Tag Archives: Substance abuse

Sugar Addictions; the Psychology behind Sugar Addictions

June 10, 2014

Psychology behind Sugar Addictions-Drug Addiction

Sugar addictions

Sugar hides itself between cookies, cakes, sodas because these are what we use daily, be careful of sugar addictions

Who doesn’t like sweet things? This is a question whose answer would probably be the same across the divide in our global society today. I am almost attempted to believe that you have a positive answer to my introduction. But all the same we all need sugar to make our food staff much tasty and we can find sugar nearly everywhere in our homes, supermarkets, social places and even in the religious setups. You may be wondering how sugar finds its way nearly in all places, to help you on that, sugar hides itself between cookies, cakes, sodas and other foods you may be thinking of. Now all this food stuff is found everywhere and that is how we are surrounded with sugar which in itself is an addictive substance.

Food molecules enter the body in three different ways that is through fats, carbohydrates and protein. Of this sugar is categorized as carbohydrates which are composed of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. Sugar is relatively a simple molecule and it is easier to break down in the body intestinal system. This element sugar can be found in many different forms today. This forms can include anything from simple white cane sugar (what we usually use in baked goods) to the more exotic sugars like agave nectar or molasses. All of these substances contain the same mixture of simple sugars, which are glucose, fructose, and sucrose. These three types of sugars can be mixed and matched in order to create a unique combination.

Saying that sugar is addictive then what is addiction? It is something that causes psychological dependence, addiction can be classified as dependence which is characterized by compulsive, sometimes uncontrollable, behaviors that occur at the expense of other activities and intensify with repeated access. Looking at addiction in relation to sugar would mean that consumption of sugar consistently and without any form of control can cause injure the operations of daily activities.

Psychology behind Sugar Addictions-Signs of Sugar Addictions

For one to be diagnosed with a sugar addictions, most likely the psychologists and doctors would look at three different signs:

  • Bingeing
  • Withdrawal
  • Craving

Anyone of these symptoms can be an indicator of initial stages of an addiction but all the three combined together points to a serious dependence on a certain substance. Ordinarily we would think of alcohol and other drugs as addictive substances, but for sure sugar is a very real addiction too. The consumption of sugar increases the serotonin levels in the body which is a calming and mood elevating neurotransmitter. Serotonin is an anti-depressant and regulates pain levels and sleep cycle. When sugar levels increase, serotonin levels rise and individuals can feel better about themselves both physically and mentally. Many times we think of cookies and ice cream as comfort food, so this could be one reason why some people have a hard time staying away from these sweets.

Ingesting sugar can also increase dopamine levels. Studies have proven that addictive substances like cocaine and heroin cause elevated extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens. This same process occurs when foods rich in sugar are ingested. It has also been found that the dopamine receptors are critical for people to experience pleasure for normal life events like watching movies, exercising, or reading books. A deficiency in this receptor can lead to depression, so many times those who are deficient in the dopamine receptors may turn to drugs or sugar for pleasure. A deficiency in the receptor has also been linked to a variety of disorders like alcoholism, bulimia, or binge eating.

Psychology behind Sugar Addictions-Effects of Sugar on the brain

Intermittent sugar access can also act through the opioids in the brain.  The changes in the opioid systems of the brain caused by eating sugar lead to the addiction-like signs of withdrawal. “Intermittent, excessive intake of sugar can have dopaminergic, cholinergic, and opioid effects that are similar to psycho-stimulants and opiates, albeit smaller in magnitude” (Avena, 2008). Even though the effects of sugar on neurochemicals are mild, it can lead to a dependency or addiction over time.

In addition to the neurochemical reasons for sugar addictions, there is also an area in the brain that shows signs of sugar addictions. In a study where participants consumed sugar and brain activity was analyzed, it was found that the orbitofrontal cortex was active after sugar consumption. The orbitofrontal cortex is an area in the front of the brain where human’s process rewards. This means that eating sugar is a rewarding activity, so we are likely to continue to eat sugar in order to feel reward and pleasure.

