RESPONSIBILITY RESTS ON MANY DOORSTEPS
Parent's substance Use Handicaps Children
Prenatal exposure to tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs can produce changes in the brain of the developing fetus leaving the child with mild to severe cognitive deficits, and increasing the risks of behavioral and conduct disorders such as impulsive behavior and ADHD. Prenatal exposure to these substances has been linked to lower IQ, impaired verbal and math skills and problems with attention and learning.
Children who grow up in a home where parents abuse substances also are at risk for poor academic outcomes. Children exposed to the chaotic, stressful homes of substance abusers are likelier to have lower grades or more suspensions, disciplinary referrals and grade repetitions than other children. Children of alcoholics are at higher risk of alcohol abuse and addiction.
Many Administrators and Teachers Do Not
Recognize The Magnitude Of The Problem
Or Risk Of drug Use.
Remarkable differences exist between students' and school personnel's perception of drug use. When asked if their school grounds were drug free, 11 percent of principals and 35 percent of teachers said they were not., compared to 66 pecent of students. While only five percent of principals report that students drink on school grounds, 33 percent of students say that drinking occurs at school. Remarkably, half of all high school teachers believe that student who uses marijuana every weekend can still do well in school compared with 48 percent of principals and 23 percent of students.
Substance abuse by school staff compromises students' education and contributes to the unhealthy messages conveyed to students about substance abuse. Substance abusing employees use three times as many sick days as non-users. Users are absent from work three weeks more per year than non-substance abusing workers, and are fired from their jobs about 50 percent more often than other workers. Absences and turnover of school staff take their toll on student learning
Monday, October 11, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Substance Abuse In Students
Zero Tolerance policies and drug testing in schools may identify students in trouble but often
are used to identify children for expulsion. Our neglect to prevent and treat the problem of
substance abuse among students has profound and destructive implications
The more a student uses alcohol, marijuana and other drugs of abuse, the lower his grade point
average is likely to be. Alcohol-dependent youth fare worse on language and attention tests than
non-dependent youths. Heavy and binge drinkers between the ages of 12 and 17 are significantly
more likely than non-drinkers to say that their school work is poor (49.2 percent for heavy
drinkers, 44.7 percent for binge drinkers vs 27.5 percent for non-drinkers) and more than four
times likelier to say they cut classes or skip school.
Because their brains are still developing, teens who drink to excess may be destroying greater
mental capacity than older drinkers; at a level of three drinks, younger drinkers demonstrate
performance impairments 25 percent greater than older drinkers.
High school students who use alcohol or other drugs frequentlyare up to five times more likely
than other students to drop out of school.Students who use marijuana before theage of 15 are
three times likelier to drop out of school before age 16 and twice as likely to be frequent
truants. Adolescents who use marijuana weekly are almost six times likelier to cut class or
skip schoolas those who do not (60 percent) vs 11 percent).
Adolescents who smoke have poorer perceptions of their own health and more health-related
hospital visits than those who do not smoke, and teen smoking is linked to development of
depression and anxiety disorders. These physical and mental health consequences of smoking
prevent students from functioning optimally in school and increase the risk for missed days.
Student substance use, particularly heavy or frequent use, is associated with increased levels
of delinquent behaviors. Students reporting drug selling and early drug use are far likelier to
engage in violent behavior.
The earlier a child smokes, drinks or uses drugs, the greater the likelihood or dependence on
those substances and of academic failure and brain damage.By the time a teen graduates from
high school, he/she will be faced with a conscious decision of whether or not to use tobacco,
alcohol or other drugs. Each student's choice is related largely to the interplay of two factors.
Availability: The more available tobacco, alcohol and drugs, the more likely to smoke, drink or
use them. For example, amongyouthwho say that it is fairly or very easy to obtain marijuana,
12.9.percentarecurrent users; amongthose who saythat it is difficult to obtain marijuana, only
3 percent report current use.
Perception of Risk: Students are more likely to smoke, drink or use drugs when they believe
that the harm associatedwith use is low. For example, teens who believe there is no risk or
only slight risk of harm in smoking marijuana use a month is six times likelier to be
current marijuana users than teens who believe there is moderate or great risk of harm
(18.5 vs 3.1 percent).
This Will Be Continued
are used to identify children for expulsion. Our neglect to prevent and treat the problem of
substance abuse among students has profound and destructive implications
The more a student uses alcohol, marijuana and other drugs of abuse, the lower his grade point
average is likely to be. Alcohol-dependent youth fare worse on language and attention tests than
non-dependent youths. Heavy and binge drinkers between the ages of 12 and 17 are significantly
more likely than non-drinkers to say that their school work is poor (49.2 percent for heavy
drinkers, 44.7 percent for binge drinkers vs 27.5 percent for non-drinkers) and more than four
times likelier to say they cut classes or skip school.
