://www.superstarsuperstar.com/
http://www.weareoneonline.com/
For example, did you know that every day, approximately 4,700 American youth under the age of 18 try marijuana for the first time? Since I intend to get my butt over to some schools this year let me put this into the “schools theme’s” perceptive. That is about equal to the enrollment of six average-sized U.S. high schools. Crazy huh?
In 2003, nearly nine out of 10 twelfth graders reported marijuana as being easily accessible. I don’t recall it being so easy to get when I was younger, but then again, I wasn’t looking for it while in high school. However, I can recall hearing that it was there if I wanted it.
Here’s another on for you. By the time students finish the eighth grade, approximately 50 percent of them have had at least one drink, with more than 20 percent of them having been “drunk.” Scary to know that becoming drunk for me the first time did actually happen while I was in the 8th grade and I can recall it opening many doors for my addiction
Drug and alcohol use by teens increases the risk of addiction and can change the developing brain for life. Despite these statistics, one thing remains true:
Our parents are the most important influence in a teen’s decisions about drug use. You can and do make a difference. If you suspect or know that your child using drugs, take action now, because the longer you wait, the harder it will be to deal with your child’s drug use and in some circumstances, it may be too late.
Super Star
http://www.superstarsuperstar.com/
http://www.weareoneonline.com/
Thursday, August 20, 2009
It is important to distinguish between chemical use, chemical abuse and chemical dependency early on.
Chemical use is the broad category that includes everything from an occasional beer to total debilitating addiction. All users are not abusers, nor are all abusers addicts. Every person reacts differently when presented with a particular drug. Some people will experience side effects that range from mild to deadly.
Chemical abuse refers to a pattern in which using chemical leads to serious harmful consequences. Approximately 70% of all alcoholics start drinking while they are in high school. Alcoholism is the only completely preventable disease, meaning if you don't drink alcohol, you will not become an alcoholic. Its as simple as that.
Not all abusers are physically dependent or addicted to alcohol or drugs. This makes it difficult to diagnose true dependency among teenage abusers. Not only is it more difficult to diagnose addiction in this group, it is also much harder to treat the condition successfully. The influence of a teen's peers can also introduce problems when seeking treatment. Don’t be afraid to step up and talk to the parents of the per that you think might be a bad influence on your child.
One of the most effective predictors of trouble is the quality of communication between parent and teenager. When adolescents feel utterly misunderstood, when they have no sense of trust or security in their family, they are at risk for abusing chemicals. Anyone who abuses drugs or alcohol runs the risk of becoming addicted. If you see signs of abuse, use this opportunity to strengthen the bond of communication with your son or daughter. Be patient, but don't be naïve. Adolescents who are heavily involved with drugs and alcohol usually lie about it, at least initially. Don't be put off by reassuring words if you continue to see signs that disturb you. Don't let your teen's statements lead you to believe their actions aren't risky.
Being a parent of a child on drugs is not easy. There is nothing easy about it. However, its part of the responsibility of bring a child into this world isn’t it? I urge you, please do not abandon your child or think that the issue is just a fad and will simply go away. It may not. I have talked with parents who no longer have their child because of overdoses and terrible accidents. The number one most common statement from them is “I wish I had done more to help them”. Don’t let this happen to you. Step up at all costs!
Chemical abuse refers to a pattern in which using chemical leads to serious harmful consequences. Approximately 70% of all alcoholics start drinking while they are in high school. Alcoholism is the only completely preventable disease, meaning if you don't drink alcohol, you will not become an alcoholic. Its as simple as that.
Not all abusers are physically dependent or addicted to alcohol or drugs. This makes it difficult to diagnose true dependency among teenage abusers. Not only is it more difficult to diagnose addiction in this group, it is also much harder to treat the condition successfully. The influence of a teen's peers can also introduce problems when seeking treatment. Don’t be afraid to step up and talk to the parents of the per that you think might be a bad influence on your child.
