Substance Abuse Prevention Month 2016

Early intervention is recognized as a key component in preventing drug abuse among adolescents and teaching them how to make healthy decisions for their life. Children are taught about the negative effects that drug and alcohol abuse can have on a person’s life. They learn about how these substances affect the brain and can cause permanent damage, and also how they can affect a person’s physiology and cause sickness and disease. They also learn what substances are regarded as unsafe when abused.

Some of the areas of concern regarding substance abuse include:

1. Alcohol dependency
2. Abuse of over-the-counter medications
3. Recreational use of prescription drugs
4. Underage drinking
5. Illicit drug use

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has outlined effective prevention programs based upon long-term research. The principles in the programs were developed to assist prevention practitioners by utilizing the information to address the problem of drug use among children, adolescents and young adults. The principles are designed to assist prevention practitioners in their thinking, selection, planning and delivery of their community prevention programs. The main focus of the program is targeted to problems behaviors that occur throughout the child development years and drug abuse risks. Research conducted by several government agencies has concluded that early prevention can deter risky behavior in adolescents.

Some of the behavioral risk factors that need to be addressed include:

1. The early intervention of aggressive behavior and poor self-control can be changed into positive, healthy behavior with behavioral therapy and counseling.
2. Addressing deviant attitudes, rebellious behavior, abuse, neglect, family problems, etc. should be treated with education and counseling.
3. Youth that are vulnerable to the influence of peer pressure, gang mentality, social inadequacy, and isolation should receive education and counseling.
4. Mental illness should be treated with medications, education and counseling.
5. Environmental and cultural factors should be addressed with education and individual and family counseling.

Parents should also be involved along with their children in drug abuse prevention. Family bonding is one of the greatest protective barriers against drug use and abuse. Building a strong relationship between parents and their children creates a powerful support network for the children. Parenting skills can be taught if a parent is unsure of the direction he should go in. Teaching your child the right value system, creating boundaries, monitoring their activity, praise and encouragement for good behavior, discipline for when they fall short are all effective parenting skills.

Speaking often with your children about drug and alcohol abuse and all the dangers it holds should be an ongoing dialogue. Show an interest in your child’s academic and recreational life by becoming more involved. Help your child develop a healthy emotional life by talking with them about their concerns and fears. Teach your child self-control and how to solve problems. Talk to them about developing healthy friendships and how to handle peer pressure.

Communication is an important part of developing a strong and healthy bond with your children. Parents hold a lot of power and influence over their children and they should use it to help their child develop into normal, healthy individuals. Parents should make an extra effort during National Substance Abuse Prevention Month to talk with their children about the dangers of substance abuse. Drug Detox Centers Albuquerque can help you begin your recovery journey. Just give us a call at (505) 910-4420. 

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Drug Detox Centers Albuquerque offers a resource for treatment for prescription drug addiction. These drugs are widely prescribed by doctors and dentists for a variety of painful conditions. However, individuals can develop a physical dependence to the drugs, which can become a full- fledged addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse found that 52 million over the age of 12 have used prescription drugs non­medically during their lifetime. Drug Detox Centers Albuquerque offers skilled, professional help for prescription drug problems, to helpindividuals break their addiction and return to normal function. 

How Does Prescription Drug Addiction Develop?

 The National Institute for Drug Abuse states that the United States has 5 percent of the world’s population, but it consumes 75 percent of the world’s prescription drugs. Drug Detox Centers Albuquerque knows that doctors all over the country freely write prescriptions for painkillers for post­ surgical pain, dental pain, back problems and other conditions. But these drugs are highly addictive, and many people find they continue to crave the drug after their medical conditions have improved. Drug Detox Centers Albuquerque also knows pain medications are often diverted for use by others than those for which it was intended, and they are sold on the street for recreational use.

Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

A number of drugs are commonly abused for their euphoric effects, such as:

• Opiate pain medications: ­ These include Oxycontin, Vicodin, Percocet and Fentanyl, which produce feelings of warmth, well being and freedom from discomfort. Individuals addicted to these medications often go on to use heroin.

• Stimulant drugs: ­ These include Adderall and Ritalin, which are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. They produce feelings of energy and confidence that can quickly become an addiction.

• Sedative drugs: ­ Drugs such as Klonopin, Valium and Xanax produce feelings of relaxation and well being, but they can easily produce addiction. They are generally used to treat anxiety and seizures.

Signs of A Prescription Drug Addiction

When an individual is addicted, they begin to display a number of behaviors that indicate they are no longer in full control of their decision ­making:

• Tolerance increases, causing them to use more of the drug.
• They may have wild mood swings and changes in personality
• They lose interest in normal activities.
• Relationships begin to suffer.
• Work problems, legal problems and health problems develop.
• Their behavior becomes erratic, acting hyped up or lethargic.
• They begin “doctor shopping,” going from doctor to doctor to get more prescriptions for the drug.
• They begin lying about “losing” prescriptions to get another one.
• They may steal prescription pads and forge their own prescriptions.

How Treatment Can Help Break Prescription Drug Addiction

A comprehensive treatment program can help to break the addiction to prescription medications. Detoxification removes the substance from the body, so that brain chemistry can calibrate to normal levels. After detox, individual and group counseling help patients understand that reasons behind their substance abuse. Cognitive behavioral therapy trains them to recognize negative thought patterns that lead to destructive actions. Relapse prevention programs help individuals recognize the “triggers” that lead to relapse and how they can counteract temptations to return to drug use. Aftercare measures, such as post ­treatment counseling and attendance at support group meetings help individuals sustain their sobriety as they return to normal life. Albuquerque offers a calming natural setting with many attractions, one that is perfect for individuals who are attempting to heal from addiction. If you or a loved one is addicted to prescription drugs, contact Drug Detox Centers Albuquerque to learn more about treatment programs. Call (505) 910­-4420 for more information.

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