• Substance Use/Abuse And Mental Health
• Disease Concept
• Prevention For Adolescents
• Signs And Symptoms Of Teen Drug Use and Abuse
• Signs And Symptoms Of Adult Substance Abuse
• Treatment for Adolescents and Adults
• Recovery For Loved Ones Of Addicts
• Do You Want A Free Alcohol Screening?
• Substance Abuse Assistance, Where to find help!

Millions of people in this country drink alcohol and take illegal drugs to be more social and to “feel good.” However, 17 million of these people are considered problem drinkers. Ten million are considered alcoholic. Four million are addicted to other substances. Treatment professionals do not advocate “prohibition” for those who are not alcoholic. Moderation is always the key. However, for those who are chemically dependent, abstinence is the beginning to the road to recovery. This section of Guide to Feeling Better will look at the issue of substance use and abuse with adolescents and adults.

TOP

Disease Concept

Alcoholism and addiction to other substances is a chronic, progressive disease, which can be treated but not cured. The disease causes both physical and psychological addiction. This disease is NOT a weakness in moral character. Like recovery from other diseases, it is a process, not an event. Like other diseases, most people with an addiction will relapse one or more times before sobriety remains constant. As with any serious illness, the earlier it is treated the more likely recovery will occur.

TOP

Prevention For Adolescents

Even parents who “do all the right things” may face the addiction of a child. However, here are some steps you can take to minimize the possibility.
1. Examine your own relationship with alcohol and other drugs. Your children will model your behavior.
2. Be open with your children about any family history of substance abuse. Explain that a family history makes all people in the family predisposed to the disease of addiction.
3. Give your children the message that underage drinking and illegal substance use will not be tolerated.
4. Give your children consequences when you know they have been using.
5. Know your children’s friends and their parents.
6. Do not allow your child to spend the night or attend a party that has no adult supervision.
7. Know that supervising a party of underage drinking is illegal!
8. However, searching your child’s room for evidence of substance use is perfectly legal!
9. Set curfews and know your child’s whereabouts. (Just because you can reach them by cell phone does not mean you know where they are.)
10. Educate yourself about substances and their signs and symptoms.
11. When your child exhibits signs of depression and/or anxiety or other mental health disorder, find help promptly. Many teens begin experimenting with substances when trying to “medicate” an existing condition.

According to the National Association of the Mentally Ill (NAMI) more than half of young persons with a substance abuse diagnosis also have a diagnosable mental illness. These teens cannot respond to “just say no” tactics. Therapy and medication, supplemented by support groups is the most effective treatment.

TOP

Signs And Symptoms Of Teen Drug Use and Abuse

· Abrupt changes in attendance, quality of work, work output, grades and discipline
· Unusual flare-ups or outbreaks of temper
· Withdrawal from responsibility
· General change in overall attitude
· Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming
· Wearing of sunglasses at inappropriate times
· Continual wearing of long-sleeved clothing particularly in hot weather
· Association with known substance abusers, or suddenly popular with new friends who are older and unknown to family members
· Unusual borrowing of money – or stealing – from friends, co-workers and family members
· Secretiveness or desperation for money
· Inappropriate overreaction to mild criticism
· Use of odd words
· Paranoia
· Car accidents and other accidents, like falling down
· Chronic dishonesty
· Smoking cigarettes
· Heavy use of over-the-counter medications to reduce eye irritation, nasal irritation and bad breath
· Secretive behavior regarding actions and possessions; poorly concealed attempts to avoid attention and suspicion such as frequent trips to storage rooms, restrooms, basement, etc.
· Abrupt change in behavior
· Shortened attention span such as slurred speech, jumbled thinking
· Deteriorating judgment and short-term memory loss
· Any change in eating behavior that would cause rapid weight gain or loss
· Extreme behavioral changes such as hallucinations, violence, and unconsciousness
· Unprescribed or unidentifiable pills
· Strange articles that might be used as drug paraphernalia
· Slow staggering walk, poor physical coordination
· Change in sleep pattern
· Red, watery eyes; pupils very large or small; blank stare
· “I don't care” attitude
· Going out almost every night

Adolescence is a time of physical and attitudinal changes. Some of the signs and symptoms of drug use/abuse are typical adolescent behavior. However, if your gut reaction is that your child’s behavior is unusual, or if your child exhibits several of these signs/symptoms, a substance abuse assessment is warranted.

When parents become suspicious, many want to rush to have a urine drug screen done. Your family physician can do this. However, since many substances do not stay in their system long, an assessment by a qualified substance abuse professional is recommended.

TOP

Signs and Symptoms of Adult Substance Abuse

· Social use of substances occurs more heavily and more often.
· Blackouts (temporary loss of memory which is different from passing out) occur more frequently.
· Will hide or sneak use of substances from family and friends.
· Inability to quit using once starting.
· Using excuses for use such as pressures from job.
· Needing a substance to get going in the morning.
· May develop anti-social behavior
· Loss of friends, family and job
· Seeking medical attention because their use is causing physical and/or mental problems.
· May go in binges of using substances for long periods of time.
· May get the shakes or tremors.
· Continued denial that a problem exists.
· Problems with the legal system (alcohol and drug related charges like DUI and possession)

If you recognize these symptoms in yourself, see a qualified substance abuse professional immediately. If you recognize these symptoms in a loved one, an intervention is warranted. A qualified substance abuse therapist can help you organize and facilitate an intervention to encourage your loved one to seek treatment. If your loved one refuses, attend Al-Anon and seek therapy to guide you in how to deal with the situation.

TOP

Treatment for Adolescents and Adults

When you suspect that your child is using substances, or you believe you have a problem, go to a qualified professional for an assessment. Because of the prevalence of co-occurring mental health disorders in youth and adults, you and/or your child should receive a thorough mental health assessment by a qualified behaviorial/mental health professional. A complete physical is also recommended.

The type of treatment recommended will vary depending on the progression of the disease and other complicating factors such as the presence of a mental illness. Some youth and young adults are simply experimenting and classes in prevention and/or psychotherapy are appropriate. If substance use is causing a variety of life problems, an intensive outpatient program will probably be recommended. Inpatient and residential treatment are also options.

The most effective treatment for addiction is entering a substance abuse program, plus the support of groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Some people prefer other support groups (see Resources). A very small minority can simply quit with no support. Those with a dual diagnosis (addiction plus another mental health disorder) may require psychotherapy and medication. For addicts, recovery means that sobriety must become a way of life.

Many people think that simply not using substances will ensure their recovery. However, recovery often means a complete lifestyle change, such as finding new social activities that do not revolve around using and new friends who will encourage a sober lifestyle. Even those who do not have a dual-diagnosis can benefit from the support of therapy to help with these major life changes.

Adolescents need additional support in their recovery. Parents can show their support by not having alcoholic beverages in the home and by not drinking in front of their child. Participating in the family component of child’s treatment is also important. Schools can show their support by understanding that addiction is a disease like any other and to give the student the support they would for a student with any other disease.

TOP

Recovery for Loved Ones of Addicts

Addiction is referred to as a family disease because all members of the family are affected. Many people who have lived with an addict often feel responsible for their loved one’s addiction. Their behavior becomes controlling as they seek to bring some order in their chaotic lives. Al-Anon and Alateen can support the loved ones of addicts in changing their behavior to more healthy ways of coping. Therapy, in conjunction, with these support groups, is also helpful.

TOP