Rise Recovery’s Blog

Summer Idle Time Poses a Risk For Teens

By Sarah Goodman
Summer months are typically about going to the beach, getting a tan, creating memories, sharing backyard BBQ’s and planning family vacation time including trips to Grandparent’s house. For some teenagers, summer is about having one last “fun summer” before going off to college or joining the ‘real world’ with getting a job. Summers, however could be full of idle time which can lead to negative behavior such as underage drinking and drug misuse/abuse.

In a recent report, “Seasonality of Youth’s First-Time Use of Marijuana, Cigarettes or Alcohol,” from the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows a 40 percent increase in first-time youth marijuana use during the months of June and July, compared to the rest of the year. More than 1,500 youths per day, used hallucinogens for the first time compared with averages of about 1,100 to 1,400 per day in other months. First-time use of inhalants also peaked in July with more than 1,800 new users on average per day compared with about 1,100 to 1,700 new users each day in other months. This isn’t what we typically think about when preparing our family activities for summer months.

Teenagers’ are constantly looking for adventure and wanting to explore and learn and have fun. So when they are pressured to explore drug use and underage drinking, they might have found a new form of entertainment for the summer when left with nothing better to do. Many researchers have discovered that a main predictor to whether teenagers will begin drinking/drugs at an early age is if their best friends drink and have access to it. Although a family history of alcohol or drug abuse can play a role in this decision, gaining acceptance from friends and access to drugs and alcohol is the most important factor, these researchers say. Adolescents who get their first drink/drug from friends are more likely to begin using earlier in life compared to those who get it from other sources. Young, adolescent brains are less developed in the “life decision” skills department. Researchers have discovered, through looking at pictures of the brain in action that adolescents’ brains function differently than adults with decision-making and problem solving. Based on the stage of their brain development, adolescents are more likely to:

· Act on impulse

· Misread or misinterpret social cues and emotions

· Get into accidents of all kinds

· Get involved in fights

· Engage in dangerous or risky behavior including drugs and alcohol

Adolescents are less likely to:

· Think before they act

· Pause to consider the potential consequences of their actions

· Modify their dangerous or inappropriate behaviors

Now that we are aware of this information about adolescents (less developed decision making skills and the high risk of early drug and alcohol use due to brain development and idle summer time); what do we do? There are many prevention strategies that can be applied to help teens avoid drug use during the summer months and even into the fall season. There is not one specific undiscovered hidden secret to keep your child away from these self-destructive behaviors. According to several sources, this can be prevented through several solutions:

1. Keep them busy with productive activities to cut down on boredom and give them something to do. Also, it can be additionally helpful to set a goal within the activities that has worth in the eyes of your teenager. If they are taking a class, involved in a sport, or in any way active in something that interests them and contains a goal they wish to reach, they are less likely to risk throwing it away by taking part in drugs.

2. Ensure adequate supervision as much as possible. Perhaps your teenager is at an age where they no longer require a 24 hour babysitter, but they can be made to check in regularly and to not be left somewhere for hours at a time. The longer a teenager is left alone, the longer they have to try a drug without worrying about being caught. It’s also important to take note of who is doing the supervision. For example, if they are being watched over by the parent of one of their friends, have you met the parent(s)? Not all adults are equal in their level of responsibility and care for their children. Ensure you take the additional step of meeting the parents that may be watching your teen, not just in the summer, but all year round.

3. Educate your child. You may very well be told by your teenage daughter or son that they know drugs are bad and they don’t need to talk about it. Yet, sitting them down and looking at statistics and articles on drugs and asking questions to ensure their understanding on how drugs can negatively affect a person’s life is well worth the time invested. Often enough, a reminder can go a long way and if your teen has the idea that they may drink alcohol or try drugs for the first time in the near future, it may just steer them back onto the right path.

