Category: Education

Your Child – The Addict

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Parents are burdened by raising their children up to be respectable human beings, to guard them, keep them safe and protect them from the dangers of life. There is a huge responsibility that comes along with raising a child. When children begin to make poor choices, parents typically feel guilty and start to blame themselves. They tell themselves they were not good parents, or they have let their children down. Parents beat themselves up over the choices their children make. Although parents do make some mistakes in raising their children, ultimately, the decision to use drugs is ultimately his choice.

If you have a child who is addicted to drugs, here are some things to consider.

First ask yourself these questions: Are you an enabler? Yes, you love your kid, but do you give into things you should not because of their drug use? Do you do give in just so they or you will feel better about it? Are you allowing your daughter to continue bleeding your funds dry just because you feel guilty?

The first step to helping your child, is to understand you cannot fix this issue. This dilemma is something only your kid can fix. Many times parents like to try to fix problems for their children because it is what they have done since their children were little, but after our children grow up, they have to learn to solve problems on their own. If they have chosen to use drugs, then they are the only ones who can determine whether or not to stop using. If, as a parent, you are trying to fix your child’s drug abuse for your kid, you will only end up failing and frustrated.

Second, you must realize that addicts are liars. Even your child. It is hard to hear, but addicts do and say anything to get their drugs. It may not be conscious or intentional deceit, but their mind has become so addicted to the drug, they will do anything to obtain more of it. They are also dishonest to try to hide their addiction from you, their parent. They are ashamed of their drug use. They know you raised them differently, so they lie to hide it from you. It is best to put safety guards in place to protect yourself from your child’s lack of truth regarding his drug abuse. You can help them as much as you feel comfortable, but when you feel yourself become uneasy or questioning motives, it is time to reconsider why you are helping them. You can offer help and other services, but do not blame yourself if they choose not to follow through with your advice.

Next, remember addicts are criminals. Using drugs is illegal. There is a possibility your daughter may go to jail for her addiction. Many times parents can justify many reasons why their child should not go to jail or should not have legal trouble for their drug abuse, but if we, as parents, compare our child’s troubles with others, we are quick to persecute them and want them prosecuted, but not so willing to do so when it comes to our own child.

Furthermore, homelessness could potentially be a part of your child’s life. Sometimes the best thing we can do as parents is allow our child to suffer the consequences of the choices he has made in order for him to fully experience the effects that go along with those decisions. It is hard getting phone calls asking for help, longing to help so badly in your heart, but choosing to stand your ground and allow your child to fully experience the consequences of his decisions will aid him in the long run. Setting limits may be one of the hardest things you will ever have to do, but choosing to not enable your child will help him face the facts of his addiction. You must remind yourself and your child these choices were made by him and not you.

It is important to acknowledge that your child has hurt others in addition to you. Those people might not be as eager to forgive your child as you are willing. As parents, we love our children unconditionally, so we are inclined to forgive them over and over again, but many people do not love our child the same as we do. Therefore, they may not be as willing to forgive your child. Continue to love your child, but refrain from getting upset with others who are not in the same place as you.

Keep in mind this article is not to tell you to stop loving your child, to put down your parenting techniques or to give up on your child. It is simply meant to ask you to open your eyes and be prepared for the reality that stares you in the face every single day. It is so hard being a parent of someone who abuses drugs. Keep loving your child, but do not enable them so they continue using drugs. It is okay to set boundaries and hold your child accountable for her actions. These truths will allow you to be there for your child when she is ready to step out of her addiction as well.

Facebook Addiction Is a Real Issue

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Understanding Addiction

Hi, I’m the 21st Century & I’m addicted to Facebook

 

New data published by researchers at the California State University, USA suggests Facebook addiction affects the brain in a similar way to cocaine or gambling addiction.

The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Psychological Reports: Disability and Trauma, claims the brain of a human who constantly uses Facebook reacts similarly to that of an individual with a dependence on gambling or cocaine.

The researchers asked 20 university undergraduates to complete an online questionnaire and an image response analysis, to examine the symptoms similar to addiction experienced by Facebook users, including feelings of withdrawal and anxiety.

The withdrawal and anxiety side-effects experienced by regular Facebook users were similar to those experienced by individuals with a gambling or substance addiction. Although these side-effects or markers for addiction did not negatively hinder individuals in the same manner as gambling or substance abuse, the researchers cited their concern over the participants responding faster to Facebook images than road signs.

