Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S., with nearly 20 million people using it every month. Though it possesses legal medicinal uses, marijuana is most frequently used for recreation purposes in an effort to achieve a temporary, brain-altering ‘high’. Despite the side effects and medical emergencies that have been linked to the drug, illicit marijuana use is still widespread. In fact, many of its proponents call for legalization of the substance, claiming its herbal properties make it safe for use.
The reality is, learning how to stop smoking weed is extremely difficult – not only because smokers are physically addicted, but also mentally addicted.
Herbal Dosing
While it is true that marijuana is derived from the leaves and flowering buds of the cannabis plant, the purity and potency of the herb can vary significantly. Since the FDA does not regulate the sale of herbs, and the government considers marijuana a drug, it is nearly impossible to know the exposure levels of THC or marijuana’s potency when being smoked, as levels of THC can vary significantly from plant to plant. For example, the buds tend to contain more THC than the leaves or stems, yet most recreational marijuana contains a mixture of each of the components of the plant, making it difficult to determine the amount of THC exposure.
Since THC is the component most associated with the ‘high’ of marijuana, the effects of smoking a recreational mixture of the substance can vary from batch to batch. Even in clinical studies for medicinal use, researchers have found difficulty calculating appropriate standard dosages of THC, as the biological interactions can vary from person to person. That is why the FDA has only given its approval to synthetic versions of THC, as the amounts of THC in the drug are more easily regulated. In fact, the FDA has not approved marijuana for any indications at all – including medicinal use or for the treatment of conditions like anxiety, insomnia or depression. We would recommend to keep up to date with Marijuana news on sites like Marijuana101.Org so you are always up to date with the current trends.
There has been suggestion that low level THC marijuana may have therapeutic benefits. This low THC marijuana was most common in the 60’s and 70’s. Possibly this may be more of an “herb” at low THC. Since the 80’s growers of marijuana have mutated the buds in such a way that they have produced marijuana with enormous THC levels. What once may have in fact been herbal, has now become an illicit drug with the same addictive qualities of drugs such as heroin, cocaine and other drugs.
Marijuana and THC are Not Safe
Aside from its mind-altering side effects, there are many other reasons for being cautious about marijuana and THC usage. One of the biggest concerns is the carcinogenic effects of smoking pot. Like tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke contains several harmful chemicals that can irritate the bronchial airways, cause cancer and promote tumor growth. Furthermore, people who smoke marijuana tend to inhale deeper and longer, resulting in a 500 percent increase in carbon monoxide concentration and 3 times the tar exposure and retention.
Marijuana significantly impacts the motivation center of the brain as well as slowing down thought processes and delayed reaction response. These effects may impair a person’s ability to perform at work or operate a motor vehicle. The term, “up in smoke” is used to signify marijuana users sitting around talking about all of the things they plan to do which they never accomplish. This difficulty following through, being ambitious and completing tasks in a timely manner is often caused by marijuana use for those individuals who use daily.
Smoking marijuana can also have a negative impact on fertility in both men and women. Research has shown that smoking marijuana can cause abnormal sperm shape, size and function. Men who smoke marijuana have also been found to have lower volumes of semen, as well as poor sperm motility. In women who smoke marijuana, THC can linger in the reproductive fluids, changing the quality and function of sperm that come in contact with it. Furthermore, marijuana use can lower the quality of the egg, preventing it from being fertilized or producing chromosomal abnormalities that result in miscarriage. Other illicit drugs such as heroin, crack, cocaine and crystal methamphetamine do not cause the same infertility issues as marijuana. This harmful effect of marijuana makes it even more concerning than other drugs.
