National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery MonthThe National Association of Social Workers is a sponsor of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. The Recovery Month effort aims to promote the societal benefits of alcohol and drug use disorder treatment, laud the contributions of treatment providers and promote the message that recovery from alcohol and drug use disorders in all its forms is possible. Click here to learn more. |
 |
Posts Tagged ‘ addiction ’
Addiction Special Events and Observances September 2006
Addictions – Your Options: Helping Children of Alcoholics / Substance Abusers
 |
Introduction |
|
Who Are Children of Alcoholics / Children of Substance Abusers? |
|
Impact of Parental Alcohol / Substance Use |
|
What Help Is Available? |
|
Where to Go for Help? |
Introduction
According to the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA), there are approximately 11 million children of alcoholics / substance abusers in the United States who are less than 18-years-old. Being raised in a family where abuse of alcohol or other substances (illegal drugs or prescription medications) occurs can lead to a host of challenges for children. Children raised in homes with addictions often silently suffer and struggle with schoolwork, peers, self-esteem, and other problems
Who Are Children of Alcoholics / Children of Substance Abusers?
Any child who has a parent / guardian / primary caretaker who abuses alcohol or other substances would be considered a child of alcoholics or a child of substances abusers.
What Impact Does Parent / Guardian Alcohol or Substance Use Have on Children and Adolescents?
Alcohol or substance use among parents / guardians impacts overall family functioning and significantly impacts the ability of parents or guardians to provide appropriate safety and structure for children.
Children are at great risk for emotional, sexual, and physical abuse by parents or guardians who use alcohol or other substances. Many adult children of substance users report years of silent trauma while growing up in an addicted home. Children become vulnerable to assuming the role of the family scapegoat and are frequently blamed for the substance user’s behaviors.
Additionally, interactions with family members become unpredictable, which can lead to children feeling frightened or stressed. Children may feel as if they are "walking on eggshells" and are unaware that alcohol or other drugs influence their parents' moods.
Children often blame themselves for their parents' use of alcohol or drugs. This may result in children attempting to change their own behavior in order to satisfy parents who are difficult to please.
Children of alcoholics / children of substance abusers are at risk to develop several emotional disorders, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety / Panic Attacks
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
- Sleep Disturbances
- Social Development Issues
- Substance Abuse Disorders
- Eating Disorders
Many personal characteristics frequently develop in children who are raised in a family where an adult abuses alcohol or other substances. Children frequently become fixated on order, become "perfectionistic," feel different from their peers, become extra-responsible (or act as the "parents"), have difficulty with age-appropriate activities, take themselves too seriously, may be loyal despite proof that the loyalty is not deserved, or develop passive-aggressive ways of dealing with conflict. Conversely, children of alcoholics / children of substance abusers may become rebellious, demonstrate problem behavior, or have difficulty controlling emotions or behavior. In addition, children of alcoholics / children of substance abusers may start alcohol or drug use to cope with stressors, potentially being at risk for leading to a substance use problem.
What Help Is Available for Children of Alcoholics / Children of Substance Abusers?
There are a variety of effective services available for children growing up in families with addiction.
- School Counseling Centers: Public and private schools often employ social workers or guidance counselors who are available to discuss concerns around family addiction and the impact it has on children. This type of program is often designed as a preventive support that attempts to assist students prior to academic issues developing. Individual and group services may be offered.
- Individual Psychotherapy: Therapists trained with addressing family addiction issues are helpful to provide children with support and treatment. For younger children, play therapy (a type of talk therapy that involves the use of games and toys to express feelings) is useful for addressing issues that may be related to parental alcohol or substance use. For adolescents, there is a range of talk therapies available that will build on strength and resilience as well as focus on any symptoms that may have arisen, including depression, self-harming behavior, eating disorders, or anxiety.
- Self-Help: For older children and adolescents, Alateen may be a helpful resource and peer support group. This is a group of other children and teens who are dealing with some sort of family / peer substance use. It is based on a theory that is similar to Alcoholics Anonymous.
Where to Go for Help?
It is sometimes difficult to seek help for personal issues and seeking help when one’s parent has an alcohol or substance abuse problem is not exception. However, if you or someone you know is being impacted by family substance abuse, there is help!
Here are some helpful suggestions:
- Talk to a school counselor or teacher.
- Talk with a pediatrician.
- Talk with a mental health professional.
- Talk with an addictions counselor.
- Talk with another family member.
- Attend a self-help meeting.
- Talk to someone else you trust.
- Educate yourself! Read about resources on the Internet.
Resources
Related Articles:
Addiction Tip Sheet – Addiction and Weight Loss Surgery: A Social Worker’s Perspective
|
Introduction |
|
Rekindling the “Pleasure” of a Mood-Altering Activity |
|
Drinking in Secret |
|
Confronting the Problem |
|
Substituting One Addiction for Another |
|
What Can People Do? |
Here's a typical scenario. At her sister’s wedding, Fiona, who had never been a big drinker, decided to try her first taste of alcohol after weight loss surgery that she recently had done. She had waited 11 months after surgery. Fiona had lost 115 pounds and wasn’t going to deny herself a glass of champagne on such an important day. And wow, did she enjoy that champagne! She sipped on a small drink and laughed the evening away. No big deal.