4. Come up with a rewards and penalties system. Inform them of what the consequences will be, possibly in terms of loss of privileges, if they do try drugs and alcohol. However, set up a system where the penalties will be less if they ever come clean on any alcohol or drug use. Establish a rewards system where they will earn something of value to them if they say no to drugs and continue to do so despite any possible peer pressure. This ensures that you keep it safe enough for your teenager to trust that they can always talk to you about the subject and get help and guidance when needed. Kids will be kids, as the saying goes, but what kind of kids? Are these the kids with idle time or sober ones attempting to be safe and making healthier decisions? We can’t always control the outcome, but we can control providing preventative solutions that just might help, serve and keep our young ones safe and away from self-destructive behavior. Keeping idle time to a minimum during summer months is possible and idle time can become ideal solutions.

Are You Helping or Enabling? 10 Questions to Ask Yourself

                    Trish Frye

By Trish Frye

The following are 10 questions that you might ask yourself before making an “am I helping or enabling” decision:

1. Will doing (or not doing ) this, help my loved one stay sick? Sometimes our best intentions allow the disease of addiction to continue.

2. Am I considering my needs first? When we compromise our own needs in order to make others comfortable, we not only compromising ourselves, but our loved ones as well.

3. Am I compromising my personal values? Standing behind our values is the single most important thing we can do for ourselves and our loved ones. Everything else is negotiable. Compromising our values is not.

4. What are my expectations? Having expectations is a guaranteed set-up for resentments.

5. Do I want to do it? It is not wrong to want to help our loved ones. It is okay to do nice things for them. Doing something out of the kindness of our own hearts is one thing. Doing something to avoid fear, discomfort, rejection or guilt is another thing.

6. Is this something they are able to do for themselves? There is a big difference between not being capable and being uncomfortable.

7. Whose responsibility is this? It is important to allow our loved ones to experience the natural consequences of their actions. By doing so, we empower them to grow and take responsibility for themselves. Not only will you be giving them the opportunity to learn a lesson, they will also get to experience their own successes.

8. Have I checked with an accountability partner (sponsor, counselor) before making my decision? Often those people can offer a different perspective, providing us with a clearer vision on which to base our decisions.

9. Have we been here before? According to Albert Einstein, doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results is practicing insanity.

10. Have I taken time to think and pray about this? Making an immediate decision sets us up to make an emotional decision. Actions based on prayer and meditation rather than emotion are always more productive.

2014 Holiday Appeal Results

Press Release

Community Rallies at the Last Minute to Achieve

Record-Breaking Fundraiser

SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 14, 2015 — Thanks to a generous matching challenge from the Security Service Charitable Foundation and community members pulling through at the last minute, a record breaking $93,217 was raised during the 2014 Holiday Match Campaign for Rise Recovery – home of the Palmer Drug Abuse Program.
 
The contributions made during this year’s fundraiser will provide free counseling and support, prevention education, early intervention and youth leadership to over 3,100 teens, adults and their families recovering from the effects of drugs and alcohol.
 
The Holiday Match Campaign ran from Thanksgiving to Dec. 31 with a target of raising $90,000. With the help of the Security Service Charitable Foundation’s seed donation of $10,000 and the guarantee from generous donors to double every donation up to $45,000, the goal was achieved. On Dec. 30, there was still $12,000 left to raise but the community accepted the challenge and not only met the goal but exceeded it.
  
“It was looking like we might not make it but thankfully, our supporters pulled together and sent in some very generous donations that last day,” said Crystal Gomez, development director for Rise Recovery. “We are very grateful for all of the organizations and individuals who made donations. There are so many young people in need of recovery services and their contributions make that possible.”
 
Rise Recovery is a San Antonio-based non-profit organization that empowers teens, young adults and their families to overcome the effects of drugs and alcohol, while strengthening the community through education and prevention. For more information, visit our website at www.riserecovery.org or call (210) 227-2634.

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“Lessons to Learn from the Passing of Philip Seymour Hoffman” by Trish Frye

The untimely and tragic death of Philip Seymour Hoffman reminds us that regardless of intellect, talent or success—no one is immune from the devastating effects of the disease of addiction.  Addiction is a disease that leads to hijacking of the brain, and in the process causes profound loss of reasoning.  Surely Hoffman did not imagine his relapse would lead to the loss of his life and devastation to his family and friends.