One of the most effective predictors of trouble is the quality of communication between parent and teenager. When adolescents feel utterly misunderstood, when they have no sense of trust or security in their family, they are at risk for abusing chemicals. Anyone who abuses drugs or alcohol runs the risk of becoming addicted. If you see signs of abuse, use this opportunity to strengthen the bond of communication with your son or daughter. Be patient, but don't be naïve. Adolescents who are heavily involved with drugs and alcohol usually lie about it, at least initially. Don't be put off by reassuring words if you continue to see signs that disturb you. Don't let your teen's statements lead you to believe their actions aren't risky.
Being a parent of a child on drugs is not easy. There is nothing easy about it. However, its part of the responsibility of bring a child into this world isn’t it? I urge you, please do not abandon your child or think that the issue is just a fad and will simply go away. It may not. I have talked with parents who no longer have their child because of overdoses and terrible accidents. The number one most common statement from them is “I wish I had done more to help them”. Don’t let this happen to you. Step up at all costs!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Warning signs that your child may have a substance abuse problem.
For parents to get an understanding of how quick the tables can turn for their child let me explain how fast my addiction took me over.
My addiction hit me quick. Within a week of receiving my first hit of crack, I had sold all my possessions. There was not much time in between it going from fun to full-blown addiction. At the most, maybe 20 seconds. For most addicts, drinking and drugging starts off as recreational but as we all find, soon becomes a necessity. (Or so we think). Using alcohol or drugs regularly is usually just a step away from addiction — where you depend on these substances to feel good or get through your day.
Here are a few warning signs that your child may have a substance abuse problem:
Its harder for our children to realize they might have a problem because they are less awre of what real consequences and what the true addiction signs may be. This is when the family needs to step in. Quitting is hard to do, and many people find they cannot do it without help. Don’t let them deal with their problem alone.
Super Star
www.superstarsuperstar.com
My addiction hit me quick. Within a week of receiving my first hit of crack, I had sold all my possessions. There was not much time in between it going from fun to full-blown addiction. At the most, maybe 20 seconds. For most addicts, drinking and drugging starts off as recreational but as we all find, soon becomes a necessity. (Or so we think). Using alcohol or drugs regularly is usually just a step away from addiction — where you depend on these substances to feel good or get through your day.
Here are a few warning signs that your child may have a substance abuse problem:
1. relying on drugs or alcohol to have fun, forget problems, or relax
2. having blackouts
3. drinking or using drugs while alone
4. withdrawing or keeping secrets from friends or family
l5. osing interest in school activities that used to be important
6. performing differently in school (such as grades dropping and frequent absences)
7. building an increased tolerance to alcohol or drugs — gradually needing more and more of the 8. substance to get the same feeling
9. lying, stealing, or selling stuff to get money for drugs or alcohol
Its harder for our children to realize they might have a problem because they are less awre of what real consequences and what the true addiction signs may be. This is when the family needs to step in. Quitting is hard to do, and many people find they cannot do it without help. Don’t let them deal with their problem alone.
Super Star
www.superstarsuperstar.com
Sunday, August 16, 2009
If your child is an addict....
I ran into someone at a meeting today and had a disaagrentment with her regarding her thoughts about how she was “helping” her child through addiction. From what she described, this help seemed almost non-existent. She thought that ignoring the issue was her way of not enabling the situation and just as her mom did to her while she was young, it was for her daughter to find our later as an adult that drug use is a “bad thing”. That is a quote. Disgusting isn’t it? The rest of the details of the conversation don’t matter. However, let me tell you what does.
One of the best reasons to get a help for teens while they are still teenagers, beyond being a very formidable time in a child’s life, is the consequences of inaction upon future generations. Statistics have shown that instances of teen drug addiction run in long chains from parents to children. This is why now is the time to either break the chain of teen drug addiction or stop it from forming. No amount of hard work, money, sacrifice is worth more than breaking a chain of substance abuse or preventing one from forming.
Break that chain now!
One of the best reasons to get a help for teens while they are still teenagers, beyond being a very formidable time in a child’s life, is the consequences of inaction upon future generations. Statistics have shown that instances of teen drug addiction run in long chains from parents to children. This is why now is the time to either break the chain of teen drug addiction or stop it from forming. No amount of hard work, money, sacrifice is worth more than breaking a chain of substance abuse or preventing one from forming.
