Steroids: Why It’s Just Not Worth It

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Steroid Abuse on February 8th, 2010

Steroid use is a rampant threat that hovers above the head of many athletes nowadays. Known to elicit fast results, steroids have been used by athletes to enhance performance, improve body physique, and boost recovery. Sure, it does sound very enticing. Who wouldn’t want an easy way to a better you or me, right?

steroidsThe truth about what steroids use does for you is this: it speeds up your own body in a pace where you can’t keep up. Eventually your body gives in, showing side effects that aren’t really worth it. Steroids only enhance physical performance in a short-term. Shooting up will give you up to a few years of great physical performance, but it will eventually leave you with complications that are very costly, ranging from a depressed immune system to a failed liver or kidney.

Being an athlete means you always will yourself to train harder, move faster and be better at what you do. You can’t really escape the fact that most of the athletes out there try their very hardest to do more than what they can already do. Baseball players want to get more home runs, track runners want a faster finish; all of the athletes want to be better and that’s pretty normal. What’s not normal is when they use performance-enhancing drugs to improve athletic performance, at the expense of their body. They shoot up; putting their careers, credibility and honor as athletes on the line for a quick remedy – that’s definitely not normal or even wise.

Taking steroids is taking the easy way, and sometimes, the more costly way to the finish line. It is important to remember that the reason great athletes are the way they are is because of good old-fashioned hard-work and discipline, and not because of any needle or pill.

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How to Spot a Steroid Abuser

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Steroid Abuse on February 7th, 2010

Using anabolic steroids is a dangerous and misguided measure to tap into the body’s potential. If your relative or friend is an athlete, it is wise to be knowledgeable about the dangers of steroid abuse. Do not take steroid use lightly; it is extremely risky and may cause severe damages to one’s body, and in some cases, even death. Watch out for these most common signs that indicate steroid abuse.

steroid abusePhysical changes are the most obvious and easy to spot signs, especially when dealing with novice users. Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin due to the damage to one’s liver, is an indication of abusive steroid use. Due to the steroid’s effect on a person’s hormones, gynocomastia, or an uncharacteristic excessive development of breast tissue in males, is also a clear sign to watch out for.

Other obvious physical changes are acne formations, persistent bad breath, excessive hair loss, skin infections such as abscesses and cysts, rapid or progressive weight gain, abnormal muscle growth, hyperactivity and discoloration or blood in urine.

Be wary of personality and psychological changes that happen out of the blue. Mood swings and increased aggression or irritability is a common sign of steroid use. Because of the irregularity of the hormones in the body, users have been known to become disrespectful or abusive, either verbally or physically to authority or peers, causing severe spurts of anger or lashing out. More severe mental illnesses on record are hallucinations, paranoia and depression.

If ever these signs and symptoms are evident to someone you know, never hesitate to exercise your responsibility as a friend or relative to try to prevent any more harm.

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Common Tools to Help Quit Smoking

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Tobacco Abuse on February 6th, 2010

Any smoker can understand how hard it is to say no to a cigarette once it’s accessible. Trying to quit smoking may be the most challenging activity that any smoker can undertake.

Quitting is tough; ask any smoker you know. It takes a lot of resolve and patience to be continually free from tobacco addiction. To help with the battle, there are options available in the market that helps with the withdrawal process. These common tools below are widely available:

nicotine patchNicotine Patches

A nicotine patch is a transdermal or skin patch that is attached to the skin. Upon contact, it releases an amount of nicotine to the body. It provides a safer and healthier alternative source of nicotine, which would help with a smoker’s urges.

Nicotine Gum

Nicotine gum delivers nicotine to the body as the user chews it like any normal gum. The gum is then “parked” at the mouth in a span of 30 minutes for full effect. Chewing gum has been a very good way to fight a smoker’s urges. Chewing nicotine gum has proven to be an effective way to ward off the desire for a cigarette.

Herbal Tobacco

Herbal tobacco is a combination of assorted herbs that consists of basic herbal smoke and extracts from grapes, liquorice, cinnamon and other herbs. Although the user still needs to light it up and smoke it, herbal tobacco is nicotine free and safe to use. It tastes a lot different from the original tobacco cigarette, but it provides a very similar experience that helps with a smoker’s psychological dependence on cigarettes.

