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SOBERING FACTS

• The adolescent brain is only about 80% developed and does not mature until the middle to late 20s (Winters, 2008)
• More than 4 in 10 people who begin drinking before age 15 eventually become alcoholics (NIDA, 2011)
• One in every 15 high school seniors today is smoking pot on a daily or near daily basis (Johnston et al., 2012)
• One in 5 adolescents reports driving under the influence of marijuana; and 1 in 8 adolescents admits to driving after consuming alcohol (SADD, 2012)
• Approximately 43% of youth receiving mental health services have a co-occurring substance use disorders (Diamond et al., 2006)
• Heavy marijuana users are at higher-than-normal risk of having a first episode of psychosis (Faber et al., 2011)
• Current research cites that 7.5 million children under age 18 (10.5% of population) live with a parent who has experienced an alcohol use disorder in the past year (SAMHSA, 2012)

REASONS INDIVIDUALS USE SUBSTANCES

• To feel good—adolescents realize that using substances may induce feelings of relaxation, power, self-confidence and energy
• To feel better—adolescents experiencing stress or symptoms of co-occurring disorders may use substances to “self-medicate”
• To do better—adolescents may feel that substances enhance their performance
• Curiosity and because “others are doing it”—adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the influence of peer pressure

(NIDA, 2007)

DEFINITION OF ADDICTION

During summer of 2011 the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) released a policy statement regarding changes to the diagnostic definition of addiction. Here is the short version of the definition reflecting the recent changes: 

Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.

Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.

(ASAM, 2011)

DEFINITION OF RECOVERY

During winter of 2011 the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a new working definition of recovery from mental disorders and substance use disorders.  Recovery is defined as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life and strive to reach their full potential.”

SAMHSA cites that the following dimensions support an individual’s recovery:                                              

• Health—overcoming or managing one’s diseases(s) as well as living in a physically and emotionally healthy way;
• Home—living in a stable and safe place;
• Purpose—engaging in daily activities, such as a job, school, volunteerism, family, caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the independence, income and resources to participate in society; and
• Community—forging healthy relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love and hope.

SUBSTANCE USE RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS

(NIDA, 2007, p. 7)

Handout written by Maureen Polcyn Leece, Ed.S.

References

American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2011, August 15). Public policy statement: Short definition of addiction. Retrieved from http://www.asam.org/docs/publicy-policy-statements/1definition_of_addiction_short_4-11.pdf?sfvrsn=0

Diamond, G., Panichelli-Mindel, S. M., Shera, D., Dennis, M., Tims, F., & Ungemack, J. (2006). Psychiatric syndromes in adolescents with marijuana abuse and dependency in outpatient treatment. Journal Of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, 15(4), 37-54.

Faber, G. R., Henderikus, S., Van Gool, A. R., Wunderink, L., Van Den Bosch, R. J., Wiersma, D., & , (2012). Continued cannabis use and outcome in first-episode psychosis: Data from a randomized, open-label, controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, doi: 10.4088/JCP.11m07069

Johnston, L. D., O’Malley, P. M., Bachman, J. G., & Schulenberg, J. E. (2012). Monitoring the future national results on adolescent drug use: Overview of key findings, 2011. Ann Arbor: Institute for Social Research, The University of Michigan.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2011). Drugs: Shatter the myths (11-7589). Bethesda: National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2007). Drugs, brains and behavior:  The science of addiction (07-5605). Bethesda: National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Students Against Destructive Decisions. (2012, February 22). Hazy logic: Liberty mutual insurance/sadd study finds driving under the influence of marijuana a greater threat to teen drivers than alcohol. Retrieved from http://www.libertymutualgroup.com/omapps/ContentServer?pagename=LMGroup/Views/LMG&ft=3&fid=1138356780859

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2011, December 22).SAMHSA announces a working definition of “recovery” from mental disorders and substance use disorders. Retrieved from http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1112223420.aspx

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2012, February 16). Report shows 7.5 million children live with a parent with an alcohol use disorder. Retrieved from http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1202151415.aspxWinters, K. C. (2008). Adolescent brain development and drug abuse. United Kingdom: Mentor Foundation.

This article provides an excellent overview of the chemistry of addiction.  The author notes that addiction is essentially a disease of improperly balanced neurons within the brain. Dysfunction in an individual's combination of neurotransmitters in the brain is known as Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS). Without the proper neurochemical balance, those more prone to addiction may suffer from anxiety, a sense of unease or a feeling of incompleteness when not using alcohol and/or other drugs.  Often individuals with neurochemical imbalances are likely to develop addiction, as many begin using mind-altering substances to achieve a feeling of normalcy.

Check out the article at:  http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/white-noise/2011/08/02/addiction-a-fault-of-chemistry/?utm_source=Join+Together+Daily&utm_campaign=9d023bf3a7-JT+Daily+News%3A+Canadian+Pilot+Project...&utm_medium=email

Mo, Ed.S., NCSP

 FAIR Counselor

The latest research study conducted by the University of Michigan cites that of the parents polled, only 10-percent believe their own teenagers have used alcohol in the last year and a mere 5-perecent believe their own teenagers have used marijuana in the last year.  Parent reports vary significantly from the findings in a concurrent research study, Monitoring the Future, in which 52-percent of 10th graders reported drinking alcohol in the last year and 28-percent of 10th graders reported using marijuana in the last year.  In other words, parents are underestimating, and perhaps naïve to, their own teenager’s use.  Parents polled reported that at least 40-percent of 10th graders used marijuana in the last year and that 60-percent of 10th graders drank alcohol in the last year.  In other words, parents are more likely to expect marijuana and alcohol use by other teenagers, but not their own. 

Access the latest findings at:  http://www.uofmhealth.org/news/teens-drugs-alcohol-0912

Mo, Ed.S., NCSP

FAIR Counselor

Websites designed for high school and college-aged individuals concerning alcohol and other drugs with accurate, up-to-date information are difficult to find.  The below website offers great information about:  alcohol myths, BAC calculator, interactive body to see the effects of alcohol on organs, FAQs on alcohol abuse and dependence, drinking consequences, alcohol poisoning and college alcohol policies.  The site is also educator and parent friendly providing a number of supporting research articles on alcohol and other drugs.

Visit the site at:  http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/

Mo, Ed.S., NCSP

FAIR Counselor

According to Louise L. Hay, "What you think and what you believe, is what will come true for you. Your thoughts create your life, it is that simple. And when we can get that, then we can make enormous changes." While many individuals may believe that this statement is far-fetched or can be characterized as "New Age" philosophy, it is difficult to dispute the healing power felt when patients create gratitude lists, repeat concrete daily affirmations and focus on the abundance of "roses" (i.e., good events) experienced during their days instead of hyper-focusing on the couple "thorns" (i.e., upsetting events) encountered. 

Teaching patients therapeutic benefits of maintaining optimism is an essential goal while in treatment.  Celebrating everyday accomplishments and adopting new, healthy lifestyle habits to match may serve to enhance overall well-being.  Check out an article, "The Benefits of Meditation in Drug Addiction Treatment," to better understand the holistic nature of drug addiction treatment. Both mindfulness strategies and daily meditation may assist in creating a positive internal dialogue to encourage long lasting sobriety.

Article can be accessed on:  http://www.choosehelp.com/drug-treatment/the-benefits-of-meditation-in-drug-treatment

Mo, Ed.S., NCSP

FAIR Counselor