A Closer Look into Drug and Alcohol Use in Teenagers

Alcohol and drug use with youth in the United States is an issue that requires ongoing diligence. 

A nationwide survey with teenage participants revealed they were introduced to drugs and alcohol at an earlier age than health care professionals once thought. 

The median age was 14.

These discoveries, published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, A JAMA Network Publication, also uncovered the following in the survey:

1. Onset of alcohol use without dependency was at 14 
2. Also at 14, a dependency on drug abuse was indicated 
3.  Drug abuse at 15 without a dependency

While types of alcohol consumption vary, there appears to be a trend of drug use. According to healthcare professionals, the following drugs are the most common among teens. 

The selection includes: 

Marijuana

Today, marijuana is more potent leading to stronger addictions and the possibility of advancing to stronger drugs.

Ecstasy

Cheap prices continue to bring this stimulant drug to the forefront.

Prescription Drugs

All a teen needs to do is visit their parents’ or grandparents’ medicine cabinet to retrieve these drugs.  Numbers indicate that 20 percent of teenagers have used prescription drugs to get high. A troubling trend is “Pharming Parties.” Teens bring their own supply for swapping and sampling. 

Inhalants

Household items and chemicals may seem harmless to teenagers, but the truth of the matter is that these types of inhalants are both dangerous and prevalent among the teen crowd. 

Crystal Meth, Cocaine and Heroin

While crystal meth remains the cheapest in this group to buy, cocaine and heroin is still a huge concern among healthcare professionals. All are extremely addictive in nature causing a downward spiral in teens at an early onset.

Studies have also revealed that there is a correlation between the initial start of drug and alcohol abuse and adulthood substance abuse.

In the survey mentioned earlier, Joel Swendsen, Ph.D., of the University of Bordeaux, France conveyed the following, “Because the early onset of substance use is a significant predictor of substance use behavior and disorders in a lifespan, the public health implications of the current findings are far reaching.”

The survey also showed these other important findings:

1. More than 80 percent of participants in this study were introduced to and had the opportunity to use drugs in their teen 
2. More than 77 percent of those in their late teenage years consumed alcohol 
3. Among teens, around 47 percent were drinking 12 or more alcoholic beverages annually - 15 percent of this group fell into a susceptible category for adulthood abuse

For the most part, teenagers don’t connect drugs with harm. They see the act as short-term and are unable to fully grasp the long-term effects. The younger kids are the more risk of “trying” there is.

 
With teenagers being introduced to drugs and alcohol so early on in their lives, parents and legal guardians must do their due diligence in watching over their kids. In addition to educating pre teens and teens, locating community-based programs which highlight drug and alcohol awareness is a great adjunct. Keeping teens safe is a community effort.

Signs that your Partner may have a Drinking Problem

When a partner is showing signs of a drinking problem, at first, it’s natural to exhibit self-doubt. It’s truly difficult to come to such terms knowing someone may be an abuser of alcohol. 

Generally, when approaching a loved one about a possible alcohol problem, more times than not, a partner will deny it. Other times, the discussion may escalate, followed by casting blame.

If an argument arises from the topic of alcohol, this may very well be a sign that alcohol is a problem in the family.

Here are some signs which may offer guidance on whether a loved one has an alcohol addiction. Please note that a healthcare professional can and should make the final determination.

These signs are in no particular order - they are tools to help leverage knowledge on alcohol abuse.

Dishonesty

In order to avoid a red flag, partners who have an alcohol problem usually minimize how much they drink when discussing this issue.

Examples of this may include:

·         An abuser will hide alcohol around different areas of the home such as the closet, garage, and various cabinets. These hiding areas will not be the norm for storing alcohol.

·         Hiding empty bottles and not placing them in recycle bins. 

·         Sneaking drinks or adding alcohol to a non-alcoholic beverage such as coffee, soda, or club soda.

·         In order to hide the smell of alcohol on their breath, mints or gum will be consumed often. Yet, a hit of an alcohol scent may still linger.

·         They drink to a point where physical and mental impairment is challenged.

·         When asked if they have been drinking, they say “No” and/or become angry with the question.

Changes In Drinking Habits

There is a noticeable increase in alcohol consumption.

Examples of this may include:

·         They drink more in the evenings or at social gatherings.

·         Drinking for longer stretches of time during the day, evening or weekend.

·         They may start drinking earlier in the day.

·         Frequent morning hangovers (headaches, nausea and/or vomiting).

·         Becomes irritable, but after a drink, is less irritable; and, mood swings are also common.

·         They come home with obvious signs of previously drinking.

·         They are more willing to pick fights.

Other Characteristics To Watch Out For

Other behaviors may manifest from a partner who is beginning to abuse alcohol.

They won’t appear all at once, but instead, trickle into their daily life.

·         They would rather have a drink or remain in a “drink setting” rather than spending quality time with their partner.

·         Libido has decreased.

·         They exhibit forgetfulness regarding responsibilities and appointment times.

·         They start to miss work or academic courses; and, their performance declines.

·         They become easily fatigued during the day and want to sleep at odd hours.

·         May frequently show up late for dinner or not show up at all with excuses.

·         May blame their friend or business client who forced them to have a “drink” for their lateness.

If alcohol abuse is suspected, do seek the help of a medical professional for guidance and assistance.  There is enormous support not only for the addict to help them with a drinking problem, but for the whole family.

8 Myths about Alcohol Abuse

When false-truths about alcohol are learned, a better understanding on this drug is revealed.
Myth #1: "Alcohol boosts energy and stamina." 
Truth: Considered a drug, alcohol is actually a depressant. This means it has the ability to decrease your energy levels and impairs physical movement, speaking, and cognitive levels.