I have worked with thousands of families and young people suffering from the impact of chemical addiction.   With few exceptions, these individuals and families delayed calling for help—either because of the overwhelming shame that something so unacceptable was taking hold of their family, or denial that it was bad enough to need help.  Many are afraid that asking for help is a badge of dishonor.  The fear and shame trick us into repression, thus allowing the disease of addiction to take hold. We don’t share it at work, with our social circles or our church. It’s kept in the dark and people get sicker. Like cancer, if we ignore it when it is in stage one, it is sure to grow to stage two.

Even though substance abuse starts with a bad choice it continues for other reasons. Alcohol and drugs are powerful. They cause physical and emotional damage in young people’s lives at a faster rate than adults. It’s never too soon to get help. There is hope because we know from experience that the early interruption of substance use is imperative in preventing further destruction.

In San Antonio one approach that has worked to address the cycle of addiction is intervention with young adults 24 years old and under. San Antonio is the 19th most generous city in the nation.  Most important — have an open heart when you encounter a young person who needs help.

Hoffman had a disease and was blessed with 23 productive and purposeful years of remission. His death should not diminish hope for recovery. Far better for us to use it as a reminder that apathy, shame and judgment can and will open the door to relapse. Let us not forget that there are 23 million Americans in long-term recovery. Few choose Hoffman’s fate.  His was the life of an addict.  It wasn’t bad behavior.  It wasn’t the failed war on drugs.  It was the simple fact that relapse does happen. It is imperative that as a community we embrace those afflicted and for those of us in recovery to always remember to stay active, purposeful and mindful of the gift of another day.

25 Tips for Parents

25 Tips Parents Should Know About Substance Abuse

1. Alcohol and drugs are powerful. They cause more physical and emotional damage in young people’s lives at a faster rate than adults.

2. You cannot isolate your child from this issue. Social tolerance of drug use is far more prevalent than when you were a teenager.

3. Good parents can end up with a child on drugs. Don’t let shame or embarrassment stop you from asking questions and seeking help. In most cases you did not do this to them.

4. No one is immune. Just because your child is involved in church, sports or gets good grades doesn’t mean he/she won’t abuse drugs or alcohol.

5. Teenagers are peer oriented. Positive peer pressure can be just as powerful as negative peer pressure.

6. Educate yourself. The more you know about drugs and alcohol, you’ll be better equipped to respond.

7. Marijuana is far more potent than it was 20 years ago. Just because you tried it and turned out okay, does not mean your child will be okay.

8. Many over-the-counter medications and various household products can be used to get high. These include cold and flu medications, aerosol deodorants, and even alkaline batteries.

9. If your child experiments with cigarette smoking, it does not mean he/she will progress to drug & alcohol abuse, but it should open a dialogue about the subject.

10. Consider the long-term effects of substance abuse-and the message you are sending-before allowing your child to have a drink or smoke cigarettes in your presence.

11. Substance abuse starts with a bad choice, but continues for other reasons. Chemical dependency is an illness. Respond to it as such.

12. Don’t take it lightly! Experimenting with alcohol & drugs is not a part of normal adolescent behavior.

13. If you suspect your child may be using alcohol or other drugs don’t be afraid to act. In the beginning an over reaction is far better than doing nothing.

14. When a child starts using, they stop maturing emotionally and socially.

15. Standard parenting and discipline techniques may not be the best way to deal with substance abuse.

16. Don’t be afraid to pursue the issue. Searching rooms, confrontation and setting limits is okay. Hard evidence is not necessary to seek an assessment.

17. You can’t rationalize with an irrational person. If your child is using, chances are they are irrational.

18. A drug screen is not always conclusive. They can be easily tainted and only test for certain substances.

19. Focusing on “why” keeps you in the problem and does not provide solution.

20. There is a difference between enabling and helping. Let your child experience natural consequences.

21. Substance abuse affects the entire family. Research shows that there is an 80% greater chance of success in recovery when the family is actively involved throughout the process.

