Year: 2017

When is the line drawn?

ccasati Drug addiction, Mental health

When there is a member of a family that is battling an addiction problem, it can be very tough for immediate family or close friends to know what to do. No one wants to encourage the abusive use of these awful substances.

However, there is also the issue of not knowing how to approach the matter correctly. In my opinion, there is never a perfect time for an intervention, and the best time is just sooner rather than later.

Drug and alcohol problems can have a detrimental and even fatal effect on people’s lives. This is one of the main reason it is an obligation of the people who know the person the best to step in and stop them from continuing their bad addiction habits.

It might not even work the first time, and it can be a very difficult task to get the user to even admit they have a problem, but in the end, this is a necessary means of saving the person from the harm they are inflicting upon themselves and their loved ones.  

The first step to an intervention

The first step in any treatment process is always coming to terms with the addiction and realizing that there is a problem present. Many people want to live in denial and lie to themselves that everything is ok.

This is one way of putting up a barrier between themselves and the issue so they never have to really face it head on and deal it. This just leads to their addiction becoming more cemented in their daily routine and will be even tougher to break this cycle when the time comes to do so.

This is why it is the urgent responsibility of the people around them who care for them and want to support them to make them realize there is an issue present and they have to face it head-on.

Once this is established, it is much easier for them to separate themselves from the issue and not identify with it so much. They single it out and want to get better to improve the quality and the health of their life.

This is the key to the initial part of the addiction intervention and the main goal that you want to achieve from it.

How to plan an intervention

There is never an easy way to tell someone you care for or love that they have an issue and that it needs to change. Interventions can definitely lead to conflict and long drawn out arguments ensuing that can make the substance abuser want to pull further away from the family. It can make them even more unwilling to listen or cooperate with what the majority of the family or friends want them to do.

This is why it is especially important to go into the intervention with a clear plan and maybe a set list of things you want to say and convey so you do not get dragged off topic if things start to get heated. Writing an intervention letter can definitely be a great way to keep your thoughts clear and concise throughout the discussion.

If it starts to build into an argument, emotions can sometimes fly off the charts and distract from the message you are trying to convey. Having a letter in front of you with the point you are trying to make can make it much easier to avoid that happening and stay focused on the task at hand.

Another good way to intervene is to call the experts and have them help you. One big advantage of hiring a professional is that they are a neutral third party individual who can mediate the conversation and help it run more efficiently.

There are many interventions centers throughout America that can help in the addiction recovery process and will make things as smooth for you and your family as possible. There is a grave risk in letting an addiction carry on without trying to stop it, thus the sooner you can get the addict help the better.

Risks of substance abuse

There are so many risks associated with substance abuse that is it a very dangerous habit to become involved with. These risks range from the less dangerous such as small accidents from being intoxicated, to the worst case – death.

These fatal occurrences can happen when someone overdoses on drugs or drinks too much alcohol and ends up having alcohol poisoning. Those are the short term ways it can cause a fatality, however in the long run these additions are always eating away at their bodies. They slowly erode their physical and mental well-being and their ability to think for themselves. The addiction can slowly take over their lives and consume them.

So when the question of when is the best time for an intervention comes up… the answer is now.

How to cope with PTSD

ccasati Mental health

When people mention the disorder PTSD, people automatically think of war veterans being haunted by the events they witnessed at combat.

However, anyone who has suffered from some sort of traumatic event in their life could be a candidate for post-traumatic stress disorder. Many of these people may not even realize that they have a disorder yet they search for answers and ways to put an end to the intense and disturbing thoughts and flashbacks.

This is dangerous as many of these people turn to substance abuse and, before they know it, develop a serious addiction. It is an easy out for them in an attempt to numb the pain, visions and horrible thoughts that they associate with the traumatic event.

For this reason, it is imperative that people understand what PTSD and how it can affect them.

What exactly is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious psychiatric disorder that can occur in anyone. It stems from being involved in or witnessing a traumatic experience that is then repeatedly brought to the surface by your brain.