In an online article published by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the study’s co-author, Professor Ofir Turel, USA said, “This is scary when you think about it, since it means that users might respond to a Facebook message on their mobile device before reacting to traffic conditions if they are using technology while on the road.” 

Since its introduction in 2004, Facebook has witnessed staggering growth, with approximately 1.55 billion people now using Facebook worldwide. Previous research links Facebook use with anxiety, depression and reduced social skills, which should prompt Facebook users to measure their level of addiction to ensure their protection from associated health risks.

So how do you measure your addiction to Facebook?

In 2012, researchers from the University of Bergen, Norway developed the ‘Bergen Scale’ tool to measure humans’ addiction to Facebook, allowing people to measure how each statement applies to themselves on a scale of frequency (1) very rarely to (5) very often. The scale is based on the following criteria:

  1. Time thinking and planning Facebook use;
  2. The desire or urge to increase Facebook use;
  3. Using Facebook to forget about personal problems;
  4. History of failure to withdraw from Facebook;
  5. Feeling of restlessness or anxiety if prohibited from using Facebook; and
  6. The negative affects of Facebook use on your job/studies.

 

The tool clearly highlights the severity of one’s Facebook addiction, and allows the individual to create a plan of action to beat their obsession.

With social media becoming one of our leading sources of communication in the 21st century, people are encouraged to develop strategies to monitor and manage their use of the medium, in order to avoid the development of a dependence and associated psychological problems. It’s all about learning to manage and monitor one’s Facebook use.

Should you wish to learn more about how to beat your addiction, head to https://www.dararehab.com/ or call a DARA Thailand therapist today on +661 800 011 193.

 

Binge Drinking As a Young Adult May Elevate Blood Pressure

Articles, Australia, Education

Imagine you’re about to head out for a night on the town with your friends. You get ready, do your hair and make-up and habitually, have a few drinks. However, your few cursory drinks render you drunk before reaching your first destination.

This behaviour, commonly known as “binge drinking”, is no joke. Unfortunately it’s very common among young adults aged 20-to-24, and carries side-effects that are not only harmful to your heart, liver, brain and other organs, but to your blood pressure as well.

A recent study from the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (UMHRC), Canada has identified a link with young adults who binge drink and systolic blood pressure (SBP). The study found young adults who regularly binge drink have higher blood pressure which may heighten their risk of developing hypertension, and ultimately compromise heart health.

The UMHRC research reveals binge drinking is most common among 20-to-24 year olds who binge drink, on average, four times a month, during which they consume nine alcoholic beverages at each session.

Jennifer O’Loughlin, UMHRC researcher and senior study author said, “We found that the blood pressure of young adults aged 20-to-24 who binge drink was 2-to-4 millimetres of mercury higher than non-binge drinkers.”

The study, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, first examined 756 young adults aged 20, and then the same individuals four years later. The findings revealed 1-in-4 young adults who were binge drinkers exhibited signs of pre-hypertension, which can then progress to hypertension, heart disease and premature death.

According to a media release highlighting the study findings, issued by O’Loughlin, 85 per cent of young adults who drink heavily at 20 years of age, continue this behaviour four years later, at 24 years of age.

The ongoing study will test the same participants at 30 years of age to determine whether their drinking habits have increased or subsided, and whether their blood pressure becomes elevated.

The researchers aim to determine whether the slowing of binge drinking with age reduces the risk of hypertension, or if binge drinking as a young adult causes permanent damage to the body.

If you, or a loved one is battling a dependence on alcohol, contact DARA Thailand on +66 87 140 7788 or email [email protected] for information and support.  

Valium Side Effects – The Unglamorous Truth

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Treatment

For a whole host of reasons Valium has a somewhat glamorous appeal. Valium side effects certainly do not.

What is Valium?

This prescribed drug is part of the tranquilizer family and belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines (commonly known as ‘benzos’). Its trade name is: Diazepam.

What is it used for?

Valium has a whole host of uses. It is used to treat those suffering from various stages of anxiety, to relieve muscle spasms, seizures, anyone going through acute alcohol withdrawal, and while not so widespread, it helps those who suffer from extremely bad nightmares, often referred to as ‘Night Terrors’. It is also commonly administered to patients as a sedative before medical procedures.