Psychology behind Sugar Addictions-Who is affected the most by sugar addictions

Those at risk for sugar addictions include:

  • Those with bulimia, binge eating disorder, obesity, alcohol dependent, smokers and those with chronic pain. This is because sugar addiction is comparative to these disorders, and many times these disorders may occur congruently with sugar addictions.
  • Healthy, normal weight individuals, by definition, do not suffer from food addiction; however, overweight and obese individuals could meet clinical criteria. The reason for sugar addictions is not because sugar tastes good, but rather it is in the way it is consumed with alternating binging and restricting.

Environmental factors can also trigger sugar addictions for example watching a commercial about candy, smelling cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, or simply being around sugar can cause someone to start eating it uncontrollably.  Eating sugar can also become a learned response by simply eating sugar when hungry, bored, or tired so that someone craves it whenever they feel this way. Overtime it will be a habit to simply reach out and eat sugar when these cues arise.

Psychology behind Sugar Addictions-Summary-Why is Sugar Addictive?

Sugar addictions, or sugar dependence, is based off the three basic stages of bingeing, withdrawal, and craving. Sugar can cause the neurochemicals dopamine, tryptophan, and serotonin to increase. All of these are involved with pleasure, reward, and pain tolerance that can make sugar irresistible. These neurochemicals are also released with other drugs of addiction, which links sugar addictions to any other addiction. Finally sugar is addictive because:

  • We Feel Better When We Eat It. Eating sugar increases the serotonin levels in the body, which is a calming and mood elevating neurotransmitter. Serotonin plays an important part in regulating pain levels and sleep cycles, and it is an anti-depressant. When sugar levels increase, serotonin levels rise and individuals can feel better about themselves both physically and mentally.
  • It’s as Addictive as Drugs like Cocaine. Ingesting sugar can also increase dopamine levels, which also happens when someone ingests cocaine or other addictive drugs. This can cause a binge and withdrawal cycle and lead to a dependence on the substance.
  • The Brain thinks it Is Rewarding. The orbitofrontal cortex is an area in the front of the brain where humans process rewards, and this is activated when someone consumes sugar. Therefore, sugar is seen as rewarding to the body.

We can never conclude without offering an avenue for help in case you or your loved ones are suffering from sugar addiction. The over two decades experience of doctor Akoury in helping people suffering from addiction is an experience you would want to be part of. She is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center where emphasis is made on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) as a means of treating addiction to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. This is a resource you would not want to miss.

Psychology behind Sugar Addictions-Drug Addiction

 

 

 

Related articles
Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedin

Major effects of Addiction

June 9, 2014

Major effects of Addiction-Psychological and Physical

Addiction

Don’t let drug addiction break your family. The effects can be very painful not just for you but to the children as well.

Like many problems people go through addiction is one that has been associated to humanity for as long as you can imagine. It is interesting to note that addiction has no limit on whom it affects and does not choose when to strike. Anytime can be said to be appropriate for one to be addicted to anything that is addictive, because of this untimeliness of addiction we must make efforts to be ready when it comes and most importantly prevent its effects on us. We will be discussing the major effects of addiction in this article and for this reason we will categorize then into two segments:

  • Psychological effects of drug addiction
  • Physical effects of drug addiction

Major effects of Addiction-Psychological effects of drug addiction

While it is true that in both cases the specific physical and psychological effects of drug abuse and addiction is not consistent and varies based on the particular addictive substance involved, the general effects of drug abuse or addiction to any drug can be devastating.

