Parental Obligation in Drug Abuse Prevention

Children as young as 8th graders are now capable of drug abuse. The drug called Ecstasy/MDMA is now being experimented on by these curious children. But is it really just curiosity that led them to experiment with and abuse this drug? More often than not, parents can be so preoccupied with their jobs or their social lives, their personal or marital issues that they begin to neglect their children. Childhood and adolescence is actually a crucial phase of character formation and as such, serious issues can arise if adolescents are not guided accordingly. Matters like peer pressure, school performance, depression and search for identity are real life issues for adolescents.

When unable to cope as there is no parental support or supervision, adolescents can possibly turn to drug abuse. Ecstasy which can be in the form of a tablet or capsule can induce mental stimulation, a warm, fuzzy emotional feeling, enhanced sensory perceptiveness and heightened physical energy. This “hype” can provide excitement for drug abusers, or it can be a relief for their emotional burden. Ecstasy abuse has adverse effects such as nausea, teeth clenching, chills, muscle cramps, sweating and blurred vision which can be detrimental with prolonged use. Drug abuse can possibly lead to drug addiction. How would you feel as a parent if as early as 12 years old, your child is already introduced to potential drug addiction? Drug addiction is almost always destructive leading to unhappiness and a poor quality of life – and it starts with drug abuse. Read the rest of this entry »

Effects Of Drug Abuse On Bipolar

What is Bipolar Disorder?

The most prominent feature of bipolar disorder is the occurrence of one or more maniac episodes. It is also considered to a chronic condition as patients suffering from one maniac episode tend to have more episodes in the future. It is found that the average is about four episodes in about ten years if no proper treatment is administered. The patterns of mood swings with depression and manic episodes are individualistic and tend to repeat again and again. Researches indicate that the disorder is caused due to genetic influence. This disorder usually starts of in adolescence or early adulthood and if not treated may show its symptoms throughout life.

Bipolar disorder is such a disorder which brings in other problems like drug or alcohol abuse along with it. Patients tend to abuse drug and alcohol in order to get relief through self medication or to stabilize their mood swings and in severe cases as a mode of self-destruction. These problems need to be treated as well along with treatment for bipolar disorder. About 30% to 60% of bipolar disorder or manic depression patients struggle with drug abuse in an attempt to treat this disorder. These traits are found common among people suffering from poor cognitive function, fretfulness, poor interpersonal skills, social isolation, poverty, and lack of structured activities. Read the rest of this entry »

The Dangers Of Prescription Drug Abuse And How To Get Help

Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem throughout the country. The basic reasons for abusing prescription drugs are much the same as abusing any type of drug. For example, some people abuse prescription drugs so they can “loosen up,” while others do so in hopes of losing weight, having fun, or simply fitting in. Another reason for the growing trend in prescription drug abuse is the fact that many people mistakenly think these drugs are “safe” because they are medically prescribed. In truth, prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as illegal drugs when used incorrectly or for the wrong reasons.

The Dangers of Prescription Drug Abuse

Frighteningly, a 2003 survey on drug use conducted in the United States found that nearly 25% of youth between the ages of 12 and 17 have used prescription drugs for recreational purposes. This statistic is truly scary when considering all of the potential dangers of prescription drug abuse.

Those who abuse prescription drugs often encounter problems at home, in school, and at work. Many also have problems with the law because they are more likely to commit a crime when abusing drugs. Of course, prescription drug abuse also has serious health ramifications. Taking an opioid, for example, can lower a person’s breathing rate and can lead to death. Read the rest of this entry »