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The Quick Facts:
According to the CDC, from April 2020 to April 2021 there have been approximately 100, 306 overdose-related deaths in the United States. An increase of 28.5% when compared to the same period one year earlier.
Drug use among 8th graders rose 61% from 2016-2020.
50% of teenagers have misused a drug at least once and 62% of 12th graders have abused alcohol.
You may think that these overdoses are primarily due to the use of the synthetic opioid, Fentanyl, however, that is not the case. Cocaine, methamphetamines, and natural and synthetic opioids were also listed as contributing factors.
14.5 million people ages 12 and older had an Alcohol Use disorder in 2019. Youth ages 12-17 accounted for 414,000 of that total.
Addiction occurs in every culture, ethnicity, income, gender, and age.
What is Addiction:
Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease that involves many complex interactions between one’s environment, genetics, brain, and life experiences that lead to an individual using a substance (or engaging in behaviors) compulsively despite risk of harmful consequences.
Who is At-Risk for Addiction?
There are several risk factors that contribute to a heightened chance of addiction. Risk factors are things that increase the likelihood that an individual will use and become reliant on alcohol or drugs.
The biggest risk factor is early use of drugs or alcohol- Children who drink alcohol at an early age due to alcohol induced changes in the brain that increase the likelihood of future drug use and alcoholism. Every year that a child does not engage in alcohol use, the risk of addiction lowers substantially.
1. Childhood Risk Factors:
a. Early aggressive behaviors
b. Lack of parental supervision/lack of bond between parent and child
c. Peer or family alcohol or drug use
d. Availability of substance
e. Poverty
f. Peer pressure
2. Family History of Addiction which involve two influencers: genetic predisposition and environmental. Family members who abuse substances in front of their children set the stage for use and abuse being acceptable. Further, the resulting anxiety and fear associated with a parents inconsistent and potentially erratic behaviors can increase a child’s need to escape the chaos.
3. Mental Health disorders can increase the chance of drug or alcohol use to help cope with or decrease the symptoms of many painful feelings associated with the disorders below.
a. ADD/ADHD
b. Depression
c. PTSD
THERE IS HOPE!
However, just because someone has risk factors for addiction does not mean that they will use, abuse, or become addicted to drugs or alcohol. This is where parents can hold the key- protective factors! Protective factors are things that help lower the impact of risk factors. So, for example, a child has a genetic predisposition to addiction. What can a parent do? Take to your child and explain that they have a higher risk of developing addiction. Explain what addiction is and the importance of not engaging in alcohol or drug use. Help your child develop coping skills to deal with frustration, intense emotions, conflicts starting at an early age. Some coping skills include. Diaphragmatic breathing, exercise, journaling. Parents can also help by roleplaying with their child ways to say “no” when their friends maybe using a substance- “I am on antibiotics” (one of my personal favorites) or “I’m good- thanks though.” Provide your child with a safe place to discuss drugs and alcohol where they know they can be open without fear of repercussion.
Help:
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, reach out for help!
1. https://curbthecrisis.com offers information, resources, and treatment centers.
2. www.help.org provides treatment centers in the Northern Virginia area
3. www.regionaladdiction.com provides resources specific to your area
4. https://virginiapeerspecialistnetwork.org/resources/ has a ton of resources in Virginia for addiction and mental health
5. The Crisis Line text: Text “Brave” to 741741 to get immediate, confidential support
6. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support by calling 800-273-8255