Psychologically, intoxication with or withdrawal from a substance can cause everything from euphoria as with alcohol, Ecstasy, or inhalant intoxication, to paranoia with marijuana or steroid intoxication, to severe depression or suicidal thoughts with cocaine or amphetamine withdrawal. An individual who has been living with a condition of drug addiction for some period of time may begin to experience a number of serious psychological problems as a result of their dependence on the drugs. As mention these conditions can range from mild to serious but the common denominator is that all of them will impact to the life of the addicted person in a negative manner. Let us now take a look at some of the most common long-term psychological effects of drug addictions as mention above:

Depression

As an individual develops a tolerance to drugs, it will take ever-increasing amounts of the substance to get high. When the individual is unable to achieve their desired state of euphoria, they may become depressed. Chronic depression also occurs as the drug addict feels shame and remorse about their condition. This creates a cycle of addiction; the more depressed they feel, the more likely they are to continue using drugs.

Paranoia

People suffering from a cocaine or marijuana addiction often report a feeling of paranoia over the course of their dependence. The feeling that “everyone is out to get them” is heightened by the fact that buying or using drugs is illegal and the belief that law enforcement is waiting around every corner. Over time, drug addicts tend to get more and more paranoid.

Anxiety

Drug addicts get their supply from time to time and the waiting period of the next dose of supply causes many of the addicts to begin feeling anxious or unsettled. During this moment of anxiety it will be noticeable to the society that these people have a problem and do not stay focus to their activities. When one is not focused a lot of people are affected for instance the family members will feel neglected. The negative effects on their relationship can be very devastating because it can break a family. Besides this drug induced anxieties and lack of focus can cause them to fail in their employment responsibilities and become less productive which can cause them to lose their source of livelihood. The effects of anxiety can be many and these are just but a few.

Major effects of Addiction-Physical effects of Drug addiction

In terms of effects on the body, intoxication with a substance can cause physical effects that range from marked sleepiness and slowed breathing as with intoxication with heroin or sedative hypnotic drugs, to the rapid heart rate of cocaine intoxication, or the tremors to seizures of alcohol withdrawal. In addition to the numerous mental health issues that spring up as a result of long-term drug addiction, there are also a number of issues affecting the physical health of the person who is has been living with a dependence problem for many years. Some of the known physical effects include:

The kidneys

The human kidney can be damaged by habitual drug use over a period of time. Several studies have established that kidney failure is very much associated with long-time of drug abuse. Users of crystal meth, heroin and other dangerous drugs are a common testimony of this.

The liver

Liver failure is a well-known consequence of alcoholism but it can also be triggered by other substances like using vicodin and OxyContin over a period of time possibly years.

The heart

Drug addicts and in particular Cocaine addicts and stimulant users are doing causing damage to their heart each time they use these drugs. The most common conditions among drug addicts are heart disease and heart failure.

The lungs

Any individual who smokes the drug to which they are addicted is putting the proper functionality of their lungs in jeopardy. Smoking crack cocaine or crystal meth causes great damages to the lungs with a ferocity that rivals or resembles long-term nicotine habits. Besides all these regular use of marijuana also causes damage to the lungs. When one uses drugs over a long period of time they not only become drug addicts but will also begin to build a tolerance to drugs they use. Tolerance is dangerous as it causes the individual to use more and more of the drug in order to achieve the desired euphoric or stimulated state. This puts the individual at a constant risk for overdose and even death.

Major effects of Addiction-Conclusion

In conclusion we are privileged to live this life and we can only do so once. What you do with your life can either make you see many years ahead or shorten them. You need not to be in dilemma on this there is help around you and all you need is to get in touch with doctor Dalal Akoury who is an expert in addiction and has helped many people globally over the past decades is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center where addiction and obesity are treated in a friendly way by focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. This is what you need my dear reader like I said we live this life only once take that step and call and live life to the fullest.