Seeing visions of the event or feeling like you are back at the scene is a common occurrence for someone with PTSD. The disorder affects approximately 3.5 percent of U.S. adults, and an estimated one in 11 people will experience PTSD in their lifetime. These statistics show that many people are vulnerable to the disorder at some stage in their life, thus if even a fraction of these people used alcohol to calm their anxiety it would not be a good situation.

Alcohol abuse stemming from a PTSD disorder is much more common than people may think, so having the right knowledge can help you make the right decisions if this ever happens to you or someone you know.

If you do know someone who is struggling then make sure to find them a trusted addiction and trauma rehab center to help them on the road to recovery. There are many great programs out there for recovering addicts and this is definitely not a disorder you want to take lightly.

Why does PTSD cause alcohol abuse?

The symptoms that stem from PTSD can be very distressing for the person who is experiencing it day after day. This incredible stress can put a large amount of strain on their body and mind which can eventually cause them to turn to substances to escape these emotions and thoughts for a brief period of time.

A survey published in 1995 showed that 52 percent of males and 28 percent of females were deemed as dependent on their alcohol abuse to combat the feelings and flashbacks brought about by PTSD.

On that same note, 35 percent of males and 27 percent of females were found to be using illicit drugs in an attempt to subdue their disorder.

 

Finding help

As PTSD is more common than people realize, there are a variety of recovery treatment centers and options spread across the United States to help someone become healthy.

Many of these treatment centers can help with childhood trauma treatment and long-term addiction treatment if the person has been abusing substances to escape these feelings and thoughts for a very long time. Please take the time to thoroughly research what PTSD is, if you feel you or a loved one could be suffering then find the help you need today!

Could you be an addict and not know it?

ccasati Drug addiction, Mental health

Graduating college and getting your first real-world job can be a very stressful experience, no matter who you are.

In high-stress situations, one’s natural tendency is to look for a way to calm those fears as no one enjoys going through life stressed every day. Some people cope by going to the gym, others by hanging out with friends, however, some people start to use illicit substances as a way to cope with the stresses of everyday life.

In the beginning, it could start out as little as one time a week or month just as a way to unwind and relax from the stressful work week that just past or is looming over you. However, messing with these substances is no joke as anyone who has abused them can tell you just how addictive they are.

Using drugs or alcohol to escape the stress of your job or life is definitely not the right way to do it; there many other better options out there for someone who needs to relax and unwind.

A few ways to relax after a long day at the office

As mentioned above, one great way to release stress is to go to the gym and work out. Exercise releases endorphins throughout the body which causes a positive reaction and can lessen the amount of stress one feels. It can leave you feeling rejuvenated and motivated to tackle whatever task you have at hand.

Although exercise is not for everyone, it does have many benefits if you can incorporate it into your daily routine. Not only can it reduce your stress levels, but can lead to a healthier life overall and add longevity to your mind and body.

If exercise is something you just cannot do, then maybe meditation and self-reflection is another great way to calm the mind without having to pick up the dumbbells. Being self-aware and creating an open mind through meditation is one of the greatest ways to bring peace and harmony to your mind and body.

Decluttering your mind for a set period of time each day, and giving yourself time to think about what is important can be a very good way to decrease stress. You can start to see more clearly what is meaningful and what isn’t and it allows you to have a “me-time” break at some point in your stressful work schedule.

Making time for yourself is a must for anyone who feels rushed by their day and that they are not the ones in charge.

Consequences of being overstressed at work

Some people who cannot find a suitable way to detox their bodies of stress often find themselves frantically searching for other methods to cope with high-stress situations.

In this case, these people could turn to alcohol or drugs to find a way to numb their worries for a few hours a day. This is a very worrying habit to start as it can lead to alcohol dependency or a serious drug addiction.

However, many of these people may be high functioning addicts – meaning they can come to work just fine the next day after feeding their body all sorts of substances the night before to unwind. Or, they can function in their daily life – work, relationships, etc – while they’re high or drunk, without any of their colleagues or loved ones realizing.