Because their brains are still developing, teens who drink to excess may be destroying greater
mental capacity than older drinkers; at a level of three drinks, younger drinkers demonstrate
performance impairments 25 percent greater than older drinkers.
High school students who use alcohol or other drugs frequentlyare up to five times more likely
than other students to drop out of school.Students who use marijuana before theage of 15 are
three times likelier to drop out of school before age 16 and twice as likely to be frequent
truants. Adolescents who use marijuana weekly are almost six times likelier to cut class or
skip schoolas those who do not (60 percent) vs 11 percent).
Adolescents who smoke have poorer perceptions of their own health and more health-related
hospital visits than those who do not smoke, and teen smoking is linked to development of
depression and anxiety disorders. These physical and mental health consequences of smoking
prevent students from functioning optimally in school and increase the risk for missed days.
Student substance use, particularly heavy or frequent use, is associated with increased levels
of delinquent behaviors. Students reporting drug selling and early drug use are far likelier to
engage in violent behavior.
The earlier a child smokes, drinks or uses drugs, the greater the likelihood or dependence on
those substances and of academic failure and brain damage.By the time a teen graduates from
high school, he/she will be faced with a conscious decision of whether or not to use tobacco,
alcohol or other drugs. Each student's choice is related largely to the interplay of two factors.
Availability: The more available tobacco, alcohol and drugs, the more likely to smoke, drink or
use them. For example, amongyouthwho say that it is fairly or very easy to obtain marijuana,
12.9.percentarecurrent users; amongthose who saythat it is difficult to obtain marijuana, only
3 percent report current use.
Perception of Risk: Students are more likely to smoke, drink or use drugs when they believe
that the harm associatedwith use is low. For example, teens who believe there is no risk or
only slight risk of harm in smoking marijuana use a month is six times likelier to be
current marijuana users than teens who believe there is moderate or great risk of harm
(18.5 vs 3.1 percent).
This Will Be Continued
Sunday, June 27, 2010
What Is The Drug Culture/And Where Is It
In the last few years, I have been working with DYFS. It appears that there is
an epidemic and mainly with marijuana. The DYFS organization is handling
Child Protection (DCF). What happens is DYFS investigation comes across
a mother who appears to be using drugs of some kind. DYFS makes the
referral to the court and then a (CADC) Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
At this point a referral is generated and the mother or the father is referred
For an assessment.
The assessment is mainly for alcohol and drug use and what if any is the
extent of the using of these substances. The larger part of the referrals
appear to be marijuana users although there are some crack smokers,
heroin users, ectasy users and alcohol but marijuana is the prominent drug
at this time. It appears that the clients cannot stop using because some of
them give birth to children that are tested and the test comes back positive
for marijuana. or whatever other drugs is in the system. The using of a
drug puts the children at risk. The risk takes on many dimensions from
neglect, abuse and possible addiction. The Division does not always
frown on the use of methadone at least this is a way of detoxing and
the child will not test positive for any other lethal drug. This new thing
with marijuana is pcp or what is called in the street “wet”. Sometimes
embalming fluid is used and the marijuana cigarette is dipped into which
brings for the name “dip”. This is a very dangerous concoction to say the
least. The possiblilty of the child being harmed is a real and imminent
danger.
Now that the referral has been made. An appointment has to scheduled
to see this individual and hopefully in the next week if at all possible. So
let’s say that the client comes in for the assessment and there are many
times when the client does not even show up. This gives cause to the
court and caseworkers to make an application to remove the child from
the home.
So the client comes in for the assessment. The client be it a man or awoman
has to submit to a urine screen which will determine whether or not there
is drugs or alcohol in the system of that person. In most cases the client
is in denial. And I mean denies using any drugs or alcohol. The urine
screen comes back positive for whatever is in the individuals urine.
The next step after it has been determined that this person is using
a drug or drinking alcohol is to decide together whether or not this person
is willing to go to treatment for this problem. If the client is still in denial that
there is a problem, they straight out refuse to go to treatment. Then as I have
said, the case will go back to the court. If the client is willing to go to
treatment. Then an appropriate treatment facility has to be found that will
accommodate this persons drug problem and possibly their living problems
and there are many from homelessness to just baby-sitting for the children.