Other side effects that have been linked to THC include:
Dizziness
Changes in blood sugar levels
Increased risk of bleeding
Low blood pressure
Increased eye pressure
Seizures
Gastrointestinal complications
Skin reactions
Dangerous interactions with alcohol, prescription medications and other drugs
Discontinuing marijuana use suddenly after daily use for a period of time 3 or more months may cause:
Gastrointestinal problems
Difficulty sleeping
Difficulty concentrating
Headaches
Irritable mood
Marijuana and Mental Health
Marijuana produces mind-altering effects that have been linked to an increased risk of psychosis and other mental illnesses. Studies have shown that several factors contribute to the correlation between mental health and marijuana use, including the age of first use and genetic predisposition to mental illness. Adolescents and people with a family history of mental illness such as Bipolar Disorder or schizophrenia are more likely to develop psychosis with prolonged marijuana usage. If they continue marijuana use after diagnosis and treatment, the individual is not likely to stabilize their mental illness. There has been suggestion that the onset of mental illness may be earlier than otherwise would have been without marijuana use.
Some people may smoke marijuana in an effort to self-medicate for certain types of symptoms and mental health problems. The immediate effects of marijuana can be relaxing and euphoric, which may lead some to believe it can help problems like insomnia, anxiety and depression. In reality, marijuana use over time worsens these problems, causing additional sleep problems, paranoia and mental health imbalances.
Of course, marijuana can be addictive too. Repeated use of the substance can cause chemical changes within the brain, leading to dependency. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that nearly 1 in 10 marijuana users will become addicted to the drug, and nearly 1 in 5 will become dependent if they started using the substance during adolescence. For those individuals who use marijuana during adolescence, the possibility exists that marijuana use may affect the brain development which continues until age 25.
If you or someone you know has a problem with marijuana use or is exhibiting signs of dependency, help is available. Contact RecoveryNOW for more information about beginning the path to recovery.
In order to continue to provide information on domestic violence and abuse during October National Domestic Violence Awareness month, we have prepared the following article.
Men who batter women come from all socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. The abuser may be young or old, blue collar or white collar, highly paid or unemployed. As a matter of fact, it is believed that upper socio-economic domestic violence and abuse is under-reported and concealed. He may be a drinker or nondrinker. He may use drugs or not use at all. Batterers represent all different kinds of personalities, family backgrounds, and professions. There is no typical batterer. The majority of batterers are only violent with their intimate partners. One study found that 90% of abusers do not have criminal records and that batterers are generally law-abiding outside the home. It is estimated that only 5-10% of batterers commit acts of physical and sexual violence against other people as well as their female partners. Although there is no personality profile of the abuser, there are some behaviors that are common among men who batter their partners. These include:
■Denying the existence or minimizing the seriousness of the violence and its effects on the victim and other family members
■ Showing extreme jealousy and possessiveness which often leads to isolation of the victim from family and friends
■ Refusing to take responsibility for the abuse by blaming it on loss of control, the effects of alcohol or drugs, frustration, stress, and/or the victim’s behavior
■ Holding rigid, traditional views of sex roles and parenting, or negative attitudes toward women in general
Typically, when trying to understand why men batter, people want to look for what is “wrong” with the abuser, believing that they must be mentally ill in some way. However, battering is not a mental illness that can be diagnosed, but a learned behavioral choice. Nonetheless, we often find that battererssuffer from Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, ADHD and/or Substance Abuse.An evaluation to determine if a mental illness exists is always important.Treating the underlying illness or substance abuse problem may allow the individual to regulate their mood and behavior and eliminate battering behavior. Feelings of anger and rage are often associated with men’s experience of Depression.
Men may use physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse to maintain power and control over their relationships with their female partners. They have learned that violence works to achieve this end. The vast majority of batterers grew up in homes where they witnessed violence or were abused themselves.While many batterers have substance abuse problems, there is no evidence that alcohol or drugs cause violence behavior. However, battering incidents involving alcohol or drug use may be more severe due to being under the influence. It should also be noted that many batterers may only be violent with their partners when under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Most batterers find themselves in court-ordered anger management programs.Because battering is a learned behavior, it can be unlearned.These programs are designed specifically for batterers are the preferred method for addressing abusive behavior. Programs for batterers are not the cure-all for domestic violence, but one facet of a coordinated community response to the problem.