Break that chain now!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Are You An Enabler to your child?
When parents are affected by their own child's denial of alcohol or drug abuse, they often act in ways that protect the addict from experiencing the full consequences of his or her behaviors. This type of protective behavior, although often motivated by love and concern, is referred to as enabling, because it permits the child to continue drinking and allows the disease to progress, the symptoms to intensify and the consequences to become worse for all concerned. Like denial, enabling is another one of the symptoms of addictions—a symptom displayed by others, not by the addict child.
Yes, you read that right. It is a well-recognized aspect of the disease and it can come from you. Pay very close attention to this. If you are an enabler, you have to find the strength within yourself to stop. There are many organizations setup that can help you.
Special groups, like Nar-Anon, Al-Anon and Al-Ateen, have been established to help people concerned about the addicts in their lives to understand them and to help them, largely by gaining the strength to stop enabling. Overcoming denial and enabling is often the first step into treatment for the drug or alcohol abuser. Check out my links page on www.superstarsuperstar.com to find one of these meetings closest to you and get to one if you find that you might be an enabler.
It’s going to be had to stop but like my song says, “You can do it!”
Yes, you read that right. It is a well-recognized aspect of the disease and it can come from you. Pay very close attention to this. If you are an enabler, you have to find the strength within yourself to stop. There are many organizations setup that can help you.
Special groups, like Nar-Anon, Al-Anon and Al-Ateen, have been established to help people concerned about the addicts in their lives to understand them and to help them, largely by gaining the strength to stop enabling. Overcoming denial and enabling is often the first step into treatment for the drug or alcohol abuser. Check out my links page on www.superstarsuperstar.com to find one of these meetings closest to you and get to one if you find that you might be an enabler.
It’s going to be had to stop but like my song says, “You can do it!”
Friday, August 14, 2009
Watch list for Parents
I've created a watch list for parents. So many more things can be added but these are some good telling signs that there might be an issue on your hands.....
Watch List for Parents
1. Changes in friends
2. Negative changes in schoolwork, missing school, or declining grades
3. Increased secrecy about possessions or activities
4. Use of incense, room deodorant, or perfume to hide smoke or chemical odors
5. Subtle changes in conversations with friends, e.g. more secretive, using “coded” language
6. Change in clothing choices: new fascination with clothes that highlight drug use
7. Increase in borrowing money
8. Evidence of drug paraphernalia such as pipes, rolling papers, etc.
9. Evidence of use of inhalant products (such as hairspray, nail polish, correction fluid, common 10. household products); Rags and paper bags are sometimes used as accessories
11. Bottles of eye drops, which may be used to mask bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils
12. New use of mouthwash or breath mints to cover up the smell of alcohol
13. Missing prescription drugs—especially narcotics and mood stabilizers
Keep an eye out to any of these things, sit them down, and TALK with them, even if what you suspect turns out to be wrong. Your kids will gain a lot more respect for you if you do not shy away from this issue.
Watch List for Parents
1. Changes in friends
2. Negative changes in schoolwork, missing school, or declining grades
3. Increased secrecy about possessions or activities
4. Use of incense, room deodorant, or perfume to hide smoke or chemical odors
5. Subtle changes in conversations with friends, e.g. more secretive, using “coded” language
6. Change in clothing choices: new fascination with clothes that highlight drug use
7. Increase in borrowing money
8. Evidence of drug paraphernalia such as pipes, rolling papers, etc.
9. Evidence of use of inhalant products (such as hairspray, nail polish, correction fluid, common 10. household products); Rags and paper bags are sometimes used as accessories
11. Bottles of eye drops, which may be used to mask bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils
12. New use of mouthwash or breath mints to cover up the smell of alcohol
13. Missing prescription drugs—especially narcotics and mood stabilizers
Keep an eye out to any of these things, sit them down, and TALK with them, even if what you suspect turns out to be wrong. Your kids will gain a lot more respect for you if you do not shy away from this issue.
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