There are many places that will accommodate and facilitate the problems
and manage the treatment for drug abuse. It is a matter of the client being
willing to go and follow through with the approved treatment and then there
is the issue of transportation. We do provide transportation for the clients.
The good things that happen is the client goes to treatment, the court does
not remove the children. In a best case scenario and I have had some
successful outcomes. The client came back and thanks me for the help that
I gave to facilitate the cessation of drug use. On the other hand there are
clients that after a referral is made, they do not attend and participate in the
treatment in some cases they fall through the cracks and end up coming
back around for another assessment and referral. In the worst case
scenario, the client does not participate in treatment but continues to use
drugs. The caseworker takes the client back to court and the children are
removed in what is called a (DOOD).
The substance abuse counselor does not participate in the removal of
the children. The only obligation that the counselor is to do the assessment
and make a referral if necessary.
This is a short version of what happens to parents who use drugs and
particularly marijuana. This is an ongoing case scenario. It appears that
There exists a drug culture in the urban neighborhoods. There is also the
same culture in the surburbs. What can be done?
an epidemic and mainly with marijuana. The DYFS organization is handling
Child Protection (DCF). What happens is DYFS investigation comes across
a mother who appears to be using drugs of some kind. DYFS makes the
referral to the court and then a (CADC) Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
At this point a referral is generated and the mother or the father is referred
For an assessment.
The assessment is mainly for alcohol and drug use and what if any is the
extent of the using of these substances. The larger part of the referrals
appear to be marijuana users although there are some crack smokers,
heroin users, ectasy users and alcohol but marijuana is the prominent drug
at this time. It appears that the clients cannot stop using because some of
them give birth to children that are tested and the test comes back positive
for marijuana. or whatever other drugs is in the system. The using of a
drug puts the children at risk. The risk takes on many dimensions from
neglect, abuse and possible addiction. The Division does not always
frown on the use of methadone at least this is a way of detoxing and
the child will not test positive for any other lethal drug. This new thing
with marijuana is pcp or what is called in the street “wet”. Sometimes
embalming fluid is used and the marijuana cigarette is dipped into which
brings for the name “dip”. This is a very dangerous concoction to say the
least. The possiblilty of the child being harmed is a real and imminent
danger.
Now that the referral has been made. An appointment has to scheduled
to see this individual and hopefully in the next week if at all possible. So
let’s say that the client comes in for the assessment and there are many
times when the client does not even show up. This gives cause to the
court and caseworkers to make an application to remove the child from
the home.
So the client comes in for the assessment. The client be it a man or awoman
has to submit to a urine screen which will determine whether or not there
is drugs or alcohol in the system of that person. In most cases the client
is in denial. And I mean denies using any drugs or alcohol. The urine
screen comes back positive for whatever is in the individuals urine.
The next step after it has been determined that this person is using
a drug or drinking alcohol is to decide together whether or not this person
is willing to go to treatment for this problem. If the client is still in denial that
there is a problem, they straight out refuse to go to treatment. Then as I have
said, the case will go back to the court. If the client is willing to go to
treatment. Then an appropriate treatment facility has to be found that will
accommodate this persons drug problem and possibly their living problems
and there are many from homelessness to just baby-sitting for the children.
There are many places that will accommodate and facilitate the problems
and manage the treatment for drug abuse. It is a matter of the client being
willing to go and follow through with the approved treatment and then there
is the issue of transportation. We do provide transportation for the clients.
The good things that happen is the client goes to treatment, the court does
not remove the children. In a best case scenario and I have had some
successful outcomes. The client came back and thanks me for the help that
I gave to facilitate the cessation of drug use. On the other hand there are
clients that after a referral is made, they do not attend and participate in the
treatment in some cases they fall through the cracks and end up coming
back around for another assessment and referral. In the worst case
scenario, the client does not participate in treatment but continues to use
drugs. The caseworker takes the client back to court and the children are
removed in what is called a (DOOD).
The substance abuse counselor does not participate in the removal of
the children. The only obligation that the counselor is to do the assessment
and make a referral if necessary.
This is a short version of what happens to parents who use drugs and
particularly marijuana. This is an ongoing case scenario. It appears that
There exists a drug culture in the urban neighborhoods. There is also the
same culture in the surburbs. What can be done?
Friday, April 2, 2010
Understanding Several Different Types of Addictions
Understanding several different types of Addictions...
Author: trinity.services019
Addictions eventually catch up with you and change your life in such a way that you will have to face the fact that you need help. Recovering from addictions usually happens once you have hit the bottom and finally realize that you need help from outside sources so that you can lead a life that is addiction free. There are many types of addictions that will have a devastating affect on your life.