Individual psychotherapy is the only possible treatment to discover the core issues behind one’s battering behavior.Anger management groups do not provide an opportunity to understand why one batters.Groups allow one to develop skills to prevent abuse and identify the triggers of abuse, but they do not provide an opportunity to define boundaries, improve self-esteem and process trauma.These are the other essential components in addition to anger management skills of treatment that allow for long-term recovery from battering.
Couples therapy is contraindicated for domestic violence.A skilled Therapist should screen couples attending Therapy before they walk in the door, since couples therapy exacerbates domestic violence.Couples should only attend therapy once the violence has stopped for 90 or more days.Often this only happens once the batterer attends therapy individually for a period of time.Ideally a batterer should attend their own individual therapy with their own Therapist and a separate couples Therapist should provide couples therapy.The lines should never be blurred in the therapeutic relationship.
Just as victims of domestic violence require a safe non-judgemental environment to understand and change their behavior, so do individuals who batter.Seeking therapy is a sign of recognizing the problem and a desire to change.An individual must first understand why the behavior exists in order to make long-term changes.This same concept also applies to victims of domestic violence. Overcoming the psychological reasons why someone batters is the most important first step to rebuilding your relationship with your partner.Many individuals may also require a Therapist skilled in treating substance abuse in order to change their behavior.
Battering is a behavior that is often passed on from one generation to another.In order to break the cycle all family members including children who witnessed violence must receive help,Due to the fact we have many Therapists in our group, we have the ability to provide all the necessary services and coordinate treatment amongst the Therapists in our group.If you are interested in changing your battering behavior, our RecoveryNOW Therapists are here to assist all family members with recovery from domestic violence.We are committed to restoring family peace.
Definitively, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers moderate drinking to be no more than one drink per day in women and two drinks per day in men. This definition applies to day-to-day consumption – not an average of drinking overall. Therefore a man/woman who drinks a couple of six packs on the weekend and abstains the rest of the week is outside the boundaries of moderate consumption.
Since 1956, the American Medical Association has recognized alcoholism as a disease that progresses and may become terminal if left untreated over time. The AMA’s classification of alcohol dependence puts it in the same category as other diseases, such as diabetes, since alcoholism is associated with both lifestyle and genetic factors. There is a wide gap between moderate drinking and alcohol dependence, although the lines are often blurred for people with a poor understanding of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. A person with alcohol dependence consumes alcohol despite negative consequences and at the more severe end of the alcohol dependence continuum experiences physiological withdrawal symptoms when not consuming alcohol. These individuals are likely to experience strong cravings for alcohol. Alcohol dependence may be causing problems physically, mentally, financially and with family, friends and work relationships.
It is important to recognize that people who exceed moderate drinking limits do not necessarily have alcoholism, but instead may be exhibiting patterns of alcohol abuse, which includes heavy drinking and binge drinking. This type of behavior can lead to dependence in some individuals who continue to abuse alcohol long-term.
Learning to Consume Moderately
Countless resources are available to individuals with alcoholism. However, it is more difficult for a person to manage this disease once he or she has reached dependency. Instead, it is important to recognize the beginning stages of problem drinking and take steps to enforce moderation.
These programs tend to be more successful for problem drinkers, as they recognize binge drinking or excessive drinking to be a learned behavior, rather than a disease. They teach problem drinkers how to consume alcohol moderately and responsibly instead of requiring abstinence. People who participate in Moderation Management programs tend to feel empowered and personally responsible for their health and wellbeing, as well as that of others.One organization – Moderation Management – supports early intervention programs, which are generally shorter, more affordable, and less rigorous than rehabilitative programs for alcoholism. The program is comprised of several steps, much like an abstinence program. However, those steps involve education about moderate consumption, as well as goal-setting and self-management exercises.
Because some problem drinkers eventually develop alcohol dependency, approximately 1 in 3 people who attend moderation programs go on to participate in abstinence programs such as the 12-steps program of Alcoholics Anonymous or S.M.A.R.T. recovery. However, people who are not affected by alcoholism can learn to drink responsibly before the problem becomes more severe.
