Family
Detecting Teen Alcohol and Drug Addiction
Adolescence is full of a multitude of challenges for both teens and their parents. One of the biggest challenges parents may have to face is that their teen could end up with a problem with addiction. Whether the substance being abused is alcohol, nicotine, prescription drugs or street drugs, addiction is a real threat in the lives of young people. Full Story
Parents’ Alcohol Abuse, Divorce Increases Suicide Risk in Offspring
It is widely known that people with a history of drug or alcohol abuse have increased chances of attempting suicide. However, researchers and public health officials know relatively little about how the drug and alcohol problems of a parent impact the adult suicide risks of his or her children. In a study published in May 2014 in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, researchers from two U.S. institutions explored the connection between parental alcohol abuse and the odds that an adult child will make a suicide attempt. These researchers also looked at the potential combined impact of parental alcohol abuse and parental divorce.
Overcoming Codependency: Practicing Powerlessness
Addicts and alcoholics are taught that they are powerless over their drug of choice and any substitutes. Until they admit and accept that powerlessness, there is little to no hope for recovery.
Is it Time to Talk with Your Teen About Substance Abuse?
There are conversations which parents know they should have with their teen but they’re intimidated nonetheless, and bringing up the subject of alcohol and drugs can be the hardest. It doesn’t have to be like that, however. Healthy discussions on the issue of substance abuse hinge on just a couple of things: information and attitude.
Effective Drug Abuse Prevention Focuses on Personality
Early initiation of illegal substances such as alcohol and drugs can amplify many of their risks. Experts believe that some of the effects of drugs and alcohol may be more potent in teens because the brain is still developing, causing changes in cognitive structure and function.
Having a Half-Sibling May Increase Likelihood of Teen Drug Use
A study by researchers at Bowling Green State University and Iowa State University shows that half-siblings with a different father are significantly more likely to try drugs and sex before the age of 15 when compared with other teens that have only full siblings.
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The War on Drugs is War on Women and Families
Men comprise the majority of drug abusers in the United States as well as the majority of federal prisoners. However, recent drug use and incarceration trends indicate that this may not always be the case. Women are the fastest-growing subset of the federal prison population in the United States. In addition, girls under the age of 15 are now more likely to use illegal drugs than boys of the same age. Full Story
How to Talk to an Alcoholic Who Has Not Yet Agreed to Seek Help
When someone develops a drinking problem, it can create quite a conundrum for his friends and family. To prevent tragedy, they know they must intervene before the situation gets any worse, but they are usually at a complete loss about how to proceed. Full Story
Helping a Spouse with Addiction
The dreams held in your heart on the day you said "I do" can feel shattered when your partner falls prey to substance abuse and addiction. Your tears, nagging, threats and pleading have all failed to change the situation and now you feel powerless and despondent. Yet, it is not true that there is nothing you can do to help your partner. In fact, there is a lot you can do. Full Story
What is the Difference Between Supporting and Enabling?
Nobody likes seeing a loved one suffering from addiction or alcoholism. The desire to do all you can to help and alleviate his or her pain is natural. However, if you find yourself in this situation, there are some dos and don’ts that should be followed. Although the line is fine, there is one between supporting and/or helping an addict or alcoholic and enabling his or her addiction. And because it is such a fine line, and difficult for loved ones to discern the difference, it is one that gets crossed frequently. Support is great; addicts and alcoholics need lots of it, however, enabling is detrimental to both the addict and you. Knowing the difference will help you know how best to be there for your loved who is still using or drinking excessively.
Need Help Finding an Intervention Specialist?
We can refer you to an experienced interventionist who can help you help your loved one.
The Addiction Primer: Everything You Need to Know to Get Help for a Loved One
A very inexpensive yet indispensable guide for anyone struggling with a loved one's addiction. Chapters on intervention, what to expect from rehab, and information on how addiction impacts the family.