For some of these people, it can especially tough to ask for help with an addiction as they are in high positions and looked up too, thus attempting to speak openly about an addiction they may have developed could hinder their life. Not everyone has to be homeless or uneducated to be a drug user; this is a stereotype that makes it that much tougher for someone with a normal working job to want to have to go to rehab and get help. It is the thought that they too would be classed and labeled into a certain type of category that they don’t feel they belong.

It is these types of stigmas that can lead people to fool themselves into thinking they don’t have any sort of addiction problem and they are totally in control of when they choose to abuse the substance.

First steps to recovery

The initial phase of recovery for high functioning addicts is acceptance. They have to accept the fact that they do not have control of this issue and they may need to look for help to recover.

An addiction recovery program could be the best place to turn to as it can help get you back on the path to sobriety quickly with a set organized schedule of how the recovery will look.

If you are having issues don’t take them lightly, addictions are a serious matter and can lead to fatal incidents in a lot of cases. Act before it is too late!

How can teenagers develop depression?

ccasati Mental health

As a teenager, running into mental health issues are more common than people think.

One of the most over looked illnesses is depression, therefore making sure you are alert to some of the symptoms can help you discover it early. Many people, even parents of suffering teenagers, can mistake mental illness for sadness and attribute it to being young.

However, many teens are now struggling with depression for many different reasons. Teenagers can experience depression in a manner very similar to adults, although it can be a lot harder for them to process these emotional changes making them more prone to taking extreme action. Having emotional highs and lows are normal; without sadness there would technically be no way to feel happiness.

However, being in a slump for months at a time is a definite sign of an untreated mental illness. Knowing some reasons why teenagers would develop a mental illness and how to treat it can stop any fatal incidents before they occur.

A few symptoms of depression

There is a wide range of symptoms a teen may showcase that can give away a mental health disorder. If a teen has low self-esteem, it may mean that they are suffering from depression. Not being able to develop confidence in any areas of your life may mean that they have a mental health issue that should be treated.

Another sign of depression is if they are frequently lashing out at people closest to them for the smallest of reasons. Being irritable and constantly angry is a sign of feeling insecure about themselves and unable to bring happiness into their own lives.

If they are spending a lot of time on their own or do not have many friends, this can also mean they are suffering from a mental illness. They want to lock themselves away from the world, maybe they do not feel worthy or lack the confidence to be a part of a friend group.

Finally, if they have irregular sleeping or eating habits it could mean something is happening biologically that is affecting their daily routines. If you feel a loved one or a friend has been showcasing some of these symptoms, it could be time to reach out for help.

There are many rehab centers that can provide the help and care for a suffering teenager. Having depression is a very unpleasant experience; therefore getting the right help is crucial to getting them back on the right path.

Depression is a much more common illness than people think; it has caused a lot of suicidal deaths for people ranged 10 to 24, thus finding help is a necessity if you think someone you know has depression.

Why do teenagers develop depression?

One of the reasons some people take depression lightly is they do not fully understand why teenagers would develop depression.

From the outside, everything may seem normal; however, deep down, there could be something seriously wrong which needs to be addressed. Depression can be developed mainly as a reaction to environmental stresses; these can include trauma, such as verbal, physical, or sexual abuse.

If a teen was abused physically or emotionally from a young age, it drastically increases their chances of developing depression in later years of their childhood.

Although this is not the only reason depression may develop. Sometimes it is a genetical problem and there are blood tests that can test for depression.  

Other external events that can affect teenagers are the death of a loved one, school problems, or being the victim of bullying or peer pressure. Any such events that are dramatic in a teenager’s life can cause them to react very intensely. This may mean they want to hide away and deal with their issues on their own, and over the period of months or years, a serious mental health issue may occur.

There is no time to waste when it comes to mental health; it can affect every aspect of a young teen’s life. Make sure to look out for symptoms and understand the right ways to treat it!