Every April for the past 29 years, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence has put the spotlight on alcohol abuse, raising awareness of its dangers and effects in national, state and community campaigns. The goal of Alcohol Awareness Month is to educate the public about the dangers and accessibility of alcohol, as well as encourage those struggling with alcohol abuse to seek professional help.
This year, the NCADD is highlighting the importance of early education about alcohol abuse among teens and young adults with the theme, “For the Health of It: Early Education on Alcoholism and Addiction.” According to studies on underage drinking, children who begin drinking before age 15 are at four times greater risk of developing alcoholism as a person who waits until the legal drinking age of 21. Furthermore, teens and young adults are more likely to binge drink than any other group, contributing to the 5,000 deaths related to underage drinking that occur every year.
Teens choose alcohol more than any other substance, including illegal drugs. Unfortunately, adolescence is a time when teens are more likely to take risks and less likely to make informed, rational decisions. Underage drinking has been closely linked with traffic accident-related deaths, violent acts, poor school performance, overdosing, and even suicide. However, teens and young adults who are educated about its physical and societal effects may be less likely to abuse alcohol or exhibit problem behaviors associated with it.
This year’s Alcohol Awareness Month is an opportunity for communities, schools, government and organizations to come together in a coordinated effort to reduce underage drinking and provide support for those in need of intervention or rehabilitation. The NCADD and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism also encourage adults to evaluate their own alcohol use and determine whether their current drinking patterns may be affecting their health, productivity or relationships. An NCADD self-analysis to determine problematic drinking habits can be found here.
New Year’s Day is a time to turn over a new leaf and resolve to do the things we wish we would have been doing all along. Americans love making New Year’s resolutions, perhaps because January 1st signifies the beginning of a clean slate. But after the ball drops and the confetti has fallen, the dust settles on an uphill climb toward personal ambitions and the desire for self-improvement.
Unfortunately, many of those goals are difficult to attain and sometimes completely unrealistic. It is not so much that the goals themselves are bad, but that the means by which a person plans to achieve them are impractical and unlikely to produce success. Many people hit the ground running day one, only to run out of steam within months, weeks or even days of the New Year. According to research from the University of Scranton, approximately half of Americans make resolutions each year, yet only 8 percent succeed in reaching their goals.
The list of specific resolutions varies from person to person, but there are some widespread commonalities between most Americans. Of the top 10 most common resolutions, the majority are related to improving personal health and relationships. Examples include:
Losing weight
Staying fit or healthy
Quitting or moderating use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco products
Spending more time with family
Falling in love
Helping others
Achieving New Year’s Resolution Success
Only you can determine whether you reach your New Year’s goals, though there are some steps you can take to increase your chances of success. If you are planning to make changes in the upcoming year, follow these tips to improve your chance of reaching your goals.
Set realistic goals. New Year’s resolution lists should not be a mile long or filled with over-the-top goals that that are impossible to achieve. The American Psychological Association recommends starting small. Perhaps this means smoking two less packs of cigarettes per week or going to the gym three days a week instead of seven. The APA also cautions against reassessing every area of life you desire change in. Instead, pick one thing to change, and focus all of your resolution efforts toward achieving that one, manageable goal.
Break big goals into smaller goals. When a big goal is broken up into smaller goals, it is much easier to measure success along the way. For example, if you have a goal of losing 50 pounds in the coming year, create 10-pound milestones, and celebrate those smaller achievements. The creation of small objectives within a larger goal provides a measure of success and forces you to evaluate your achievements according to the progress you are making throughout the year.
Make a plan. Planning is another important element of successfully holding to your New Year’s resolutions. A resolution almost always involves modifying behaviors that have become habitual. Changing bad habits takes time, and there are sure to be slip-ups along the way. Instead of holding yourself to impossible standards, anticipate the areas you are most likely to make mistakes, and take steps to avoid them. Perhaps that means packing a healthy snack to eat when hunger strikes at work. Maybe it means setting aside one or two specific nights every month to have dinner with family or friends. Whatever your goal, a plan should emphasize your strengths while limiting your exposure to moments of weakness.