Why is it so popular?

In short; because it works! Users regularly report that it has an extremely calming effect and that it induces a relaxed, easy state of mind.

It achieves this because it acts on your central nervous system (brain and nerves) and serves to enhance the effects of GABA which is a natural body chemical.

What is the catch?

If valium does all of the above and more what is the problem? The problems are several-fold.

Firstly, continued use means those using the drug find their body quickly becomes tolerant to its use. This means that over time the body demands more of the drug to achieve the same effect. The result of this is dependence.

Secondly, due to its mind altering properties valium is highly addictive.

Thirdly, withdrawal can be a very unpleasant experience with associated valium side effects that need to be fully understood.

It is also very important for any user to understand they should NEVER abruptly cease use of this drug.

How addictive?

This is a moot point, as a retort we could ask the question: How long is a piece of string?

What is very clear are first hand reports of users becoming dependent upon the drug after just a couple of weeks use. Others have stated that dependency became a real issue after several months of use.

What is also very clear, and often overlooked, is the fact that recommendations and guidelines for use of valium are for SHORT TERM relief. This means the drug should NOT be administered for more than a 2-4 week period at a time.

Valium Side Effects:

Those dependent or addicted to valium will see a variety of side effects. We will break these side effects into 5 sections.

The ‘Positive’ side effects:

Let us start with the ‘good’ news and the reason that so many people find valium their drug of choice.

If taken in the correct prescribed doses and without any other drugs or alcohol over short periods many users maintain it produces a calming, relaxed effect. It leaves them in a good state of mind and allows them to get a good night’s sleep.

The common side effects:

There are many common side effects for users of valium. These are certainly not life threatening and can be managed sensibly.

Some of these symptoms include having a dry mouth and some users find their speech becomes slurred. They may find a decrease in respiratory rate and changes in their heart beat or rhythm.

Reflexes can be delayed and vision blurred. Appetites can change, some users suffer from nausea, others have trouble urinating. There is also a chance of increased confusion and a decrease in memory retention.

Valium side effects – The undesirable:

Many people use valium for anxiety issues. While it helps calm many there is also evidence that some of these users find their anxiety levels are heightened if the drug begins to wear off or the dose they are taking becomes insufficient.

Many users are irritable, they suffer from fever symptoms, stomach cramps, muscle seizures, their heart rate increases rapidly and many feel depressed.

The ‘obvious’ answer to such undesirable side effects is to take more valium. While this may temporarily ease such unwanted side effects it is also leading you down the ever lengthening dependence road.

The long term/serious side effects of valium:

Those who feel they are dependent or addicted to valium should take heed of the potentially life threatening valium side effects which long term use can cause.

Due to its potency, long term use of valium will have very powerful effects on your body and brain.

Such side effects include a slow pulse, breathing difficulties, memory loss, hallucinations, and possibilities of falling into a coma, or suffering from a heart attack.

Social side effects:

It is very important that those dependent upon valium also acknowledge the impact this drug can have on their life in general.

Such side effects may not be life threatening, but they can be heartbreaking.

Valium addicts often feel socially isolated, they are more prone to losing a job and the knock on consequence of this often means they face financial difficulties.

The majority of users in such situations feel the only response is to reach for the valium bottle once more and thus the downward spiral continues.

Not welcoming prospects:

As you can see such problems are not a welcoming prospect. This is why it is absolutely vital for those who have been on valium for a long period to seek expert professional help when it comes to withdrawal.

Who can help you withdraw?

While this can be done with the help of your doctor, please remember that they are general practitioners, their knowledge covers many medical problems and is not specific to any one problem.

This is the opposite of Rehabilitation Centres, or Rehab Resorts as some of these establishments are called. They have been set up with one thing in mind. That is to ensure first class care and treatment which is tailored exactly for you and your specific drug problem.

They will explain very clearly the valium side effects you should expect to encounter at various stages of your withdrawal. They will help you minimise such effects, and they will be a constant source of encouragement and support through treatment and counselling that has been specifically designed for you.

Another advantage of using a Rehab Resort is that it takes you away from your normal environment and the pressures this brings in terms of valium use.

Aftercare:

Make no mistake, withdrawing from valium is no walk in the park, but it certainly can be achieved with determination and professional support. Having said this, it is also vital that you continue to receive aftercare.