Addictions eventually catch up with you and change your life in such a way that you will have to face the fact that you need help. Recovering from addictions usually happens once you have hit the bottom and finally realize that you need help from outside sources so that you can lead a life that is addiction free. There are many types of addictions that will have a devastating affect on your life.
Addictions, and recovery from them, require that you actively seek help from a source other than yourself. You may want to start by consulting with your family doctor or with an addiction counselor. This is a good place to start since it will be important to access both your emotional and your physical behavior as they are related to your addictions and your substance abuse. You and your doctor will need to decide what is going to work best for you in order that you stop using your drug of choice. It won’t matter what your type of addiction is since all addictions require the same amount of professional help and support.
There are several different types of addictions that you may or may not already be aware of. Addictions include:
• alcohol abuse
• opiates
• food addictions
• marijuana abuse
• relationship addictions
• sex addiction
• gambling addictions
People become addicted to many types of substances. Many people become addicted to medications and other substances. There are some substances that are more addictive than others. For instance, drugs like heroin are so addictive and it can take it only one or two uses before a person is addicted.
A person who is addicted to cocaine has grown so used to the drug that they feel they can’t live without it. Addiction can be physical, psychological, or both.
Physical addiction is when a person has become physically dependent on a substance.
Over time a person will build up a tolerance to that substance, so that they need a larger dose so that they get the same effects. When an addict who is physically addicted to a substance stops using they may experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can be much like having the flu and include symptoms such as the shakes, diarrhea, and weakness.
Believe that Recovery is Possible!
Freedom from addictions is often referred to as “recovery”. There are many temporary solutions for freedom from addictions but there are really only two ways to permanently overcome addictions.
One of the most common methods of overcoming addictions is to be firm with the practice of abstinence. This means that you completely stop using your drug of choice so that you have no way to continue to feed addictions. This means that the alcoholic can never have another drink and that the gambling addict can never again go to a casino or other place where any type of gambling action takes place.
This method of abstinence, however, won’t work with food addictions since you cannot stop eating. Wanting to give up your addictions is one thing, but to actually to follow through with abstinence is usually very difficult for an addict. Many addicts think that they can continue with their addictions but to only use their drug of choice in a moderate manner. For most people with addictions this is only a dream and wishful thinking. Full recovery from addictions for most addicts will mean a lifetime of abstinence from their drug of choice.
For those addicts with addictions that can be controlled by limiting the drug of choice in a moderate manner, there is the realistic goal those addictions can be overcome permanently. These types of addictions include food addictions, shopping addictions, and sexual addictions. The addict will need to decide how much moderation they need to exercise before their addictions take over with addictive behavior once again. This is the path of recovery from addictions.
Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips and hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques, and insights pertaining to Internet Business, do please browse for more information at our websites.
http://www.adsence-dollar-factory.com
http://www.100earningtips.com
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1103478_17.html
About the Author:
Author: trinity.services019
Addictions eventually catch up with you and change your life in such a way that you will have to face the fact that you need help. Recovering from addictions usually happens once you have hit the bottom and finally realize that you need help from outside sources so that you can lead a life that is addiction free. There are many types of addictions that will have a devastating affect on your life.
Addictions eventually catch up with you and change your life in such a way that you will have to face the fact that you need help. Recovering from addictions usually happens once you have hit the bottom and finally realize that you need help from outside sources so that you can lead a life that is addiction free. There are many types of addictions that will have a devastating affect on your life.
Addictions, and recovery from them, require that you actively seek help from a source other than yourself. You may want to start by consulting with your family doctor or with an addiction counselor. This is a good place to start since it will be important to access both your emotional and your physical behavior as they are related to your addictions and your substance abuse. You and your doctor will need to decide what is going to work best for you in order that you stop using your drug of choice. It won’t matter what your type of addiction is since all addictions require the same amount of professional help and support.
There are several different types of addictions that you may or may not already be aware of. Addictions include:
• alcohol abuse
• opiates
• food addictions
• marijuana abuse
• relationship addictions
• sex addiction
• gambling addictions
People become addicted to many types of substances. Many people become addicted to medications and other substances. There are some substances that are more addictive than others. For instance, drugs like heroin are so addictive and it can take it only one or two uses before a person is addicted.
A person who is addicted to cocaine has grown so used to the drug that they feel they can’t live without it. Addiction can be physical, psychological, or both.
Physical addiction is when a person has become physically dependent on a substance.