The importance of being mindful

ccasati Holistic therapy, Mental health

From a personal and outside experience, it seems that many people rush around in their daily lives and do not stop to think about what is actually going on around them.

Many people are so busy they do not give themselves a chance to relax throughout the day which can lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety. This can be an uncomfortable experience and it is definitely best to avoid this happening if possible.

There are a few ways to deepen our senses and come to terms with what brings value to our lives and what we should let go of, such as these stresses and worries that we sometimes bring into our lives unnecessarily.

Having a designated time and space where you feel safe is especially important in letting go of these anxieties that can make you feel trapped in your day to day lives. There are a few methods that can greatly help relieve these tensions, such as relaxation techniques and other options you can use to wind down after a long day, or even in the middle of it.

Making sure you are being mindful and aware of the present and what is going on around us can greatly improve your quality of living. Mindfulness practice is a form of holistic therapy that can be used for effective stress management, anxiety disorders, and in some cases, drug addiction treatment.

Some ways to relieve anxiety

Whether you are currently having a terrible day, need to relax after a stressful day of work, or need some space after taking the kids to an event, there are a few ways to unwind and reconnect with ourselves.

Understanding your personality and what you enjoy will determine what methods are the right ones for you. Many people do not fully appreciate the benefits of ‘switching off’ a few minutes a day. It can rejuvenate you mentally and give you an extra boost for the rest of day.

The process of letting go and being mindful only comes when you are in touch with your entire body. This means that you can feel all of your senses strongly, from the breeze touching your skin to the faintest smells that your nose is picking up. Allowing yourself to be in control of these senses, while emptying your mind and letting thoughts pass through without judgment, is the key to having a mindfulness practice.

Activities which lend itself to this type of mindfulness practice are yoga, meditation, visualization, or even sports where you have a singular focus that can help keep your mind free.

Visualization, in my opinion, is a great technique that can relieve you of anxiety. In this mindfulness-based exercise, you will go through the details of a specific event and imagine the desired outcome. Seeing these types of positive visions can relax the mind and bring an upbeat energy to your life.

You will no longer start to worry about the ‘what-ifs’ and only concern yourself with your goals and what you want to happen. However, it is you choose to bring awareness into your life, it should be something you enjoy that allows you step out of your busy day and see the bigger picture.

Alternative practices to achieve mindfulness

A treatment specialist would begin to break down your past and present habits and the way you live, and try to pinpoint the source of the problem. It is a way of fixing the problem long term and not just a short-term fix. They would help you live a more balanced lifestyle allowing the problem to disappear naturally and not forcefully. There is never anything wrong with reaching out for help when it comes to achieving peacefulness in life.

The tough transition from college to employment

ccasati Drug addiction

As college students, they will become the new wave in the workforce world.

However, these young adults do not realize some of the immense pressures that await them can arise from tight deadlines and high expectations that they may not feel they can live up to in the first few months.

This can cause many of these transitioning graduates to panic and look for ways to calm themselves down once they get home from work.

With the stresses of work continually wearing on their mental health, many people become vulnerable to drug abuse. One study showed that 8.7 percent of full-time adult workers aged 16 to 64 used alcohol heavily in one month, 8.6 percent used illegal drugs, and 9.5 were dependent on one or both of the substances during the year.

Yet it is not only the middle-class workers that are susceptible to the lure of drugs and alcohol.

As we know, there is a high percentage of the wealthy population that feel these substances are the answer to some of their problems in life, whether it’s to fit in or to just experience something new. Many affluent individuals find themselves caught in a cycle of addiction which is tough to break.

Although, no matter what background you have, there is always a way to get your life back on track if you truly want to.

There are many different methods to combat these addictions and rehab centers that provide intervention programs of the highest quality.

What professions are more prone to drug abuse?