Major effects of Addiction-Psychological and Physical

 

 

 

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedin

Kinds of Addictive Substances

June 9, 2014

Kinds of Addictive Substances-Their effects discussed

Addictive substance

All kinds of addictive substances cause addiction and their effects on humans life is dangerous

When we talk of addiction it is more likely that you will think of an illegality, crime and use of drugs disorderly. Addiction has been associated with all manner of negativity and suspicion. But in all these suspicion it is important to note that substance abuse is characterized by a pattern of use that causes significant impairment or distress, in addition to any one of these additional diagnostic criteria: using substances in situations where it endangers the user; a failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school or home; having multiple drug-related legal problems; or continuing to use substances regardless of the problems it causes in the user’s life. The different types of substance abuse have various features depending on the type of drug abused and for the purpose of this article we will categorize the addictive substances into five major units:

  • Stimulant abuse
  • Depressant abuse
  • Psychedelic Abuse
  • Marijuana Abuse
  • Alcohol Abuse

Kinds of Addictive Substances-Stimulant Abuse

As the name suggests, stimulants increase alertness, attention, and energy, as well as elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. Stimulants historically were used to treat asthma and other respiratory problems, obesity, neurological disorders, and a variety of other ailments. But as their potential for abuse and addiction became apparent, the medical use of stimulants began to wane. Now, stimulants are prescribed to treat only a few health conditions, including ADHD, narcolepsy, and occasionally depression in those who have not responded to other treatments.

Stimulants include illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as legal substances such as nicotine, caffeine and over-the-counter stimulants. Physical and Mental Effects of Psychoactive Drugs,” stimulant use causes the release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, stimulating the brain’s reward and pleasure center. This stimulation reinforces the drugs’ abuse, as users attempt to feel good through increases of dopamine and norepinephrine and to avoid the “crash,” medically known as dysphoria that occurs after stimulant use depletes the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. Abuse of stimulants depletes energy and creates intense drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It can also induce paranoia, irritability, restlessness, insomnia, aggression, violence and psychosis. Stimulant abuse and addiction develop quickly.

Kinds of Addictive Substances-Depressant Abuse

Depressants include opiates such as heroin, morphine and opium, as well as sedative-hypnotic medications such as Xanax, Ativan and Valium. Depressant has the characteristic of slowing down the central nervous system, diminish inhibitions, create relaxation and decrease pain.

Opiate abuse carries a high risk of overdose and addiction, as well as health problems. Abuse of sedative-hypnotic drugs easily creates psychological and physical dependence as well. Abuse of these drugs in combination with alcohol can be lethal. Indeed, multiple drug abuse is common with abusers of this class of drug, as users combine various depressants throughout a day or week to try to achieve an optimal psychological and physiological state.

Kinds of Addictive Substances-Psychedelic Abuse

  • Psychedelic abuse includes using in dole psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin mushrooms; phenylalkylamine psychedelics including mescaline; and other types of psychedelics such as ketamine, or “Special K,” and PCP, notes “Uppers, Downers, All-Arounders.”
  • Psychedelics, called hallucinogens in the medical literature, distort the user’s perceptions, thoughts and sensations.
  • Abusers who have underlying mental health issues face particular risks as these substances can trigger latent mental health problems.

    These drugs vary dramatically in potency. Because intensive research has not been done on them as has been with other substances their effects of abuse are not very clear (less well known).

  • MDMA abuse may cause lasting damage to the serotonin-producing neurons in the brain, in addition to depression and serious health risks.
  • Ketamine abuse can lead to convulsions and coma.
  • LSD abuse causes such impaired judgment and reasoning that serious injury and death can result even at low doses. Acute anxiety reactions can also occur.
Kinds of Addictive Substances-Marijuana Abuse

The most commonly abused illegal drug, marijuana induces short-term euphoria, physical relaxation, distorted perception and thought, increased appetite, and impairment of memory and physical coordination. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, users of more potent marijuana may experience giddiness, illusions and hallucinations. Because of the impairment in coordination and thinking, driving and other activities while under the influence pose a risk. Tolerance quickly develops so that those abusing marijuana need higher doses to achieve the same high. Long-term marijuana abuse may cause respiratory problems and immune system suppression. Alongside that longer-term abuse may also stunt emotional maturity and learning, and it can increase anxiety and even cause temporary psychosis.