Over time a person will build up a tolerance to that substance, so that they need a larger dose so that they get the same effects. When an addict who is physically addicted to a substance stops using they may experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can be much like having the flu and include symptoms such as the shakes, diarrhea, and weakness.
Believe that Recovery is Possible!
Freedom from addictions is often referred to as “recovery”. There are many temporary solutions for freedom from addictions but there are really only two ways to permanently overcome addictions.
One of the most common methods of overcoming addictions is to be firm with the practice of abstinence. This means that you completely stop using your drug of choice so that you have no way to continue to feed addictions. This means that the alcoholic can never have another drink and that the gambling addict can never again go to a casino or other place where any type of gambling action takes place.
This method of abstinence, however, won’t work with food addictions since you cannot stop eating. Wanting to give up your addictions is one thing, but to actually to follow through with abstinence is usually very difficult for an addict. Many addicts think that they can continue with their addictions but to only use their drug of choice in a moderate manner. For most people with addictions this is only a dream and wishful thinking. Full recovery from addictions for most addicts will mean a lifetime of abstinence from their drug of choice.
For those addicts with addictions that can be controlled by limiting the drug of choice in a moderate manner, there is the realistic goal those addictions can be overcome permanently. These types of addictions include food addictions, shopping addictions, and sexual addictions. The addict will need to decide how much moderation they need to exercise before their addictions take over with addictive behavior once again. This is the path of recovery from addictions.
Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips and hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques, and insights pertaining to Internet Business, do please browse for more information at our websites.
http://www.adsence-dollar-factory.com
http://www.100earningtips.com
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1103478_17.html
About the Author:
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Are You Affected But Not Infected
In the drug culture there are people who have contracted the virus that is HIV+. These people still have relationships with other people. The question is, are you one of these people. Just between me, you and the lamp-post. There is also the phenomena of co-dependence. Meaning you are not using alcohol and drugs but a relative or a paramour is. Unwittingly you are supporting the habit not that you mean to but it is a part of your make up because you love this person.
Now, I know that this is a touchy subject but the only way to do anything about it, is to confront it and be honest. You see there is help in both cases whether it is one or both. The affect is how you respond to the person who is using or the person who is HIV+. In both cases if not handled properly , it is a downward spiral, a complex set of circumstances that almost make the affected person feel as though they are infected or addicted and they are not.
In the case of the HIV+ person. You the affected but not infected should without a doubt practice safe sex. There are numerous cases of affected people continuing their relationship but not becoming infected. A high profile case is Magic Johnson and his wife, just to make the point that it can be done.
In the person who affected by someone else's addiction. There is a group called Al-Anon who are expert in detailing the what to do and what not to do, so that you do not become someone who would turn into an enabler.Meaning you unintentially help the addict to continue in the addictive behavior even though it breaks your heart.
Here is a case scenario. An alcoholic goes into rehab. He stays for the extended period and gets sober. He goes home an all is well. One evening while watching the football game. The wife brings him a beer and a shot of whiskey.---------Why, because she has not learned another way to treat her newly sober husband. Here again is where Al-Anon come in. The wife should openly attend and learn some things as the husband openly attends Alcoholic Anonymous
Now, I know that this is a touchy subject but the only way to do anything about it, is to confront it and be honest. You see there is help in both cases whether it is one or both. The affect is how you respond to the person who is using or the person who is HIV+. In both cases if not handled properly , it is a downward spiral, a complex set of circumstances that almost make the affected person feel as though they are infected or addicted and they are not.
In the case of the HIV+ person. You the affected but not infected should without a doubt practice safe sex. There are numerous cases of affected people continuing their relationship but not becoming infected. A high profile case is Magic Johnson and his wife, just to make the point that it can be done.
In the person who affected by someone else's addiction. There is a group called Al-Anon who are expert in detailing the what to do and what not to do, so that you do not become someone who would turn into an enabler.Meaning you unintentially help the addict to continue in the addictive behavior even though it breaks your heart.
Here is a case scenario. An alcoholic goes into rehab. He stays for the extended period and gets sober. He goes home an all is well. One evening while watching the football game. The wife brings him a beer and a shot of whiskey.---------Why, because she has not learned another way to treat her newly sober husband. Here again is where Al-Anon come in. The wife should openly attend and learn some things as the husband openly attends Alcoholic Anonymous
Monday, February 8, 2010
Relapse Is Not A Requirement
.In the drug culture i.e. that is where people use drugs and alcohol to get drunk and get high on a daily and regular basis. There is a group that has come about all over the country. It is known as the drug culture and yes it is a culture within our culture. No matter the color, creed, gender or age. It is fully developed and growing.