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Healthy Activities that Help Fight Teen Drug Abuse

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Abuse Prevention, Raising Healthy Kids on February 5th, 2010

Drug abuse and alcoholism among teens usually take the free time after school or on weekends. A good way of helping teens keep away from temptation is to give them healthy extracurricular activities that they can get busy with. Here are some suggestions:

Sports

Playing sports is a great way to channel youthful energies through a productive outlet. It is an effective socializing tool that helps the teen to identify himself or herself with his or her peers. This aids the teen with problems of self-esteem, honesty, commitment and focus.

teen playing pianoSkills and Talents

If your child is a musician, artist or dancer then invest in classes or anything that can help the teen enhance his natural skills. These classes will not only keep teens away from drugs, but it will also hone his or her craft. These classes will help the teen with concentration and discipline — values that are strong weapons against drug abuse.

Hobbies

Take time to get to know the hobbies of your child and try your best to support it. Studies have shown that video gaming is quite helpful when taken responsibly, plus it is a great way to keep your child in the house where he/she can be monitored. This will give you an excuse to encourage your child to invite his or her friends over so that you might get to know your child’s friends personally.

Family Bonding

Perhaps the most important of all preventive measures is to get to know your child intimately. Establishing good communication is crucial. Family activities such as fishing or going to the movies are great opportunities to establish a trust-based relationship with your child which will help with the teen’s road to maturity.

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Teen Pressures: Sibling Rivalry

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Abuse Prevention, Raising Healthy Kids on February 4th, 2010

Teens go through a lot of pressure from all angles. Some teens handle it more responsibly while others resort to drug abuse, alcoholism and smoking. Not so long ago, today’s parents had to undergo similar pressures too, but the temptations and distractions may not be as strong as they are now. Today’s teens are bolder, with heavy influences from TV, movies and Internet.

sibling rivalryOne of the most common and powerful issues that teens have to face is sibling rivalry. While a little competition is always healthy as it allows our kids to learn certain relationship skills, some can’t handle the stress of being compared to a sibling who seems to often emerge as the ‘winner’.

Parents need to understand the factors that cause sibling rivalry and to ensure that these do not go overboard, which may result to intense competition over attention and jealousy.

Some kids feel that other siblings get more attention from their parents. Most parents would not admit to having favorites, but they should also not immediately dismiss their kids’ feelings as completely invalid and unfounded. Parents need to recognize these feelings and work hard to make everyone feel that there are no favorites.

Age and birth order are also factors to consider. Firstborns may feel that the younger siblings get more care and attention. On the other hand, the younger siblings may feel that the older ones are more trusted and have more freedom. The important thing to do here is to allow everyone to realize that their age and birth order do not affect how much you love each one of them.

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Added Teen Pressure: Adjusting to a Stepfamily

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Abuse Prevention, Raising Healthy Kids on February 3rd, 2010

As if the pressures are not enough, several teens of this generation have  to go through the added pressure of adjusting to a new family. Divorced or single parents need to remember that managing adolescence is difficult enough, with all the changes that teens have to face, and facilitating a smooth transition for the kids to a stepfamily is as important as finding the right life partner.

Here are some helpful reminders to ensure that your teen is prepared to enter to and accept a new family, and do not engage in escape vices like drug, tobacco or alcohol abuse.

adjusting to a stepfamily1. Introduce your child only to partners you are seriously going out with. Do not introduce him to every person you date or consider dating. Exposing your child to every casual date may give him the impression that the relationships you go into are not really serious. He may also feel the trauma of separation every time your relationships don’t work, and unlike you, your child may not be matured enough to understand and accept this reality.

2. Introduce your child to your new partner slowly. Surprises are only good for birthday parties. Sure, your child may – or may not — be happy that you have found a new love, but do not take risks when it comes to your child and your new relationships. Take it slowly. Let them adjust and do not coerce them into accepting your new partner immediately.

3. Include your child in marriage and wedding plans. When the idea of marriage is already being discussed, make sure that your child is into the plans. Learning it from others would give him the impression that you have a ‘new family’ and that he is only part of the old one. Make sure he knows that you are expanding your family and that he is very much a part of it by allowing him to share his concerns. However, do not also force him to discuss things beyond his comfort level.

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