Kinds of Addictive Substances-Alcohol Abuse

  • Alcohol is the most abused drug and it affects every organ in the body, and it is the oldest and most widely used psychoactive substance.
  • Alcohol abuse includes binge drinking and other problematic patterns of drinking which fall short of addiction but meet the criteria for abuse.
  • Alcohol abuse is linked to increases in aggression, impaired judgment, diminished inhibitions, mood problems such as depression and anxiety, health problems, sexual dysfunction and relationship problems.
  • Alcohol abuse differs from alcoholism primarily in the lack of withdrawal symptoms when an alcohol abuser stops drinking. However, alcohol abuse creates significant distress or impairment in the abuser’s life.

All addictions problems are as a result of these addictive substances it is important that we make efforts to keep distance from elements that can lure us to addiction. Talking to addiction experts is important as it helps you get information about the safety precautions. Doctor Akoury the founder and chief executive of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is an expert of vast experience that can be of great help to you. Under her care you will be put real time medication focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. This way you will in no time get your life back and live it to the fullest.

Kinds of Addictive Substances-Their effects discussed

 

 

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedin

Drug Addiction and Family

June 7, 2014

Drug Addiction and Family-How drugs affect families

Addiction

The family as a unit needs to be addiction free for the society to be free too

Family is a very important unit in the society. Before we can have a village, city, nation, continent or the glob we must first have a family. This is the very starting point. If we want to have a safe and peaceful society, village or nation the family must form the roots. Therefore if we want to have an addiction free society we must start with the smallest unit family. It because of this genesis that we want to discuss the effects of drug addiction in the family set up. This is going to be very interesting for you because I believe that you come from a family somewhere. I am inviting you to take a moment and be in this family of addiction knowledge by reading this article to the end.

Like we have said before addiction affect all people in indiscriminately and the effects can either be direct or in direct. As a unit of family members can be affected even if the drug consumer is not an addict yet and so when a member of the family is abusing a given drug say alcohol the whole family is affected. In many cases the person (family offender) may not be an addict or an alcoholic. They are just drinking or taking drugs in a way which upsets others. Having this at the back of our mind let us interrogate some of these scenarios:

  • How a parent with a drug or alcohol problem affects the whole family
  • How a partner with a drug or alcohol problem affects the other partner
  • How a parent’s addiction may affect their children
  • How a son or daughter with an addiction problem affects the whole family
  • Family support

Drug Addiction and Family-Parent with a drug or alcohol problem affects the whole family

In many cases parents are the bread winners of most families, when the bread winner is not in control of his or her behavior then the whole family is in pain which can only heal when immediate corrective measures are taken to salvage the situation and especially the children.  Talking of the children the actions of their addictive parents is a serious risk factor to them because they are likely to fall victims of drug addiction in the future. The parents will not have the moral authority to inspire healthy living in their children because themselves they have fallen and so the entire family is affected.

Drug Addiction and Family-Partner with a drug or alcohol problem affects the other partner

People get into different partnerships for different reasons. The objectives of the partnership are always well outline with each partner taking their role so that the ultimate objective is achieved. It is not easy to live with a person who’s drinking or drug use is causing problems. Normally they are full of conflict, torn between wanting their drug or alcohol and not wanting the harm that always seems to follow. They often blame others when things go wrong.

The sober partner often feels hurt, ashamed, afraid, and has an overwhelming sense of failure. Unfortunately many partners work even harder to ‘fix’ the situation, taking on extra responsibilities, trying to cover up the mess… fighting a losing battle. This is a real problem in which if you are that partner, the first step towards putting things right is to take some time for yourself, and get the support you need. A good friend or a counselor can be a great help.

Drug Addiction and Family-Parent’s addiction affects their children

Children relay on parents for direction and guidance and if this is not forth coming from the parents then they will fumble on their own and may not do the right thing as is required. The people they see as their source inspiration are failing them. With this the following are likely to happen when the roles of parents are not done well:

  • The Family Hero

This is often the eldest in the family. This person is responsible, works hard for approval, and often appears successful. But inside, this person often feels insecure, as if things are always going to go wrong, and feels incompetent, confused and angry.