For some unknown reason to society, people like to get high and on top of that, they have no idea of the direction that their lives will take usually in a downward spiral. By then it is to late and it is on and on until one of three things happen.
1. they die (overdose or other mishaps)
2. they go to prison (for a long period of time)
3. they end up in a rehabilitation center (a better place to be)
Recovery from addiction is possible although it is difficult, it can be done. The principles of recovery are many but simple if guided or applied properly. As I wrote in another article titled "What Addiction Is Not". It begins in most cases as a lark and a party but what happens when the party is over. And you are still drinking and drugging because of the tolerance and craving for the drug. People, places, and things is a sure way to continue the party to be accepted. What addiction is not. It is not fun. The drug or the drink takes on a life of its own and rules and overrules all else. It becomes an obsession. The physical and psychological part makes the body crave until a sickness sets in until the drug or drink is put back in the body. That is called withdrawal and then "coping" to get the next fix. This can go on for days, months and years, when it goes into years, the culture is born. The immediacy of using is all encompassing, live to use, and use to live. Some people have no idea or remember when there was a time when they were not using alcohol and drugs. that is a shame but it is true. Now, I do not know the exact number off hand but I do know that the addicts and alcoholics number in the millions that is millions of people are using drugs and alcohol.
What Is It That Has Caused This Phenomena?
Recovery is a process. When most people started using, they started socially and in groups. Now recovery is also a social event. A group of addicts and alcoholics come together in a rehab center to stop using and stay stop. The Program is structured according to the people and the addictions that is in play. There are detox center (hospitals) for medically monitored detox from the substance such as alcohol, heroin, meth and cocaine. There are a lot more substances that are abused but these are the main players. After the detox and the substance has been flushed from the body, a rehab for long term treatment is appropriate but many people go right back out and use again. whena person is truly tired of being tired and hit rock bottom. It is possible that they will take some direction and go into a rehabilitation center. Once the person is in the center, there are rules and regulations to follow. A main rule is no drugs or alcohol on the premises or used when out in the community. This is to hard for some people to follow. The people who do follow the rules and practice abstinence, soon find out that they can remain sober. Then there is the craving, the dreams, physically and mentally. It appears from what I have been told, it is as if the drug or drink is calling out to them.
How Do They Resist
The Program has what is called tools. Such as group sessionsthat address this as well as individual counseling sessions. the tools being many and varied are things from relapse prevention, role play, positive affirmations and just learning to grow up. Most people stop growing when they start using drugs and alcohol. So you could possibly find a 45 year old woman who is still 16 years old. The growth curve is not hard to achieve in an adult if they apply themselves.
So with all that said. Let's say a person successfully completes the program in 18 months, graduates and receives a certificate. Now that does not mean they have graduated from using sustances. It does mean that they have successfully applied the principles to themselves and are suppose to be ready to go back into the community and become a productive citizen. The test starts upon leaving the program. Usually as a part of the program, the person is helped to get a job, an apartment and maybe even entered a school for training. That is all good.
The person goes out and starts to apply the principles to his/her life. All is going well. The apartment is good, the job is great and although the school is good, it is stressful. The trials begin, the craving starts, you know like, "just one hit, nobody is going to know". The person has been introduced to self help groups/meetings such as Narcotic Anonymous, Alcoholic Anonymous and other self help groups too numerous to name. These are a part of the coping mechanism when the craving starts (tell on the disease), it will become afraid and go away. The problem is, it will be back. in the rooms, you can vent. In the rooms are people just like themselves who have been there and done that. The help and advice to be gained from these individuals is priceless.
So let's go back to the days that the job is good, the apartment is good but the school is stressful. The cravings start. the negative talk self talk start, such as, "One hit won't hurt and nobody is going to know." The person caves in and goes to his to his/her old hangout spot to greet some of the old partners (people, places and things). So he/she cops and goes home. The drug or drink is better tham remembered. "WoW". The problem is they cannot stop. The one that wouldn't hurt caused them to lose the job, lose the apartment, get kicked out of school and end up in a homeless shelter. What a bummer. the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous are still available to them if they are not to ashamed to go back. This is when with some humility they can start again.
The truth is that this did not have to happen. The rooms have what is called sponsors and the 12 Steps. These are tools to use to prevent relapse because that is what I have just described.For anyone who is reading this and you are in any part of the process, use all the tools not just some of them.