Myth #2: "When an alcohol abuser tells others they can stop drinking at any time, they will."
Truth: Perhaps they can, but this is usually not the case. Those who have a historical drinking pattern may use variations of this phrase to continue drinking. In essence, it's their denial dealing mechanism. They will continue to drink while subconsciously telling themselves they are in control and can stop at any time. When an abuser of alcohol wants to stop drinking, they will reach out for help.

Myth #3: "When a drinker switches from wine, beer, then to liquor, they are less likely to feel the effects of alcohol."
Truth: It's all the same. Be it drinking liquor, beer or wine, it's the blood alcohol concentration percentage (BAC) which determines the level of alcohol in the bloodstream.

Myth #4: "Drinking alcohol is nothing compared to taking drugs - alcohol causes less damage to the body."
Truth: Alcohol is a drug; and, it is considered dangerous in terms of injury and death to oneself and others in motor vehicle accidents, alcohol-related health illnesses, and challenges at home, school and work.

Myth #5: "Alcoholism begins in the adult years and not younger than that."
Truth: Alcohol abusers can begin as early as teenagers due to the amount and length of time they have been consuming alcohol. Age has nothing to do with it.

Myth #6: "If someone doesn't drink alcohol every single day then they are not an alcoholic."
Truth: An abuser of alcohol is not determined by how often they drink or what they drink, like beer. A person with a drinking problem is defined on how their alcohol habit affects their personal, professional, school or home life. If alcohol is creating a problem in these areas then it is a problem. An abuser may drink in the evening, weekends, or every day - and the drinking amount can vary. People are different. Once again, it's how alcohol affects every aspect of their life.

Myth #7: "If someone goes to work or school regularly then they are not an alcohol abuser."
Truth: There are a considerable amount of alcohol abusers who are retaining steady jobs and finishing up their coursework at school. Yet, high-functioning alcoholics are still putting themselves and others at risk. The side-effects of alcohol will rear its head one day.

Myth #8: "Consuming a large meal before drinking alcohol will help keep someone sober and in better control."
Truth: It may take longer for the alcohol to get into the bloodstream, but it will get there. And those blood alcohol concentration percentages will end up being the same. Despite having a full meal, impaired physical and mental capabilities will be present.

These popular myths, along with others, can be sidetracking. The truth of the matter is that alcohol isn't self-targeting - it affects everyone who knows and cares about someone abusing alcohol.

For more information about california drug rehab and alcohol addiction visit Miramar Laguna Beach

The Importance of Good Nutrition during Recovery

There are many facets in drug and alcohol recovery. And an important one not to be ignored is nutrition.

During the addiction phase of someone’s life, their body also suffers from proper nutrition. 

For example, abusers of alcohol generally feel satiated. A normal serving of food is not needed to feel full. Instead, snacking will suffice which inevitably leads to malnourishment.

This theory also holds true for the drug addiction side, as well.  

Not giving the body the nutrition it needs could eventually lead to health problems such as:

1. Immune system 
2. Muscular system 
3. Skeletal system
4. Reproductive system 
5.  Cardiovascular system 
6.  Nervous system
7. Endocrine system 
8.  Respiratory system 
9.  Digestive system

Research has shown that substance abuse may also cripple the body from properly absorbing vitamins and nutrients.

In essence, the body is starving for nourishment and the recovery phase is the perfect opportunity to give the body what it needs. On the recovery journey, people learn that healthy eating habits, exercise, rest, and relaxation all play a vital role. 

Depending on how long the addiction has lasted, those in recovery may experience digestive issues including: 

1. Lack of appetite 
2.  Nausea 
3.  Loose stool 
4.  Constipation

With time, these above challenges can be restored by consuming the right foods. Meal selections, often small but frequent to begin with, should be rich in nutrients. Wholesome foods will help rebuild immunity, aid in tissue and organ health, and benefit someone’s overall health. 

Healthcare professionals have also pointed out that the right diet and food selection can help minimize alcohol and drug cravings. This includes high protein and carbohydrates levels. 

     High protein foods include:   

1.  Turkey and chicken 
2. Lean beef 
3.  Wild salmon, tuna or halibut 
4.  Tofu 
5.  Greek yogurt
6. Nonfat cheese 
7.  Egg whites 
8.  Kidney, white, lima, fava, and black beans

     On the flipside, healthy carbohydrate selections include: 

1. Whole wheat pasta 
2.  Quinoa 
3.  Couscous 
4.  Brown rice 
5.  Barley 
6.  Cracked wheat 
7.  Popcorn 
8.  Wheat Berries

Some other healthy foods to put on the list include sweet potatoes, seasonal berries, mushrooms, and unsalted pistachios and almonds.

While nourishing the body with the above foods, opt for healthy oils, such as olive oil in the preparation versus butter. Also keep an eye out for quality supplements such as folic acid and vitamins D and B.  

During the early steps of recovery, it’s advised to decrease any sugar and caffeine intake. Health and wellness research shows that sugar and caffeine may be a factor in irritability and mood swings.

For some in recovery, sleep patterns may be disrupted. Natural ways to relax can be found in certain foods containing tryptophan. Many may have heard of “tryptophan” especially during the Thanksgiving holiday. After a turkey dinner, people are ready for a nap. In addition to turkey, tryptophan-containing foods are also in milk, sunflower seeds and bananas. 

The right diet filled with wellness benefits is the perfect addition in recovery, because it will help nourish the body, aid in cognitive function, and restore the body to a healthier level.  

For more information about california drug rehab and alcohol addiction visit Miramar Laguna Beach