Your Adolescent and drugs! How soon do we need to worry?

Substance abuse is a common concern for most parents during adolescence. By the end of high school it is estimated that seventeen percent of kids smoke cigarettes, twenty eight percent engage in heavy drinking of alcohol and forty percent use illegal drugs (Berk, 2008). These numbers appear high, but in actuality they are down from the last decade (Berk, 2008). The reason adolescents use drugs and alcohol is suspected to be due to a sensation seeking need (Berk, 2008). This attempt to experience sensation and experiment with drugs and alcohol is usually considered normal (Berk, 2008). However, abuse of these substances does occur and becomes a social problem for many youth.
The reason some adolescents try or experiment with substances and are able to walk away, while others become addicted or begin routine use is not a perfect cause and effect relationship. There are many theories as to the etiology of addiction. Abusers are different than the occasional experimenters (Berk, 2008). There are biological and environmental differences that likely influence the addiction process.
Abusers often show differences in early childhood years such as impulsive behavior, social and emotional dysfunction, disruptive and hostile behaviors, etc (Berk, 2008). As adolescents they maintain many of these personality traits and show decreased cognitive abilities, self regulation, and engage in anti social behaviors (Berk, 2008). By the first grade indicators for drug abuse can be correlated to temperament and behavior (Swan, 1995). These indicators include shyness, aggressiveness, rebellious behaviors, and gender (Swan, 1995). Although adolescents who abuse drugs and alcohol have decreased cognitive abilities, research indicates that first graders who score higher on Readiness for School tests have a higher correlation to drug use at adolescents (Swan, 1995). The genetic component of addiction should not be overlooked. Many predispositions exist for addictive behaviors and can be linked to parental abuse of drugs and alcohol (Berk, 2008).
The environment also plays a role in addiction. Lower socioeconomic status seems to link to the rates of addiction and abuse of alcohol and drugs (Berk, 2008). Family mental health issues, abuse, neglect, and exposure to authority figures abusing drugs and alcohol also increase the risk for the child to engage in addictive behaviors (Berk, 2008). Drug use by parents observed in the early childhood years is considered an indicatory of later abuse by the child (Swan, 1995).
Historically there has been a suspicion that the use of medication by parents to control children’s behavior in the early years may increase the risk for later drug abuse. As more parents attempt to treat children with stimulants and ADHD drugs, the theory was that the child will learn to self medicate in later life (Berk, 2008). A Longitudinal study of one hundred seventy six middle class Caucasian boys treated with ADHD stimulants, however, attempted to dispel this belief. The research cited by A Kaplan in the July 1, 2008 Psychiatric Times issue, found that boys who started treatment earlier than age six had decreased drug abuse than those who started treatment after age eight (Kaplan, 2008). Comparison group rates of drug use were similar to those of early treatment (Kaplan, 2008). Kaplan does not believe that treatment with ADHD medications is linked to the onset of addictive behavior, but does recognize that the diagnosis of ADHD may be associated with addiction (Kaplan, 2008). Kaplan further suggests nine indicators or predictors for addictive behavior in regards to the use of ADHD medication (Kaplan, 2008). Variables include the duration of treatment with medications, the age treatment began, the dosage, the severity of the diagnosis, the socioeconomic status of the family, and parental characteristics including psychopathology (Kaplan, 2008).
Although there are many indicators and factors that appear to increase the risk of drug abuse and addictive behavior for adolescents, the protective factors are available to prevent this unfortunate result. These protective factors include achievement in school, after school activities and close family connections (Swan, 1995). Family involvement is the greatest influential factor in middle childhood, but by adolescence, peer influence is much greater (Swan, 1995).

