Some of the Drugs of Abuse

Some of the Drugs of Abuse

Last Updated (Wednesday, 31 December 1969 15:59) Sunday, 03 August 2008 17:27

Tobacco is extremely addictive and is a real danger. In the year 2000, tobacco related deaths in the US were estimated to be 440,000 – more than the total of all other drugs and alcohol combined. In addition, tobacco is widely regarded as a “gateway” drug in the sense that it seems to lead to the abuse of other psychoactive substances. Marijuana, when used chronically, reduces ambition and exposes the individual to more carcinogens than smoking cigarettes. The abuse of amphetamines and club drugs like MDMA (ecstasy) have been demonstrated in research to produce brain damage. Alcohol plays a prominent role in auto accidents, domestic violence and suicide. All substances of abuse have attendant direct and indirect risks. Finally, we know that by the time our kids reach senior high, 80% have experimented with drugs and/or alcohol.

How Drugs Work
Drugs have their effect by causing chemical changes in the brain. Under natural conditions, the brain releases dopamine, serotonin and other neurochemicals in response to pleasurable experiences. Drugs of abuse drastically overstimulate the brain with these same chemicals. The brain may be temporarily or permanently damaged with the consequence that the individual may have trouble finding pleasure in a normal life experiences, and may become seriously depressed. People who become addicted to substances have a brain disease and must be treated by trained professionals with medications and specialized therapy. In many ways, drug and alcohol dependence is like diabetes, heart disease and asthma in the sense that it requires medical intervention as well as behavioral change to manage the disorder.

Risk Factors
Here are some common risk factors that have been identified by researchers Hawkins and Catalano in their review of the literature:

• High availability of drugs and alcohol in the home or community
• Being raised in a home where one or both parents are substance abusing
• Genetic predisposition to substance abuse
• Family conflict and chaos
• Early and persistent antisocial behavior
• The presence of other illnesses like AD/HD, depression or anxiety
• Academic failure
• Having a peer group that frequently engages in antisocial behavior
• An early sense of being excluded from the benefits of society

Protective Factors
Conversely, research tells us that we as parents, teachers and community members can have a positive and protective effect on our youth by establishing and promoting the following:

• Develop and strengthen the bonds with your child. Encourage healthy relationships with the family, school and community. Kids who feel that they are loved and belong get into less trouble.
• Help your kids feel successful. Kids who feel that they have something genuine to contribute do better. Children should be recognized for their achievements.
• Help kids develop healthy beliefs and clear standards. Kids should feel comfortable and capable of defending their values.
• Teach your kids thinking, social and communication skills that allow them to participate in their community.
• Give your children acknowledgment about their positive qualities and helped them develop these qualities.
• Develop trust and open communication with your child from their early years and keep the communication flowing through their adolescence.
• Be a positive role model. Show your kids how you solve problems, manage your impulses and build positive relationships with others. Do as I say – not as I do – has never worked with an adolescent.