  • The Scapegoat

This person feels blamed when things go wrong. Everyone focuses on this person’s faults, which provides the family with a distraction from the real problem. So this person often seems rebellious, troublesome, law-breaking, tough… and may be at risk of abusing drugs themselves. Inside, this person is often full of fear, hurt, rejection and loneliness, feeling angry at the unfairness of how they are treated.

  • The Lost Child

This son or daughter appears as a dreamer, drifting above the troubled waters that bother other people. But inside, the person is not as contented as they appear. They are quietly hurt, angry, lonely, with a feeling of being inadequate.

  • The Mascot

Sometimes also referred to as the clown, the person in this role is often charming and cute, fun to be with, quick to make a joke. Sometimes they are quite hyper-active and flit from one interest to another; sometimes quite fragile and easily hurt. But they are good at hiding the hurt, and other feelings of loneliness, insecurity, fear and low self-esteem.

If you recognize any of these roles as being ‘you’, the first step to putting things right is to take time for yourself, to talk to a friend or a counselor. Stop thinking about the addicted person for a while (easier said than done!) and pay attention to your own real needs.

Drug Addiction and Family-How children with an addiction affects the whole family

Whole families can seem to go to pieces when there is a son or daughter using drugs or alcohol. Parents fall out with each other over how to handle the situation, while other sons or daughters can get blamed for being a bad example. The drug user gets so much attention that others are neglected. Rows and bad language upset the peace. If peace and love are the oxygen of life, then the whole family is gasping for breath.

In an airplane, if the oxygen masks are released, parents are supposed to put on their own masks before attending to their children’s masks. The same is true here. You must look after your own needs before helping the one causing the problem.

Even if you are the only person in the family who recognizes the alcohol or drug problem, it is worthwhile getting support for yourself, from a friend or a trusted teacher or a counselor. You may want to consider AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury. At this facility you will meet a team expert who will focus on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE to help you get better in no time.

Drug Addiction and Family-How drugs affect families

 

 

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedin

Children and Addiction

June 7, 2014

Children and Addiction-Alcoholics

Addiction

Surely our children deserve to live in a drug addiction free environment.

The statistics of children growing up in environment where elements that triggers addiction is worrying globally and in fact in America for example it is believed that one in five adult creating a greater risk for children having emotional problems than those children brought up in a sober environment. Alcoholism for example runs in families, and children of alcoholics are four times more likely than other children to become alcoholics themselves. Compounding the psychological impact of being raised by a parent who is suffering from alcohol abuse is the fact that most children of alcoholics have experienced some form of neglect or abuse.

When a child is being raised by a parent or guardian who is suffering from alcohol abuse may have a variety of conflicting emotions that need to be addressed in order to avoid future problems. Some of the conflicting feelings may include:

  • Guilt. The child may see himself or herself as the main cause of the mother’s or father’s drinking.
  • Anxiety. The child may worry constantly about the situation at home. He or she may fear the alcoholic parent will become sick or injured, and may also fear fights and violence between the parents.
  • Embarrassment. Parents may give the child the message that there is a terrible secret at home. The ashamed child does not invite friends home and is afraid to ask anyone for help.
  • Inability to have close relationships. Because the child has been disappointed by the drinking parent many times, he or she often does not trust others.
  • Confusion. The alcoholic parent will change suddenly from being loving to angry, regardless of the child’s behavior. A regular daily schedule, which is very important for a child, does not exist because bedtimes and mealtimes are constantly changing.
  • Anger. The child feels anger at the alcoholic parent for drinking, and may be angry at the non-alcoholic parent for lack of support and protection.
  • Depression. The child feels lonely and helpless to change the situation.