Depending on what job you have found yourself in, you may be interested to know if you are one of the most susceptible to substance abuse. Many workers in unexpected professions are turning to drugs on the daily to deal with their stress and anxiety, therefore being educated on what professions these are may help you protect yourself or someone you know from these vices.

Being involved in professions such as advertising, cooking, painting, or of course being a bartender are 1.45 to 2.33 times more likely to die to substance abuse than someone not in one of these careers. Along with this, a whopping 10 percent of health care professionals are thought to abuse drugs; this ranges from emergency room surgeons to anesthesiologists.

This is beyond surprising, as the very people who warn you about the dangers of these substances and help you recover from the effects are some of the people abusing them.

Another surprising statistic is that 44 percent of lawyers reported alcoholism addiction and suffered from a range of mental diseases like depression and extreme stress.

After looking at these kinds of figures and the type of professions with these statistics it’s no wonder that the number of drug-related injuries and fatalities are climbing year after year. If some professions which are the backbone of society, i.e. people in law, health etc. are abusing these drugs then how can they help the rest of us?

Wealth and drug addiction

As discussed earlier, it is not only the working and middle class that can fall into the trap of substance abuse.

Since much of the wealthy has a lot of spending money and ultimately experience unwarranted financial freedom, it’s easy for them to also fall victim to a vicious cycle of addiction. Most of society doesn’t realize that is just as easy, if not easier, for them to have these issues.

It’s important to fight the stereotypes associated with addiction. It isn’t just for the poor and homeless. If you suspect a loved one of having an addiction, looking for a treatment center or interventionist immediately can save a life.

 

How to avoid gun accidents around the house

ccasati Home security

As soon as you bring a gun and plan to keep it in the house, you have an obligation to keep it in a safe place.

It is not okay to leave it in a hidden place such as under your bed or in a certain drawer; this allows unauthorized people in your family, and visitors to have access to a lethal weapon.

If someone handles a gun and doesn’t know exactly what they’re doing, a mistake can easily happen. This is not a risk anyone should be willing to take and therefore investing in safety is your top priority when you have a gun at home.

The issue with just hiding a gun

There are many flaws with just hiding a gun instead of keeping it locked.

Firstly, if you have small children there is no question that keeping it somewhere in the open is unacceptable. Children love to explore the new world around them and find out what things are for themselves. That means if they get their hands on your gun, there is no telling what could happen. The safety may be taken off, gun pointed towards someone or put in their own mouth, and there are just too many terrible scenarios and situation to run through in this case.

Making sure the gun is never within the reach of a small child is crucial to home safety. This doesn’t mean if you don’t have young children that hiding it is now okay; if friends or family bring their children over, having a gun in the open is a terrible accident waiting to happen.

Another reason is that in the event of a break-in, the gun may be stolen and that is dangerous for yourselves and maybe for your neighbors. Someone who is unstable in control of a gun is not a good sign, they could get panicked and fire it if someone arrives home early or if someone in the neighborhood confronts them.

However, these scenarios can be easily avoided with a simple installment of a gun safe in the home. This is something a trusted local locksmith can help you with; they will be able to guide you through the process of choosing a place for the safe, the type of safe that would best suit what you own.

The different types of gun safes available

There are so many gun safes that you can choose from, mainly because the style dimensions and placement of the safe can all be customized by a locksmith. There are small gun safes if you only own one small gun, ranging from much larger gun safes if you own bigger or multiple guns.

You can also choose from an electronic opening keypad or a manual one. Many people invest in the electronic one, even though it is a little more expensive because it opens much quicker, easy to see in the dark and it is user-friendly, unlike a manual lock where human error can be involved.

Getting in touch with a professional locksmith company can ensure that you choose a gun safe that is most appropriate for your needs and budget.

 

 

Home locks and the importance of installing a strong one

ccasati Home security

When it comes to keeping yourself and family safe inside your own home, your first step in protection is always how tough your home lock is.

This is the first means of protection you and your family have against the outside world, so why would you risk your safety by having a mediocre lock?

