Is it effective?

Teenagers are much more aware now on how to cheat on drug tests. Several resources, printed or online, offer information on how drug tests are conducted and where cheating can be done. When these drug tests fail, they produce a false sense of security to the school and also to the parents.

What do Parents Think?

Parents are divided in the issue of random drug testing in school. Some of them would agree that these random drug tests are effective in lessening the occurrences of drug abuse in school. Other parents would argue that there would be no substantial evidence to support these claims. Some parents also say that forcing a child to undergo a random drug test is a form of a threat.

How can it be helpful?

Random drug testing is a great tool for detection of drug abuse among students. These drug tests instill either a sense of responsibility or a sense of fear of getting caught in the student that may cause him or her to avoid from drug use.

How can it be harmful?

Although it is a great way to detect drug abusers, it is not a method of eliminating the issue of drug use. It is still the responsibility of the parents to ensure that their children are away from drugs. Having false results, such as ones caused by tampering or adulteration, may only give parents a wrong basis for discipline as they now think that their children are drug-free. When conducting drug tests, it is of utmost importance that every step is monitored to avoid adulteration or that the method used is tamper-free, such as hair drug tests.

Get Help!

Alcoholism is a subjective condition. There is no single way to deal with alcoholism; every case is unique and needs special attention. That is why it is important to seek professional help. Talk to a doctor or a therapist who actually knows what he’s doing and understands what you’re going through.

Find Accountability Partners

Accountability partners or sponsors are the people who support you throughout your recovery. Find people in your life that cares for you. It may be your spouse, your parents or your best friend. This is the person who shares with you your goal and determination and is able to keep you from harm’s way.

Commitment and Goal Setting

It is important for a recovering alcoholic to make a pledge towards recovery while setting goals for him. In most alcoholism trust groups, commitment forms that are signed to symbolize a contract are often used in order to have a reminder that is tangible. It is also as important to set goals for yourself, not only to monitor the progress you are making, but also to challenge yourself to accomplish more.

Don’t Give Up, Don’t Give In!

There will be times when you feel that the urge to drink becomes too much to bear. Stand firm. If you fall short, then don’t feel bad. Just do not give up!

Stimulants

These drugs are prescribed for patients who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), asthma, obesity and narcolepsy. The drugs function to counteract feelings of weakness usually caused by fatigue, stress or alcohol. These drugs enhance concentration, alertness and energy and are often mixed with alcohol, which makes it even more dangerous. Teens usually abuse these drugs during activities that may need an extra push, like long examinations or competitive games. Examples of stimulants are Ritalin, Dexedrine and Concerta.

Painkillers

Painkillers can be either opium or morphine (narcotic) derivatives. These are prescribed to those suffering from chronic pain. Marijuana is also known to be prescribed to those who are dealing with cancer, which is medically proven to help administer pain. Vicodin is one of those painkiller drugs which are very potent and addictive. Among the listed drugs that are addictive are: Codeine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Opium, Morphine and Fentanyl.

Depressants

These drugs are usually prescribed to patients who suffer from tension, sleep disorders and panic attacks. Depending on the dose, depressants act as a form of anaesthetic. These are usually called sedatives or tranquilizers, whose primary function is to slow down brain activity. Common prescribed depressants are Valium, Klonopin, Soma, Xanax and Ambien.

Unfortunately, while you should need a medical prescription to obtain these drugs, teens can easily access them online without presenting anything from the doctor. There are also people actually peddling prescription drugs in some universities.

It is important first to teach your teen key issues like drugs, sex and alcohol and help him to make a stand on them. Inspire your child to be an advocate of these things; teaching him how to speak up and let others know he’s not a pushover. Teach your child to visualize him handling difficult situations. Sometimes, scripting out the reactions to some invitations can really help out in knowing what to do in these situations. These things usually follow when you teach your child the qualities of leadership. Encourage him to stand up to what he thinks is right.

Difficult situations and peer pressure truly tests our teens in the moments that they forget the consequences of making rash decisions. Giving in to something totally deviant from your character often causes distress, even depression.

There will be repercussions to going against the interests of your peers; some of these consequences are often a very big deal to most teens. Peer pressure is disabling and often times, we feel like we don’t have a choice anymore. But always remind your child that there is always a choice, and doing the right thing is the best choice.

What is EQ?

EQ is the kind of intelligence that teaches the child to handle his society and its many pressures. Most children with low EQ grow up to be unable to handle stressful situations and decisions and often end up being immature and unwise. People with low EQ may react to pressures met during adolescence or during adulthood with aggression or extreme passivity, with peer dependence or social withdrawal, with drug abuse or with early sexual encounters.

Who teaches EQ?

Developing the child’s EQ relies heavily on the parents, or those who have direct interactions with the child. A child, even during his early years, learns from their principle teachers – parents or guardians –by observation and practice. It is common for a child to imitate what the parents or guardians do. When a child is learning only how to speak, they often pick up the words by association. To introduce certain objects to the child, parents often repeatedly refer to day to day objects; calling it out to them by name. In the same way, a child develops his personality on the basis of his direct environment.

Methods of Developing EQ

There is a time in the life of a child that everything that a parent says becomes truth for him or her. Children learn from the parents, that is why it is important for adults to be a good example. There are numerous EQ developing techniques out there that can be utilized, but there is no one method that works for every child. It is up to the parents or guardians to apply what is best for their child.