Although the child tries to keep the alcoholism a secret other people around like teachers, relatives, other adults, or friends may sense that something is wrong with this child. Teachers and guardians should be aware that the following behaviors may signal a drinking or other problem at home:

  • Failure in school; truancy
  • Lack of friends; withdrawal from classmates
  • Delinquent behavior, such as stealing or violence
  • Frequent physical complaints, such as headaches or stomachaches
  • Abuse of drugs or alcohol
  • Aggression towards other children
  • Risk taking behaviors
  • Depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior

Some children of alcoholics may cope by taking the role of responsible “parents” within the family and among friends. They may become controlled, successful “overachievers” throughout school, and at the same time be emotionally isolated from other children and teachers. Their emotional problems may show only when they become adults.

It is important for relatives, teachers and caregivers to realize that whether or not the parents are receiving treatment for alcoholism, these children and adolescents can benefit from educational programs and early professional help is also important in preventing more serious problems for the child, including reducing risk for future alcoholism. Child and adolescent psychiatrists can diagnose and treat problems in children of alcoholics. They can also help the child to understand that they are not the ones responsible for the drinking problems of their parents and that the child can be helped even if the parent is in denial and refusing to seek help.

During treatment program other youngsters may be included in the group therapy this will help reduces the isolation of being a child of an alcoholic. The child and adolescent psychiatrist will often work with the entire family, particularly when the alcoholic parent has stopped drinking, to help them develop healthier ways of relating to one another.

Children and Addiction-Teens Alcohol and other Drugs

Young people particularly teenagers like to explore on things and so experimentation with alcohol and drugs during adolescence is common. Unfortunately they often don’t see the link between their actions today and the consequences for tomorrow. They also have a tendency to feel indestructible and immune to the problems that others experience.

Using alcohol and tobacco at a young age has negative health effects. It is important to note that while some teens will experiment and stop or continue to use occasionally without significant problems. Others will develop a dependency, moving on to more dangerous drugs and causing significant harm to themselves and possibly others. It is difficult to know which teens will experiment and stop and which will develop serious problems. Those teenagers who are likely to bear the greater risk are those:

  • with a family history of substance use disorders
  • who are depressed
  • who have low self-esteem, and
  • who feel like they don’t fit in or are out of the mainstream

There is no limit on the kinds of drugs teenagers’ abuse it is all round to them a variety of drugs, both legal and illegal. The use of illegal drugs is increasing, especially among young teens. The average age of first marijuana use is 14, and alcohol use can start before age 12. The use of marijuana and alcohol in high school has become common.

Drug use is associated with a variety of negative consequences, including increased risk of serious drug use later in life, school failure, and poor judgment which may put teens at risk for accidents, violence, unplanned and unsafe sex, and suicide. Parents can prevent their children from using drugs by talking to them about drugs, open communication, role modeling, responsible behavior, and recognizing if problems are developing.

Children and Addiction-Warning signs of teenage alcohol and drug use

Physical: Fatigue, repeated health complaints, red and glazed eyes, and a lasting cough.

Emotional: personality change, sudden mood changes, irritability, irresponsible behavior, low self-esteem, poor judgment, depression, and a general lack of interest.

Family: starting arguments, breaking rules, or withdrawing from the family.

School: decreased interest, negative attitude and drop in grades, many absences, truancy, and discipline problems.

Social problems: new friends who are less interested in standard home and school activities, problems with the law, and changes to less conventional styles in dress and music.

Some of the warning signs we have discussed so far can be signs of other problems as well which parents may use to recognize signs of trouble and possible use of alcohol and other drugs with their teenager. If you have concerns you may want to consult your physician to rule out physical causes of the warning signs. However when this persist seeking an expert opinion would be necessary. Doctor Dalal Akoury is fellowship trained and certified in anti-aging functional and regenerative medicine, as well as having more than two decades of accumulated experience in emergency medicine, pediatrics, and a master’s degree in public health. She has also served fellowships in pediatric hematology/oncology and has performed research in leukemia and the effects of smoking. Problems affecting your children will be safe in the care of such experts like doctor Akoury.

Children and Addiction-Alcoholics

 

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedin

  • Recent Posts

  • Blog Categories