This aftercare can last as long as is deemed necessary and if you are going down the sensible Rehab Resort route you should choose a centre that offers a good variety of aftercare options.

Preventing Alcohol Abuse

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Understanding Addiction

Alcohol prevention should start early in life.

At young age, you can begin talking about preventing alcoholism. At this time, you can also begin to talk to children about living a healthy lifestyle. Talk to them about making healthy life choices. Teach them to choose to eat healthy, cross the street safely or other ways to live healthy. These concepts begin to set the stage for healthy living and build a foundation to talk about consuming alcohol. You can also teach a child about taking responsibility for himself at this age. Teaching your child to stay away from hazardous materials inside the home, such as household cleaning products, paint or other hazardous materials, help instill the dangers of of unhealthy choices. Furthermore, help them deal with stress appropriately, so they will be less likely to use alcohol to cope in the future. A foundation for alcohol prevention can be established as young as two years old.

Around the age of five, children become more curious and begin asking more questions, and their ability to comprehend increases as well. Even at this young age, you can speak to them about the factual information as well as the consequences that correspond with using alcohol. They also are beginning to be able to understand the consequences of others who use alcohol. It is also important to continue to teach them proper ways to relieve stress, so they are have appropriate methods to deal with their stress in the future as opposed to turning to alcohol.  Also, at this age, you can begin to teach them about removing themselves from situations that make them feel uncomfortable. By teaching them this mechanism, it will help them be able to leave situations involving alcohol easier in the future. Keep your children away from activities that promote alcohol use and help them get involved with activities that promote a healthy lifestyle as well. These activities will help your child develop prevention methods at a young age.

Starting at about age of nine, children begin learning new things about life. Even in childhood, it is important to set rules and boundaries for youngsters, which also includes setting rules about alcohol usage. It is also important to build up a preteen’s self-esteem. This age can be tough and confusing, so the more you can build up their self-esteem, the healthier and happier they will feel about themselves and the less likely they will be to turn to alcohol in the coming years. Continue to teach your child the facts about alcohol. Trying to scare them into not using alcohol typically proves ineffective. Knowing the facts helps them make educated decisions rather than basing decisions off of fear. Furthermore, be involved in your preteen’s life. Get to know their friends and where they are hanging out. Make sure their friends are giving them the same messages about alcohol as you. It is important to be involved in your child’s life at this time.

At age thirteen, the dawn of the teenage year, it is important to aid youth in making positive decisions about their life. It is also important to keep your eyes open at this age for warning signs of alcohol use. The onset of alcohol use typically begins during the teenage years, so it is important to talk to your young one about alcohol usage, but, make sure to talk factually and not judgmentally in order to maintain their respect and trust.

Around sixteen, when youngsters start driving, it becomes much harder to prevent alcohol usage because they have gained more independence. However, at this stage, you can talk more directly about alcohol use with them. You can also use everyday encounters, such as movies and news reports to talk to your child about alcohol usage. If you see examples of alcohol use in any of these forums, use them as an opportunity to discuss the topic with your adolescent.  If it is too hard for your child to talk to you about the pressures of alcohol use, encourage her to find another adult whom she feels comfortable talking with about these topics. Talk openly with your child about alcohol and it’s consequences, but, if she is uncomfortable talking with you, find someone she can talk to about this topic.

After you child turns nineteen and becomes an adult, it is much harder for you to influence his choices in life. However,if you talk to them before this age, research shows he will be less likely to develop a drinking problem in college. However, at this age, it is also important to keep open communication with your child. If you lovingly communicate with your child at this age, he will likely come to you when he is dealing with an issue, which might include pressures to use alcohol. Remember to allow your young adult to make his own decisions while keeping the lines of communication open, so he will feel comfortable coming to you when he is dealing with a problem.

As with children, the best way to prevent alcohol use in adults is by conversing about the topic. Talking about alcohol prevention at any age is the most effective ways to prevent alcohol abuse. Listening when others are talking about their struggles with alcohol is another effective way to prevent alcohol abuse. Being a good example for your friends, family and children is an additional way to help others avoid alcohol use. If you do not use them, others will have a greater chance of abstaining from them while they are around you too. Having good relationships, open communication and listening are all great ways to help friends, family members and your children refrain from using alcohol.

 

The best approach to prevent alcohol addiction is to not use alcohol, but these other tips should aid prevention as well.