It’s that time of year again when stockings line the chimneys, holiday music fills the air and shoppers begin searching for the perfect gifts. For many, the season is a time of joy; but it isn’t all holiday cheer. In fact, as the holiday season comes to a peak, so does drug and alcohol use.
Why Drug and Alcohol Use Increases During the Holidays
There are many reasons why people tend to use substances more during the holiday season than during other times of the year. Stress, for example, is a major driving factor behind compulsive behaviors. It can trigger cravings and affect decision-making. Most people are exposed to several major stressors during the holidays, whether it is hosting a gathering, traveling to visit family, or worrying about the financial burden of gift-giving. Often, people cope with stress by indulging negative or behaviors, such as drug or alcohol use. In fact, stress is one of the leading causes of relapse in recovering drug and alcohol addicts.
Drug and alcohol use also spikes during the holiday season due to the increased number of social gatherings that occur during November and December. Party-goers often imbibe at these gatherings, putting pressure on others in attendance to drink or abuse drugs as well. There are more opportunities to drink, less substance-related stigma, and fewer inhibitions during celebratory gatherings. All of this can be overwhelming for anyone – especially a recovering substance abuser.
Another – and often overlooked – reason for increased drug and alcohol use during the holidays is loneliness, anxiety and depression. These negative emotions can wreak havoc on a person’s ability to think rationally and make healthy decisions. Quite the opposite, people with mental health disorders may engage in self-destructive behaviors, using drugs or alcohol to mask uncomfortable feelings. Depression is very common during the holidays, especially for people who have lost loved ones or who have a negative memory associated with past holiday experiences.
Responsibility and Safety during the Holidays
It is important to go into the holiday season anticipating exposure to drug and alcohol use and its potential effects. Traffic fatalities caused by impaired driving spike on Christmas and New Years Day, so avoid being on the roadways during these times – especially at night. If you are recovering from drug or alcohol abuse, help prevent relapse by avoiding situations that may tempt you to drink or use drugs. Surround yourself with a support system that will help you find new ways of celebrating without the use of substances.
As the media continues to sensationalize the tragic loss of Robin Williams, one realizes the realities of substance abuse and mental illness. All too often these 2 mental health problems collide and leave a path of destruction for not only the individual but also family and friends. It is interesting when people say such things as, “He seemed so happy. Why would he kill himself when he had everything?” Unfortunately having everything does not exclude one from experiencing mental illness and substance abuse problems. Major depression is an illness of the brain which creates a chemical imbalance with the neurotransmitters. This chemical imbalance often requires medication and psychotherapy to stabilize. With co-occurring disorders such as substance abuse and mental illness, it is hard to say which came first and this is why we must treat both at the same time.
“Depression and substance abuse can affect anyone”
It has been my experience while working with depressed patients who have also achieved a large degree of success; it is very confusing to have success and as a result of depression not able to enjoy this success. When there are no psychosocial stressors contributing to low mood and one is still depressed, life does not seem to have meaning or worth living. Death by suicide is often the result of at least 10 unsuccessful suicide attempts. When someone is successful, they are truly in a state of despair. Robin Williams was a wonderful Entertainer. He has left us all too soon as a result of the lethal combination of mental illness and substance abuse. If you are struggling with mental illness and substance abuse or someone you know is, please get help. Treatment is necessary along with the love and support of family and friends.
Sliding Scale Arise Interventions
Limited Time Offer!! We are pleased to announce Alicia MacGowan, LCSW, LAADC completed Intervention training with ARISE July 9th to the 11th sponsored by Center for Dependency, Addiction and Rehabilitation (CEDAR) at the University of Colorado Hospital. The training had additional sponsors which presented and are all reputable programs: Balboa HorizonsMalibu Beach Sober LivingVista TaosA Mission for MichaelSolid LandingsBridge to RecoveryElements Behavioral HealthFoundations Recovery Network Alicia has been doing Interventions since 2008 utilizing the Johnson Model and decided to receive this additional training since the research on this model of Intervention has a very high long-term success rate. “The Model seems to fit my style of practice very well.” Alicia must in the next 6 months complete 2 interventions and receives weekly 1-hour Group Clinical Supervision via teleconferencing for 6 months in order to receive final certification. She is now a Clinical Intern after completion of the 3 day Training. The distinct differences between the Johnson Model and ARISE Model are:
The Intervention is not a surprise. The Addicted Individual is invited and aware of the whole process.