Not only can it enhance your safety but it also protects you from potential break-ins and having valuable items stolen from you. Home locks are definitely a vital part to any home, many people overlook this aspect of a home and do not stop to think that there are different levels of lock design and lock toughness that can be upgraded quickly and easily by many efficient locksmith services.

What do locksmiths do – Residential locksmiths & Commercial locksmiths

A locksmith can guide you through the process of choosing a home lock that you want and installing it for you. They will put you on the right path and give you suggestions and recommendations for what they think is best for your home.

They want to keep you and your home safe from intruders that do not belong inside your house. A home is a private sanctuary where you should feel you completely at ease about your safety; if you are not, then getting your home locks changed today could be the best decision you make.

How locks vary

There are three different grades of lock available; the quality of the lock is the most important thing to take note of.

Locks are given a rating based on the ANSI rating scale, of Grade 1, 2 and 3.

  • A grade 1 lock will provide you with basic residential security.
  • A grade 2 lock is a little stronger and can even be used for light commercial applications.
  • A grade 3 lock is the highest grade and is suitable for both residential and commercial use.

Instead of risking your safety, I highly suggest having every home lock be a grade 3 lock. It is definitely best to replace Grade 1 locks to at least a grade 2 in any situation. The ANSI rating system can be used for deadbolts as well.

Ideally, every exterior door should have both a high-quality doorknob and deadbolt.

So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with an efficient locksmith service today and have that grade 3 peace of mind when you sleep at night.

Drug and alcohol Intervention in families

ccasati Drug addiction, Mental health

Substance abuse is on the rise among college-age students and adults across a variety of industries. Attempting to deal with the anxiety and stress of their daily life, it can become a crutch to deny any physical sensations, thoughts, or emotions that are otherwise hard to process.

The reality is though that using addictive substances like alcohol, drugs, etc. are extremely harmful and cause lasting debilitating effects on a person’s body and mind.

If you are a friend or family member of someone who’s experiencing an addiction, it may be difficult to address it at first and try to help them fix their problem.

However, it’s important to seek a professional instead who can give you the proper tools to succeed. Entering a rehabilitation program can arm you with methods to combat their addiction and begin their journey to take back their health.

Signs of an Addiction to Drugs

The first step to overcoming an addiction or substance abuse problem is recognizing that it exists and needs to be addressed. If you’re unsure if the person you know has a legitimate problem or not, watch for the following signs in their appearance and behavior.

A few key changes in a substance abuser, especially of drugs, is taking larger doses than before, searching for other people’s medications, and spending a lot of time obsessing over medications in general.

The person may also project more secluded behavior throughout the day, a more secretive or different personality, an unhealthier facial appearance, and eating or sleeping a lot more or less than previously known.

They may also hide any activity regarding their finances if they are spending much more on drugs or alcohol in the mean time. If you’re suspicious these signs many apply, set aside your fears and check out a professional drug rehabilitation program in your local area for help as soon as you can.

Family and Codependents

The hardest thing for a family member to experience is to watch someone they love to fall into the spiral of addiction and not know how to act as their support system.

However, they control a great factor of whether or not the addict can recover with their words, behaviors, and overall home environment. A lot of times people may try to force their advice on to the addict and end up feeling frustrated when it’s returned with a stubborn or rebellious attitude.

Anyone who is also codependent to the addict will feel these emotions in great volume, as they rely on one another to get through the day and may believe they are responsible for each other’s actions.

As a result, extremely close friends or family to the addict can often feel upset or guilty about their habits, will overanalyze their exchanges in search of the “right” thing to say, etc.

It’s critical to take a step back from that cycle and get educated about how to have an intervention that will be successful. This can be done with a professional who will make sure that both parties are on the same page to overcome the addiction and can create long-term goals and changes to establish in the household.

Why have an Intervention?

Unlike a friend or family member who knows the addict too well to provide effective help, a professional interventionist can observe the situation from a neutral standpoint and offer help based on their experience.