I Send You Love And Best Wishes On Your Journey
For some unknown reason to society, people like to get high and on top of that, they have no idea of the direction that their lives will take usually in a downward spiral. By then it is to late and it is on and on until one of three things happen.
1. they die (overdose or other mishaps)
2. they go to prison (for a long period of time)
3. they end up in a rehabilitation center (a better place to be)
Recovery from addiction is possible although it is difficult, it can be done. The principles of recovery are many but simple if guided or applied properly. As I wrote in another article titled "What Addiction Is Not". It begins in most cases as a lark and a party but what happens when the party is over. And you are still drinking and drugging because of the tolerance and craving for the drug. People, places, and things is a sure way to continue the party to be accepted. What addiction is not. It is not fun. The drug or the drink takes on a life of its own and rules and overrules all else. It becomes an obsession. The physical and psychological part makes the body crave until a sickness sets in until the drug or drink is put back in the body. That is called withdrawal and then "coping" to get the next fix. This can go on for days, months and years, when it goes into years, the culture is born. The immediacy of using is all encompassing, live to use, and use to live. Some people have no idea or remember when there was a time when they were not using alcohol and drugs. that is a shame but it is true. Now, I do not know the exact number off hand but I do know that the addicts and alcoholics number in the millions that is millions of people are using drugs and alcohol.
What Is It That Has Caused This Phenomena?
Recovery is a process. When most people started using, they started socially and in groups. Now recovery is also a social event. A group of addicts and alcoholics come together in a rehab center to stop using and stay stop. The Program is structured according to the people and the addictions that is in play. There are detox center (hospitals) for medically monitored detox from the substance such as alcohol, heroin, meth and cocaine. There are a lot more substances that are abused but these are the main players. After the detox and the substance has been flushed from the body, a rehab for long term treatment is appropriate but many people go right back out and use again. whena person is truly tired of being tired and hit rock bottom. It is possible that they will take some direction and go into a rehabilitation center. Once the person is in the center, there are rules and regulations to follow. A main rule is no drugs or alcohol on the premises or used when out in the community. This is to hard for some people to follow. The people who do follow the rules and practice abstinence, soon find out that they can remain sober. Then there is the craving, the dreams, physically and mentally. It appears from what I have been told, it is as if the drug or drink is calling out to them.
How Do They Resist
The Program has what is called tools. Such as group sessionsthat address this as well as individual counseling sessions. the tools being many and varied are things from relapse prevention, role play, positive affirmations and just learning to grow up. Most people stop growing when they start using drugs and alcohol. So you could possibly find a 45 year old woman who is still 16 years old. The growth curve is not hard to achieve in an adult if they apply themselves.
So with all that said. Let's say a person successfully completes the program in 18 months, graduates and receives a certificate. Now that does not mean they have graduated from using sustances. It does mean that they have successfully applied the principles to themselves and are suppose to be ready to go back into the community and become a productive citizen. The test starts upon leaving the program. Usually as a part of the program, the person is helped to get a job, an apartment and maybe even entered a school for training. That is all good.
The person goes out and starts to apply the principles to his/her life. All is going well. The apartment is good, the job is great and although the school is good, it is stressful. The trials begin, the craving starts, you know like, "just one hit, nobody is going to know". The person has been introduced to self help groups/meetings such as Narcotic Anonymous, Alcoholic Anonymous and other self help groups too numerous to name. These are a part of the coping mechanism when the craving starts (tell on the disease), it will become afraid and go away. The problem is, it will be back. in the rooms, you can vent. In the rooms are people just like themselves who have been there and done that. The help and advice to be gained from these individuals is priceless.
So let's go back to the days that the job is good, the apartment is good but the school is stressful. The cravings start. the negative talk self talk start, such as, "One hit won't hurt and nobody is going to know." The person caves in and goes to his to his/her old hangout spot to greet some of the old partners (people, places and things). So he/she cops and goes home. The drug or drink is better tham remembered. "WoW". The problem is they cannot stop. The one that wouldn't hurt caused them to lose the job, lose the apartment, get kicked out of school and end up in a homeless shelter. What a bummer. the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous are still available to them if they are not to ashamed to go back. This is when with some humility they can start again.
The truth is that this did not have to happen. The rooms have what is called sponsors and the 12 Steps. These are tools to use to prevent relapse because that is what I have just described.For anyone who is reading this and you are in any part of the process, use all the tools not just some of them.