The Intervention process is over 3 to 6 months which includes continuing care group meetings for all individuals participating in the Intervention
The focus is on the whole system, family, friends & co-workers and making sure that everyone in the system is getting whatever outside resources they need
Alicia is offering a very special opportunity for those interested. She will complete her first 4 ARISE Interventions on a sliding scale. “I am not able to offer the same sliding-scale for my usual Interventions; this is only for ARISE Interventions. On our current Interventions we refund ½ of the cost if the Intervention is not successful. Since I am doing these Interventions on a sliding scale, I will not offer this same opportunity. I am not qualified to do Interventions on adolescents therefore my Interventions are always limited to adults.” Assisting all families, employers and addicted individuals has always been Alicia’s goal. She has a special interest in helping Healthcare Professionals such as Mental Health Professionals, Substance Abuse Professionals, Nurses and Doctors. These are individuals of special interest, since she herself understands how the demands of being a Helping Professional may increase the risk of substance abuse and/or mental illness. A formal Intervention may be the only way to assist these individuals with recognizing their need for treatment. Here is the link to ARISE for more information http://www.ariseinterventionnow.com/intervention.html and a brief summary of the Model from the ARISE website: The ARISE Intervention is directed towards getting the addicted loved one into treatment with the least possible effort through a loving, compassionate and non-blaming First Call and First Meeting. The support system is mobilized to form a committed Intervention Network to motivate the addicted individual into treatment. Phase A has three levels and the goal is to stop at the first level that works:
Level 1, “The First Call”, starts when a Concerned Other calls a Certified ARISE Interventionist for a free phone consultation, and is coached to set up the First Meeting of the Intervention Network. 56% of addicted individuals enter treatment at Level 1.
Level 2, “Strength in Numbers”, begins If they have not entered treatment during Level 1. The Intervention Network acts as a Board of Directors, so no one deals one-on-one with the addicted individual. By the end of 2 to 5 Intervention Network meetings, 80% of addicted individuals have entered treatment.
Level 3, “The Formal ARISE Intervention”, is held if treatment entry has not occurred during Level 2. At this meeting serious consequences are put in place if the addicted individual does not enter treatment. By this point, 83% of addicted individuals have entered treatment.
ARISE Continuing Care begins when the addicted individual enters treatment, and lasts for 6 months. The goals are individual and family healing and recovery. It includes, if possible, the family and individual becoming involved in 12-step program. The Certified ARISE Interventionist works collaboratively with the addicted individual, the treatment center, and the family to ensure treatment completion, relapse prevention, and the resolution of grief and other problems at the root of the pain and the addictive disease. ARISE Continuing Care focuses on the Certified ARISE Interventionist working with the Intervention Network and addicted individual to prevent relapse, initiate long-term recovery, and complete the work towards family healing and recovery. This includes ensuring that work, life style, social circle, family relationships and personal decisions made for personal growth in Continuing Care are happening for individual and family. A special thanks to all of our trainers Dr. Landau, Sara Hills, LPC, CAC III, CAI and James Ott, LCSW, CAI, CIP. I am looking forward to working with all the wonderful Professionals I trained with. CEDAR Tour: While I was at CEDAR in Colorado I had the opportunity to receive a tour of the Treatment Center. The grounds were spectacular and serene. The facility was very clean and well maintained. It was especially nice that they separated the Treatment Center from the Hospital and the facility had the appearance of a Wooded Lodge from the outside. I found the CEDAR to be very inviting. Their program appears to be truly able to assist those dually diagnosed. Many Treatment Centers make this promise, but do not have enough Licensed Staff, proper staff to patient ratio and knowledge to assist individuals with a mental illness and a substance abuse problem. They also have the ability to assist with severe medical problems related to substance use, since they are on Hospital grounds. In addition CEDAR has a Physician Health Program (PHP) treatment track. Unfortunately the state of California, unlike many other states, does not offer any sort of Diversion Program for Physicians. Often this lack of Diversion Programs makes it difficult for our Doctors to receive necessary treatment due to fear of California Medical Board intervention and loss of License. The Staff appear to be very qualified. Everyone I met was very genuine and helpful. Overall I look forward to the possibility of coordinating Patient care with CEDAR in the near future.
