Summer Drug Abuse Statistics

SAMHSA (The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) recently released two studies pertaining to substance abuse. The first report shows that adolescents ages 12 – 17 are much more likely to begin using drugs and alcohol during the summer months. The second specifies that the rate of increase in drug-related ED (emergency department) visits lowered from a yearly average rate of 18.2% between 2005 – 2008, to 6.1% between 2009 and 2010. 

Statistics from the first study show that, on an average June or July day, over 11,000 youths between the ages of 12 and 17 choose to experiment with alcohol for the first time – the only comparable month being December. The daily average number throughout the rest of the year typically ranges somewhere between 5,000 – 8,000.

June and July also takes the cake for first time cigarette use, with an average of 5,000 adolescents per day; a pattern, which retains similar patterns in regard to cigar and smokeless tobacco use.

When it comes to marijuana, the study shows that more than 4,500 adolescents begin using each day throughout the same two-month period, as opposed to the 3,000 – 4,000 youths tallied during non-summer months.

The reasoning is quite simple: More free time + diminished supervision = increased likelihood for exposure and experimentation with illicit substances. Parents are thus encouraged to embrace every available opportunity to discuss the dangers and consequences of substance abuse with their children, alongside means and methods to avoid it. The more informed your child is, the more likely they will be to make the right decision.

If you are struggling to address a teenage drug or alcohol abuse issue, Above It All treatment center is the place to call! With a team of seasoned substance abuse specialists available to answer your questions and concerns, you can count on Above It All to have your teen sober, healthy and on the fast track to success in no time. Call today!

Effects of Parental Drug Abuse on Kids & Teens

Families work to guide children in social roles and etiquette. When a parent who is supposed to nurture a family becomes emotionally and physically removed, the children are affected in a variety of behavioral, emotional and social ways. In this entry, we will discuss the effects of parental drug abuse on children and teens. 

Health

The effects of addiction and drug use can begin in the womb. Prenatal exposure to drugs is often associated with an array of developmental disorders, miscarriage, infant death, learning disabilities, premature birth, and a number of psychological and metal issues in the effected child.

Development

Drug abuse in parents serves to hinder growth in effected children. Disruptive attitudes, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and behavioral problems are all quite common. Traumatic incidents caused by addicted parents may lead to emotional, social and behavioral development issues. Children may begin alienating themselves from both peers and parents, causing difficulties in social situations later in life.

Relationships

Parents must set a good example for their children in regard to drug and alcohol abuse. Addicted parents often fail to provide proper nurturing to their children due to excess stress, family conflicts and a lack of guidance.

As with any relationship, communication between parent and child is vital to reciprocal respect and understanding between both parties. Many kids and teens experience difficulty maintaining honest and transparent relationships with addicted parents, causing only heartache and resentment in later life.

Academics

Kids with addicted parents often lose academic motivation. Grades may plummet, behaviors may tank, and the trouble may loom. A lack of guidance and/or involvement from the parents can result in psychological issues affecting academic performance.

Confusion and insecurity are also common in children with addicted parents. Many feel threatened or frightened by the behaviors exemplified by those who should be setting the example. As such, many children end up working well below their potential.

If somebody you love is struggling with a drug addiction, Above It All treatment center is the place to call. Pick up the phone today, and let our team of addiction specialists help your family back on track towards the healthy, happy life you deserve. 

Family Roles in Recovery

Addiction poses an array of issues for a family. Loved ones will search for ways to help their addicted family members through means that enable or increase the individual’s tendencies to pursue their addiction, rather than address the behavior head-on. Because loved ones look to each other for support, assistance and guidance, education, support and involvement of the surrounding family members throughout recovery is vital to the successful treatment of the addict. In this entry, we will discuss some of the roles of family throughout the healing process.

Benefits

Studies show a direct correlation between family and social support and diminished relapse risks in recovering addicts. As such, it is crucial that family support be a top priority throughout the treatment process to ensure a heightened chance of long-term success.

Compliance

A family’s involvement throughout a recovery program, works to promote an addict’s commitment to the process. Family confrontation and encouragement can often mean the difference between an addict defecting or remaining in treatment. Loved ones are often best suited to warn recovering addicts of potential relapse signs and dangers while encouraging compliance with the recovery process.

Self Expression

Close friends and family members will often experience feelings of anger, resentment, fear and mistrust toward the addict. A family’s continued involvement throughout the recovery process promotes the expression of these feelings, while encouraging a loving and proactive family dynamic moving forward.

 Penetrating Denial

Explaining pertinent details of the behaviors exemplified by the addict while under the influence can often serve as a catalyst in overcoming denial. Vivid and sometimes painful realizations pertaining to the extent of the addiction will often result in a true desire to carry out the recovery process during the early treatment stages.

Support

Because addiction affects both addict and family alike, mutual support is vital to both parties. Participants are educated about the addiction, enabling, the types of substances involved, relapse signs, and how best to avoid relapse risks.

Family members are taught lessons in self-awareness while learning how to focus on their own needs. Family members struggling with their own addiction troubles will also receive support and guidance in addressing their own issues.