Expressing what remains unspoken. - Lynbrook Aletheia

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Tamara Wade LCSW is a therapist with a private practice in Los Gatos serving teens, families and women. In addition, Ms. Wade is employed by the County of Santa Clara Alcohol and Drug Services, Children Family and Community Services division. The focus is providing services to Adolescent girls and their families. Ms. Wade has extensive training in substance use and abuse, trauma, families, and mental health disorders. You can contact Ms. Wade at twadetherapy.com for information or services. 12 Controlled Substances March 2012 Tamara Wade, LCSW This subject of Controlled Substances submitted to Aletheia seemed to be a very spirited debate/discussion full of opinions, admissions, negative and positive influences, need for development of healthy coping skills and a clear thread of students stating either way, they did not want to be judged. As I read through the submissions with the group and over the next several days after the meeting with the group from Aletheia, one thing is clear that there is no consensus among the submissions. I appreciated the candidness of the submissions and hopefully this article will provide you with information and resources in order for you to make an informed decision of whether or not to use controlled substances. In addition, to provide students and parents with clear and appropriate information and resources. I am sure most teens know that their parents do not want them to use drugs or alcohol, as it may have a negative effect on your current and future decisions. I am also sure that most of you know using drugs and drinking alcohol is illegal. I am also sure that most of you know on some level that using substances can have an effect on your physical and emotional health in some way. I am also thinking that the majority of students at this school have chosen not to use substances of any kind for many of these reasons. The bulk of the submissions to Aletheia spoke to using marijuana, alcohol and tobacco. These three substances are the most commonly used among adolescents. The reasons for the use of these three substances vary from availability, peer acceptance, popular cultural influence and curiosity. Throughout this article I will encourage all of you to use an open mind. Why would someone choose to use substances? In addition to reasons listed above, basically substances are mood altering and make us feel good. Substances affect neurotransmitters in the brain. Not only do drugs make us feel good but also they sometimes help people escape for a brief period of time, have fun with their friends, and satisfy a curiosity. All drugs that are addicting (yes I am including marijuana as it is possible to become addicted) can activate the brain’s pleasure circuit. So what happens if you use drugs for a long period of time? This causes changes in the brain in fundamental and lasting ways. Problems with memory, concentration, and judgment have been associated with all drugs, including marijuana and alcohol. When someone becomes addicted, they cannot control their use any longer, use for longer periods than intended, experience withdrawal symptoms and continue to use despite negative consequences. For teens these negative consequences may include declining academic performance, change in mood or behavior, negative peer associations, loss of important relationships, family issues, depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. It should be noted that casual users of substances could experience a lot of these negative consequences as well. Education: What do we mean by controlled substances? A controlled substance is generally a drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, or use are regulated by a government. Controlled substances are substances that are the subject of legislative control. This may include illegal drugs and prescription medications. I will also include alcohol into this discussion and although it is not considered a controlled substance by the DEA, it has a high potential for abuse.
Aletheia Volume 2: Issue 6 Marijuana: Marijuana is a mixture of the dried and shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the cannabis sativa plant. Marijuana’s strength or potency is related to the amount of THC it contains. Some people mistakenly believe that “everybody’s doing it” and use that as a reason to start using marijuana themselves. According to NIDA’s 2010 Monitoring the Future study, about 8 percent of 8th graders, 17 percent of 10th graders, and 21 percent of 12th graders had used marijuana in the month before the survey. In fact, marijuana use declined from the late 1990s through 2007, with a decrease in past-year use of more than 20 percent in all three grades combined from 2000 to 2007. (drugabuse.org). Alcohol: We know you’ve heard how dangerous drinking alcohol is, especially if you’re underage. You might even hear from those who pressure you at parties and out-of-school gatherings that “everyone’s doing it.” But the truth is, not everyone’s doing it—take it from the scientists who know. NIDA’s 2010 Monitoring the Future Survey of teen drug use and attitudes shows that alcohol use, especially among 12th graders, declined significantly in the past year. The large annual study notes that alcohol use among 12th graders is now at the lowest reported percentage since the study began in 1975 (drugabuse.org). Tobacco: In 2010, rates for smoking in the past month were reported as 19.2 percent for 12th graders, 13.6 percent for 10th graders, and 7.1 percent for 8th graders (drugabuse.org). For parents: How do you talk to your teens about drugs and alcohol? It is very important to keep an open line of communication with your teen. Usually parents are the first to notice changes in their teen and may be hesitant to talk with them about the changes. Your teen may be frustrated with you, however they will certainly thank you later. Parental involvement is the single most important factor in determining whether or not teens use substances. So parents do not underestimate your influence on your children. When to seek help? If you notice any changes, negative consequences as listed above, had your teen admit they are using or have seen them under the influence. All of these may be signs that your teen needs help. Is it time to panic? Absolutely not, call a professional for a consultation; go online for information, or look to your school, which may have counseling resources available on campus. For teens: Think about the effect substances will have on your physical and emotional health, how it will fit in with your image, how it will effect your relationships with others, how will drugs and alcohol interfere with your academic performance, and your ability to participate in sports or other clubs on campus. If you are already using and want to stop, you may be able to do so on your own. However if you are having difficulty stopping, you can talk to a parent or responsible adult in order to seek help. Use positive coping skills: participate in substance free activities with friends, choose friends that don’t use, do fun things that make you happy, act your age, stay focused at school and on your future goals. What if you think a friend is in trouble? Talk to your friend, talk to a responsible adult, talk to a counselor, or talk to a teacher. I would like to thank all of the students who submitted to Aletheia. I hope this article was not only informative but will provide a conversation for parents and teens. Additional Resources National Institute on Drug Abuse www.nida.com National Institute on Alcohol and Drug Addiction www.niaaa Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Act www.samhsa Santa Clara County Department of Alcohol and Drug Services www.sccdads.org Palo Alto Medical Foundation www.pamf.org Parents the Anti-Drug www.theantidrug.com 13
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Expressing what remains unspoken. - Lynbrook Aletheia

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