Treatment for ADHD Reduces the Risk of Substance Abuse
The Challenges of ADHD
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of most widely diagnosed mental disorders and the most frequently diagnosed in children with 8% of children being diagnosed with ADHD (Harstad & Levy, 2014). The challenges children and adults face with ADHD in school/work, at home in daily life tasks leads to an increased risk for substance use. In addition, the social challenges and stress related having untreated ADHD increase the risk of turning to substances to cope.
Without treatment both teens and adults with ADHD are vulnerable to developing an addiction.
Individuals with ADHD are:
2 times more likely to develop alcoholism
3 times more likely to be addicted to nicotine
2.5 times more likely to develop a substance use disorder (SUD) overall (Harstad & Levy, 2014)
ADHD Symptoms and the daily challenges they present:
Symptoms of Inattention: difficulty sustaining attention, failing to give close attention to work, poor time management, forgetfulness, and being easily distracted by external things all contribute to those with ADHD struggling to succeed in a traditional school environment. School has become even more demanding for children and teens as the pressures to participate in multiple extracurricular activities like sports in addition to the pressure to perform at a competitive academic level leaves many teens with ADHD feeling left behind.
Symptoms of Hyperactivity: struggling to sit still, excessive talking, and being physically hyper can be beneficial to student athletes but is usually frowned upon in the classroom increasing isolation from classmates.
Symptoms of Impulsivity: trouble waiting your turn, blurting out answers to questions and interrupting others conversations or games lead to significant social struggles for children and teens with ADHD which add to the stress of school (What are the Symptoms of ADHD?, 2014).
Treatment Works!
Many studies have been published showing the benefit of treating ADHD as soon as it is diagnosed in children with stimulant medication as well as behavioral therapy but parents are still hesitant to consent to stimulant medication for their child because of the concern with the addictive quality of these medications. To this date there has been no convincing data that children prescribed these medications are at increased risk for becoming addicted to them but research does support treatment with medication and behavioral therapy and the benefits of using this combined approach. New research published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in 2014 stated that treating ADHD in children as soon as it is diagnosed reduces the risk of developing a substance use disorder by 85%. In addition, it has been cited that the younger a child is treated for ADHD with stimulant medication the lower the risk of developing a substance use disorder (Harstad &Levy, 2014). These new findings are extremely hopeful for those struggling with ADHD without the help of treatment.
Risks of Prescribing Stimulants
The concern for prescribing and treating ADHD with stimulant medication is not unfounded however. These medications have a high abuse potential and are often “diverted” to others for misuse and abuse. Stimulant medications also have a high street value for sale so often those with ADHD are not abusing the medication but diverting them to others. The AAP found that between 16-23% of school age children have been approached to sell, give, or trade their prescription medications. The most common form of diversion of giving the pills to friends or family members (Harstad & Levy, 2014). Due to this risk the AAP also published some helpful guidelines for MD’s who are treating individuals with ADHD.
Though the risk of misuse, diversion, and abuse is a factor the benefits of stimulant medication coupled with behavioral therapy for those with ADHD are well documented and cannot be denied. To address this concern, the AAP listed some guidelines for prescribing stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Safety Guidelines
Confirm the diagnosis before prescribing- (symptoms must be present in more than 1 setting so consultation with teachers, families, and other sources is key to making a valid diagnosis)
Screen older children and adolescents for use of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs.