After working in the rehabilitation industry, they understand that addicts can be difficult to truly communicate to and ignite a change from. That’s why they encourage families and an addict to attend sessions together so that they can be united under one vision of working together to become healthier in lifestyle again.

If you’re struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction or have a friend or family member who is, seek a local interventionist in near you without hesitation. Feel free to take the free quiz from Family First Intervention. The program is managed by a former addict who found that binding someone with an abuse problem and their family is bulletproof to ensure their environment is changed to support their recovery.

Pursue an effective intervention today and help get the process of recovery started. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see results!

How to prevent common street drug use as a parent of a college student

ccasati Drug addiction, Mental health

While attending college there are many reasons why students turn to drug use. Some factors can include academic pressures which are brought on by exams, another may be the pressure applied by friends to start using drugs, or even just to abuse the freedom that has arisen from leaving home. Whatever the reason may be none are good enough to validate the use of common street drugs. Drugs are lethal substances that can do irreversible damage to major organs in your body, as a parent you want to make sure you do everything in your power to know what your children are up to. This can be extremely tough when they are away at college, however when they come home this is your chance to interpret any usual slang words or behavior to make sure they are staying clean and substance free.

Slang words for common street drugs

In today’s day and age there are more names for basic street drugs than you could ever imagine. Even something as simple as adderall can be obtained illegally on the streets and have many different ways of being referred too. Some of the names include ‘uppers’. ‘addy’, ‘zing’, “pep pills” etc . This can make it extremely tough for parents trying to detect substance abuse as these names have no resounding similarities to the drug they are using. Another example is marijuana being described as ‘weed’, ‘broccoli’, ‘green’, ‘kush’ etc. As you can see there are a number of terms you would need to be aware of as a parent. The battle against drugs is a tough one, but making sure you are up to date with the latest names for these drugs can definitely help when you are doing your detective work. A good way to do this is to find a list of illegal drugs and their street names, that way you will always be one step ahead!

Other ways to detect drug use

If you are suspicious of your child’s activity there are a few other signs they may be using if you can’t pick up on some of the terminology. For a start if they are stealing money from the house or household items and selling them for money, this is a very clear indicator that they are probably using the money for something they don’t want you to know about. Another sign that they may be using drugs is a change in mood or sleeping behaviors. If some of their behavioral patterns are different and change on a day to day basis it could mean that drugs are affecting these habits. Other than this the clearer signs are that if they continually going to get more and more of the drugs they have been prescribed, or if you have found them hiding drugs from you, it is time to confront them about this and address the problem head on. Many parents sometimes wait as they are scared what will happen if they start to tackle the problem right away, this is risky as drugs are dangerous substances and something can go massively wrong at any time. I would make sure to address it in the correct manner and maybe seek the help of a drug and alcohol rehab center if you feel it would be a useful asset to your family in this process.

Why it is important to pick up on it sooner rather than later

It was reported in 2016 that 1 in 16 high schoolers used marijuana daily, I know for a fact that had the parents of some of these children found out about this these high schoolers would have been severely punished for this behavior. The moment you decide to have a child it is your responsibility as a parent to keep them safe. This does not only mean safe from others but safe from themselves. Teenagers and young adults can easily be led astray for many different reasons, peer pressure is a typical example of one of these reasons, or a want to fit in, (maybe with the wrong crowd) thus starting these bad habits in high school is a bad sign for what’s to come. While at college they may be further away from home with easier access to drugs, making it much more difficult for you to detect and stop. Not only is using drugs an expensive and wasteful habit but an extremely dangerous one. Drug use can have lifelong affects and can have negative impacts on many brain functions.

Whatever happens, it’s never too late

Its always best to address the problem as soon as you find out, and start the recovery process right away. Drugs can be fatal at any point in a young adults life meaning there is no time to waste when it comes to getting them back on the right track. Hope this helped and good luck to anyone battling some of these issues, it can be a tough journey to become clean but definitely a worthwhile one.