Valerie Poling

Child and Adolescent Development

References:

Berk, L. (2008). Physical Development in Adolescence. In L. Berk, Infants, Children and Adolescents (pp. 532-567). Boston: Pearson.
Kaplan, A. (2008). Risk of Substance Abuse Not increased by ADHD Drugs. Psychiatric Times , Vol8.
Swan, N. (1995, January). Early Childhood Behavior and Temperament Predict Later Substance Use. Retrieved March 6, 2010, from National Institiute on Drug Abuse: http://www.drugabuse.gov/NIDA_Notes/NNVol10N1/Earlychild.html



As a parent, my child is only 4, but whenever the opportunity arises, I am already preparing him to say "NO Way!" to drugs or alcohol. My husband thinks this is way too early to start, but in the social climate we live in today, is it really? I don't want him to be curious, I don't want him to try that initial "experiment"- but according to research the "experimental stage" is healthy and normal. What are your thoughts? How are you handling the issue of drugs with your children? Alcohol? I have heard parents say that if "my kid is going to drink I want them to do it at home where I can keep them safe", but do you really think they are going to ONLY drink at home? Do you think that will curb their interest? I personally feel that education of the risks and outcomes is the key... I would really love to hear from you on this...Feel free to comment, you can do so anonymously, too!

Fun for you, Fun for the family, A Handmade Christmas...

With Halloween just around the corner, how about spending some quality time with your kids and really making it fun!?

Try this- definitely worth the money (which isn't much) but, wow! so much to do!

The holidays stressing you out? Want to give something handmade, unique? Well, shop Mommy Tyme Bath and gifts for that next great idea!

Visit MommyTyme's ArtFire Shop

Or make something fun yourself! Check out the link below! These aren't just brownies! These are all kinds of fun, unique and creative ideas packed into a jar! You will be amazed!

Emotional Eating!

How to Overcome Emotional Eating

Eating is a part of life. Your body gets its nutrients from food. Sometimes we can go overboard with our eating habits and it can result in gaining weight. One issue with food is emotional eating.

The problem of emotional eating may end with the scale but it begins in the mind. Stress takes its toll on your life. When your defenses are compromised your health takes a hit and so do your emotions.

Everyone has good days and bad days. How we deal with the bad ones brings emotional eating into play. You look for comfort for your hurts. People who turn to food for comfort find a coping mechanism that won’t judge them, hurt them or tell them “no.” To complicate the issue, eating pleasurable foods can stimulate the release of endorphins just like exercise. So, after you eat, you feel better.

All Health Content - For Health Marketers (medium sales page)

Emotional eaters use food to relieve stress. They hide behind the food instead of seeking solutions to the problems. This is not uncommon when the stressor is something horrible such as physical abuse or a death.

But, how do you know you are using food in this way? The first sign is obvious. You will gain weight if you eat too much. In light of the weight gain, examine other areas of your life:

* Have you been under stress lately at work or at home?
* Has anything traumatic happened in the last year?
* Are you dealing with a problem but haven’t found a solution?

Answering “yes” to any of these questions could mean that you are an emotional eater. You eat but you are not necessarily hungry at the time. The foods that you choose are what we term “comfort foods”:

* High fat foods like French fries, fried foods
* High carb foods like macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes
* Sugary foods like ice cream, donuts, cookies, cake

There is help for emotional eaters. The first step is recognizing that you have a problem. You’ll experience feelings of helplessness and guilt. The guilt is over potentially ruining your health and the helplessness lies in the fact that you don’t see a way out.

Secondly, seek counseling. There are many types of counselors out there that can meet your need. Emotional eating has nothing to do with dieting or changing your eating habits but gaining control over your emotions.

A counselor might suggest things like visualization, practicing problem solving skills, relaxation techniques and family support. Visualization helps you to see your problems in a realistic way and not blown out of proportion. You will also learn to see food as nutrition for the body and not an emotional crutch.

Thirdly, your family can learn your triggers for stress and be on the lookout for changes in your eating habits. They can help you be aware of the foods you are eating, assist you in making healthy food choices and exercise along with you. Proper diet and exercise increases immunity, blood flow and positive thinking. Yoga enhances the mind/body connection so you don’t eat when you aren’t hungry.

Finding new ways to solve your problems and deal with stress will push food out of the equation. You’ll feel good about finding solutions which will replace the dependence on food.

See what you have missed, find more great articles, ideas, freebies, and recipes...

Unique Gift Ideas...

This is such a cool idea- you have to check it out. Personalize just about anything fun for your child- and it is so affordable! Really. The holidays are coming and you won't want to miss giving that special child in your life something really unique!

Here are some fun things you might want to try

Spend some time with your kids and be the hit of any party!

Get your child ready for kindergarten...