Provide guidance anticipating that someone will ask for the medication. Depending on the environment this may including making a safety plan with the patient on how to keep their medication safe.
Keep well documented records
If prescribing to someone with a known substance use history the risks and benefits of treatment with stimulants must be weighed and discussed. If the risk is considered too high there are alternative medications without the abuse potential that are effective (Harstad & Levy, 2014).
ADHD is a common but highly treatable neurobiological disorder that about 8% of children. It causes severe functional impairment that significantly increase the risk of an individual developing a substance use disorder. Though treatment with stimulant medication has been controversial in the past it has proven to be extremely effective in mitigating the symptoms of ADHD that lead to individuals to turn to substances to cope with life’s challenges. Safe prescribing methods plus careful ongoing monitoring along with behavioral therapy by a qualified therapist can reduce those daily life challenges and provide hope for a positive future for someone with ADHD.
For more information on treatment options for ADHD in LA’s South Bay visit our information page here!
If you think you have have ADHD take a self test here!
To read the full clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics click the link.
To learn more about ADHD in children, teens, and adults visit Chadd.org.
Marilyn Brown, LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist/Social Media Director
Recovery NOW, Inc.
www.RecoveryNowLA.com
References:
Harstad, E., Levy, S. & Committee on Substance Abuse (2014). Atten tion-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Substance Abuse. Pediatri cs, 134 (1). doi: 10.1542/peds.2014-0992
What are the Symptoms of ADHD? (n.d.). In Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder. Retrieved from www.chadd. org
Sarah Marie House an upscale sober living for women located near Historic Old Torrance is now accepting residents in recovery from eating disorders as well as substance abuse and addiction. Recovering from an eating disorder presents similar challenges as those face in recovery from substance use and learning to live a clean and sober lifestyle free from unhealthy eating behaviors is important for overall recovery. A safe and supportive environment that also provides the key component of accountability is key and at Sarah Marie House the director Kathi Donahue provides just that, and only 15 minutes away from the beach!
Sarah Marie House Living AreaSarah Marie House Community Kitchen
Sarah Marie House provides 24 on-site management and Kathi is available daily to residents to provide support. In addition to 24 management Sarah Marie House has a daily 12 step/recovery meeting requirement and all residents participate in daily morning group meditation and evening reflection time together. The staff at Sarah Marie are committed to supporting a successful transition to a sober lifestyle so all aspects of an individuals recovery program including referrals to support services and providers are implemented as needed.
Sarah Marie House is currently accepting new residents. Contact Kathi Donahue for more information! Details below.
info@sarahmariehouse.com
donahuek@sarahmariehouse.com
Phone: 310-699-4750
or visit www.sarahmariehouse.com
Partnerships are key to providing comprehensive care so Recovery NOW, Inc. is committed to building relationships with other providers. Contact us today to schedule a site visit at your facility! For more information on treatment for Addiction, Eating Disorders and other mental health concerns please visit our main page at www.RecoveryNowLA.com.
Marilyn Brown, LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist/Social Media Director
Recovery NOW, Inc.
www.RecoveryNowLA.com
Is Marijuana an Herb?
In order to continue to provide information on domestic violence and abuse during October National Domestic Violence Awareness month, we have prepared the following article.
Countless resources are available to individuals with alcoholism. However, it is more difficult for a person to manage this disease once he or she has reached dependency. Instead, it is important to recognize the beginning stages of problem drinking and take steps to enforce moderation.
s the media continues to sensationalize the tragic loss of Robin Williams, one realizes the realities of substance abuse and mental illness. All too often these 2 mental health problems collide and leave a path of destruction for not only the individual but also family and friends. It is interesting when people say such things as, “He seemed so happy. Why would he kill himself when he had everything?” Unfortunately having everything does not exclude one from experiencing mental illness and substance abuse problems. Major depression is an illness of the brain which creates a chemical imbalance with the neurotransmitters. This chemical imbalance often requires medication and psychotherapy to stabilize. With co-occurring disorders such as substance abuse and mental illness, it is hard to say which came first and this is why we must treat both at the same time.