I Send You Love And Best Wishes On Your Journey
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Religious Values, Beliefs Can Help Cure ManySocial Ills
Author: Pernell Johnson
I have been reading the paper and following the current state of affairs that relate to alcohol and other drug abuse. The situation appears to be getting worse instead of better with all the alleged drug treatment facilities and continuous research on the effects of drugs on the kids and violence in schools.
The news just reported that the number of AIDS deaths in New Jersey has risen 6 percent, according to a new report. Especially affected are Hispanic women and Black men. AIDS is a disease related to drug addiction. The report shows the number of Hispanic females dying of the disease rose 28 percent and the number of black males dying rose 10 percent Deaths of White males fell 9 percent. No one is exempt from drug addiction and AIDS but white males appear to have better health provisions and support groups.
The number one cause of death for black males between the ages of 15 and 35 is homicide, a byproduct of alcohol and other drugs of abuse. The average annual homicide rate for young black males has been 4 to 5 times
higher than for young black females,5 to 8 times higher than for young white males and 15 to 22 times higher than for white females.
The problems, particularly health problems come from lack of discipline.
We do not have the discipline we need. When I think about wellness and
health promotion, I think we personally and collectively can change much
of the health data that affects us. The greatest gift we have been given
is this human body and its spirit. This is our gift from God. What we do
with it, is our gift back to God. To many of us are abusing this human body. We need to take care of this body, when you take care of it, it takes care of you.
Let's take a look at the spiritual weakness of the youth who have been given material goods beyond the dreams of their parents in their youth. The parents who do not understand that these goods are only a means to and not the end of happiness and human worth. Let us also take a look at the fights against alcohol and other drugs abuse, HIV infections (AIDS)--these are not just intellectual battles, they are real. Nearly every family has been stricken by these problems and those that have not are still subject to the same social forces that can bring on such problems.
I propose to challenge the faith community (the churches) to take a more active part in reaching the addict, alcoholic and AIDS patients. Our mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers are affected and dying from this epidemic. The superior spiritual, moral and virtuous institution that touches most families is the church. It is my belief that this epidemic can be turned around if the spiritual leaders take a proactive stance against this social phenomena (sin).
It is the broken relationship between the addict and his/her spiritual connection that causes so much havoc and chaos in the lives of the family. A concerted effort by the faith community can have a profound impact on the addiction community. The values, ethics, reasoning and a belief in a higher power are the cure for these social ills
I have been reading the paper and following the current state of affairs that relate to alcohol and other drug abuse. The situation appears to be getting worse instead of better with all the alleged drug treatment facilities and continuous research on the effects of drugs on the kids and violence in schools.
The news just reported that the number of AIDS deaths in New Jersey has risen 6 percent, according to a new report. Especially affected are Hispanic women and Black men. AIDS is a disease related to drug addiction. The report shows the number of Hispanic females dying of the disease rose 28 percent and the number of black males dying rose 10 percent Deaths of White males fell 9 percent. No one is exempt from drug addiction and AIDS but white males appear to have better health provisions and support groups.
The number one cause of death for black males between the ages of 15 and 35 is homicide, a byproduct of alcohol and other drugs of abuse. The average annual homicide rate for young black males has been 4 to 5 times
higher than for young black females,5 to 8 times higher than for young white males and 15 to 22 times higher than for white females.
The problems, particularly health problems come from lack of discipline.
We do not have the discipline we need. When I think about wellness and
health promotion, I think we personally and collectively can change much
of the health data that affects us. The greatest gift we have been given
is this human body and its spirit. This is our gift from God. What we do
with it, is our gift back to God. To many of us are abusing this human body. We need to take care of this body, when you take care of it, it takes care of you.
Let's take a look at the spiritual weakness of the youth who have been given material goods beyond the dreams of their parents in their youth. The parents who do not understand that these goods are only a means to and not the end of happiness and human worth. Let us also take a look at the fights against alcohol and other drugs abuse, HIV infections (AIDS)--these are not just intellectual battles, they are real. Nearly every family has been stricken by these problems and those that have not are still subject to the same social forces that can bring on such problems.
I propose to challenge the faith community (the churches) to take a more active part in reaching the addict, alcoholic and AIDS patients. Our mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers are affected and dying from this epidemic. The superior spiritual, moral and virtuous institution that touches most families is the church. It is my belief that this epidemic can be turned around if the spiritual leaders take a proactive stance against this social phenomena (sin).
It is the broken relationship between the addict and his/her spiritual connection that causes so much havoc and chaos in the lives of the family. A concerted effort by the faith community can have a profound impact on the addiction community. The values, ethics, reasoning and a belief in a higher power are the cure for these social ills
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