22. Communicate with other parents. You’ll find that your situation is not unique, and that recovery is possible.

23. Communication involves listening. Try actively listening to your child rather than “fixing” them.

24. It’s never too soon to get help. Early intervention can and does work.

25. Seek a professional opinion. They can provide an objective assessment. 

Rise Recovery provides no cost and confidential assistance at (210) 227-2634.

Enabling Behavior – Loving Too Much

Enabling behavior is born out of our instinct for love. It’s only natural to want to help someone we love, but when it comes to certain problems — helping is like throwing a match on a pool of gas.

Definition of Enabling
In the true sense of the word, to enable is to supply with the means, knowledge, or opportunity to be or do something — to make feasible or possible. In it’s true form, then, Enabling behavior means something positive. It’s our natural instinct to reach out and help someone we love when they are down
or having problems. However, when we apply it to certain problems in living – addiction, chronic financial trouble, codependency, certain forms of chronic depression — enabling behaviors have the reverse effect of what is intended. Here are some examples…

  • Repeatedly bailing them out – of jail, financial problems, other “tight spots” they get themselves into
  • Giving them “one more chance” – …then another…and another
  • Ignoring the problem – because they get defensive when you bring it up oryour hope that it will magically go away
  • Joining them in the behavior when you know they have a problem with it -Drinking, gambling, etc.,
  • Joining them in blaming others – for their own feelings, problems, and misfortunes
  • Accepting their justifications, excuses and rationalizations – “I’m destroying myself with alcohol because I’m depressed”.
  • Avoiding problems – keeping the peace, believing a lack of conflict will help
  • Doing for them what they should be able to do for themselves
  • Softening or removing the natural consequences of the problem behavior
  • Trying to “fix” them or their problem
  • Repeatedly coming to the “Rescue”
  • Trying to control them or their problem

Enabling Behavior — the Addiction of the Codependent
The need for an external focus, along with other lessons of childhood prepare a person for addiction to enabling behavior. Take a look at how the signs of addiction match the signs of codependency.

Early Stage

  • Relief Using or Enabling – Comfort eating, spending, working or “helping” someone with their problem in order to avoid an internal focus.
  • Increase in Tolerance – for the behaviors of the problem person.
  • Preoccupation – with the problem person or persons
  • Loss of Control – over emotions or behavior (Excessive eating, yelling at the
    kids)
  • Continued Use (of enabling behavior) Despite Serious Negative
  • Consequences – to yourself as well as them

Middle or “Crucial” Stage 

  • Family Problems – Drama Triangle or the variation below (Punishment/Forgiveness Cycle)
  • Social Problems – Embarrassment, avoiding parties where they may be “too much temptation” for your partner.
  • Emotional Problems – Depression, anxiety, chronic stress
  • Financial Problems
  • Legal Problems – Domestic disturbances
  • Occupational or Academic Problems – Loss of concentration due to preoccupation with the problem person or persons

Late or “Chronic” Stage

  • Physical Deterioration – headaches, stomach problems, stress disorders, etc
  • Serious Physical Withdrawal Syndrome – cannot stay away after a break-up or separation
  • Obsession – preoccupation increases until it takes the majority of your thoughts
  • Loss of Social Supports – stop seeing friends and begin to isolate, other people give up trying to get you to see what you are doing
  • Collapse of the Alibi System – can no longer make excuses for yourself OR the problem person
  • Drinking, Using Prescription Meds, Eating, Working, etc. to keep functioning or “feel normal”
  • Hopelessness and Despair
  • Untimely Death – accident, suicide, illnesses secondary to the Codependency

 

Reprinted with permission from Don Carter, MSW, LCSW For more visit his web site at HTTP://www.internet‐of‐the‐mind.com/enabling_behavior.html and
reprinted with permission

 

Article by Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje of the San Antonio Express News, November 4, 2013 

In the past 20 years, researchers in neuroscience have uncovered the brain mechanisms that underlie addiction — discoveries that are slowly transforming the field of substance abuse research and treatment.

But what does it really mean to say that those caught in the grip of alcohol, cocaine or other drugs of abuse suffer from a disease? Doesn’t personal choice play a role? Read the news article here… Doctor Speaks From Experience About Addiction