Do not forget about yourself. Finding out that a loved one is using drugs can tend to be a very stressful experience. Sometimes, it comes to a point where you forget your own needs. It is important that you also take care of yourself. Make sure to get the necessary support from people you trust.

Do not blame yourself. In all likelihood, drug abuse is never an indication of something you did wrong. Do not convince yourself that it is a consequence of negligence on your part. You are in a position where you can help, so don’t get caught up with blame and be a part of the solution.

Do not keep quiet. Don’t be afraid to voice out your concerns and to offer help. It is absolutely imperative that you act as soon as possible. The sooner you can get your loved one professional help, the smoother his recovery process would be. Sometimes, all that a user needs is somebody to dialogue with.

Do not pretend as if everything is okay. Drug addiction is a serious case and should not be taken lightly. It is important that you recognize the seriousness of the situation without having to panic or make rash decisions.

Stress in Withdrawal

Patients in withdrawal, especially from alcohol and nicotine, often undergo severe amounts of stress. What was once an outlet or a remedy for stress (smoking, drinking, etc.) has now becomes a severe source of it. Patients in withdrawal often undergo phases of depreciation and anxiety, which is interrelated with the body’s stress in withdrawal.

Child Stress

Children who undergo severe stress, like traumatic experiences or hostile homes, have more chances of being open to drug use. Studies have shown that there is a strong relationship between early life psychosocial stressors and an increase in anxiety, impulsiveness, drug use and depression in their adulthood.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

A severely stressful event in one’s life often contributes to the abuse of drugs. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that is a result of a person’s exposure or participation in a very terrifying and stressful event. Most PTSD patients often result to using drugs because of they cannot deal with the dramatic event in a healthy manner.

Stress Management

Recovered users who used drugs, alcohol or nicotine to help manage their stress will most likely need a re-evaluation in how they handle their stress. It takes a lot of time and patience for a person to be truly free from the psychological effects of addiction.

Urine Drug Tests

Urine drugs testing is one of the simplest and least expensive methods of drug testing. It can be easily administered at home or at work, although it may be better to have the guidance and supervision of professionals and the use of proper lab equipment for more accurate results. Urine drug testing is able to detect drug and alcohol use within one or two weeks. Urine testing has a number of notable weaknesses and loopholes. Because it takes a while for the drugs to appear in the urine, it would take at most three hours for them to be detectable. Urine tests are also easily affected by simple adulteration methods.

Hair Drug Tests

Hair follicle drug testing has proven to be a better alternative to urine tests for a number of reasons. It is capable of detecting a longer history of drug or alcohol intake, up to about 3 to 6 months after intake. This method of drug testing is capable of determining the patterns of drug abuse. Its only drawback is that it is relatively more expensive than a regular urine test. Even with the relatively higher cost of hair follicle drug testing, it is clearly the more conclusive and better method of drug testing.

Myth 1: There should be no drug relapses after completing a drug rehabilitation program.

Drug addiction is a persistent disease and getting out of rehab is only the first step to recovery. There are many factors that contribute to a relapse for a recovering addict. The best that thing that can be done is to not to give up because recovery usually takes a long time to achieve. Sometimes it even requires multiple treatment measures before absolute sobriety is attained.

Myth 2: One can quit drugs on his own if he truly wants it.

Withdrawal is a dangerous process that often leaves the patient extremely vulnerable. Some people think that they do not need to be treated and that they can stop using when they really want to. The truth is it is extremely unlikely for a person to be able to successfully detoxify by sheer willpower alone. Research has shown us that long-term drug abuse alters a person’s brain to a level that makes it almost impossible for him to abstain from the drugs.

Myth 3: Illegal drugs are more dangerous than those that can be bought in pharmacies.

Not all dangerous and addictive drugs are illegal. There are some over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs which are used by some to get high, like cough syrup, painkillers, weight loss pills, etc. The fact is this — it does not matter if they are obtained over-the-counter or bought under the table; if drugs are abused, then they are dangerous.

Myth 4: One should be at “rock bottom” to need drug rehabilitation.

People tend to think that addicts need to hit rock bottom first before they can start absolute recovery. This is a dangerous way of thought. Drug users are better off if they start fighting the addiction during the early stages.

As a parent, we cannot help but be on alert when there are indications that our child might be using abusive substances such as drugs and alcohol. It is the role of the parent to ensure our children’s safety and sometimes asking them up front just isn’t enough. That’s when we have to “get our hands dirty”.

You walk in to your teen’s room and want do a search for substances. Where do you look first? You can start by checking his bags, his clothes, on his table, on and under his bed and on the floor. However, remember this: things aren’t always the way they seem. Be wary of everyday tools that seem out of place. Check his table, top of his cabinet, anywhere that things can be placed inconspicuously. You should expect that your teen will make it very hard for you to locate his secret stash. Go through the simplest things and check. There are known pipes for marijuana that is cleverly disguised as lipsticks and markers, so also be creative in your search.

Marijuana, crack and other drugs are usually hidden in places where our child would expect us never to be able to find. Look through shoes and their clothes cabinet. Marijuana is usually kept in small plastic bags which can be easily hidden away inside a shoe or in a suspicious hole in the house.