However, Fiona didn't realize that gastric bypass (weight removal surgery) patients will get drunk more quickly than others. They may have higher blood alcohol levels after drinking smaller quantities of alcohol than people who have not had weight loss surgery.
Rekindling the "Pleasure" of a Mood-Altering Activity
After weight loss surgery, Fiona had done a pretty good job of changing her eating habits. She almost completely avoided sugar and ate mostly protein and vegetables. She loved her success, but there was a part of her who missed indulging in food. When she tried the champagne, she felt self indulgent and relaxed in a way she hadn't in a long time (in about 11 months, actually).
The following week when Fiona was grocery shopping she decided to pick up a bottle of wine. It would be great to have a small glass before dinner sometimes, she thought. She poured herself a small glass when she got home from the store just to find out how it tasted and to quietly enjoy the pleasurable sensation of having a drink.
Drinking in Secret
Over time, Fiona began to sneak wine during the day. She hid it when her husband commented on her consumption. The behavior of wanting something forbidden, getting it, hiding it, and consuming it in private was so familiar to Fiona from her days of overeating that it was almost a relief to sneak the wine — and she slowly built up the quantity she was drinking.
Thankfully, Fiona was participating in group therapy with a social worker who specialized in weight loss surgery at the time. When one of the other group members shared about getting into a car accident and being arrested for driving drunk, Fiona felt uncomfortable. She had driven to pick up her son from soccer the prior evening after she had a small glass of wine. At the time she knew she was tipsy.
Still, she poured herself more wine when she got home from group and drank it in the basement playroom, because her husband almost never went down there.
Confronting the Problem
Fiona didn’t have to get arrested for drunk driving to really “get” that she had a problem. Everything came to a head when her friend's and her sons found an empty wine bottle in the toy box in the basement. Fiona was completely humiliated.
Embarrassed and ashamed, Fiona called her therapist to talk about what happened, and the therapist referred her to a social worker who specializes in substance abuse.
With the help of the therapist and a support group for substance abusers, Fiona was able to get on the road to recovery quickly.
Substituting One Addiction for Another
Fiona simply switched one addiction for another. It’s not uncommon for a person who gives up one addictive behavior to pick up another addictive behavior. Fiona had quit using food as a soothing substance in her life. The alcohol came in and filled that void.
Switching addictions is also demonstrated when a person develops an unhealthy relationship with eating and exercise following weight loss.
Exercise can become a way to compensate for overeating, and can turn into what is called exercise bulimia. It’s not bad to exercise as part of a plan to control one’s weight. But if the overeating becomes excessive, and then is replaced by excessive exercise — that’s a problem. Your physical health can actually be threatened — not to mention your peace of mind.
The other common addiction people switch to is spending. Many weight loss surgery patients get such a kick out of shopping for new clothes that they get a little carried away – and then they get hooked. Having been so burdened by obesity in the past, weight loss surgery patients commonly begin to leave the house more, because they're now physically able to, and they shop more frequently. Shopping can morph into a mood-changing activity, and hence, an addiction.
What Can People Do?
Several steps can be taken to address the experience of switching addictions:
- Identify your addiction(s), both old and potential new ones, and the extent to which it is (they are) ruling your life.
- Educate yourself about a particular addiction by doing research and talking to professionals who have knowledge and experience in that area.
- Seek out a knowledgeable therapist if you are unable to control your addictive behavior on your own.
- Join a support group that addresses your specific addiction, such as overeaters anonymous, alcoholics anonymous, debtors anonymous, etc.
Remember, addictions are very common and nothing to be ashamed of. But, they are hard to get rid of in isolation. Get help if you are struggling. And keep in mind any addictions left untreated absolutely have a potential to take over your life.
Related Articles:
Addiction Tip Sheet – Six Skills for Families and Significant Others Who Are Affected by Someone Who Abuses Substances
Introduction
Statistics have shown that the use of alcohol and other drugs is often directly connected to crime, incarcerations, domestic violence, child abuse, and problems related to work. Understandably, the primary focus of treatment and intervention has been on the person who has a problem with substances. However, there are far more people affected than just those persons with alcohol and other drugs problems. Fortunately, more attention is now being given to the serious impact substance misuse has on family members and significant others, who are also greatly impacted by the problem.
The Effect of Substance Use Disorders on Families
Families (including spouses, partners, children, siblings, and others who are connected to someone with a substance use problem) can be affected emotionally, physically, spiritually, and economically. Many family members live in a state of constant fear and uncertainty about what to do. Six skills are summarized below that can be useful to family members and significant others in learning new ways to address substance use problems in the family.
Six Skills for Families and Significant Others
Before reviewing the six skills it is important to note that whether a person with a substance use problem will seek help, stay in recovery, or relapse at some point is impossible to predict, as every individual is unique. Many times when families and significant others seek help first, the person with the substance use problem will follow, although there are no guarantees. Sometimes things can get worse before they get better and it is very important to always address any safety concerns immediately (see Skill #6)
Skill #1: Detach Yourself from the Problem
This can be the most difficult idea to understand at first. Sometimes people understand this to mean that we should walk away from our loved one. Actually, detaching yourself from the problem means that you should know that the person who is misusing alcohol or other drugs has the problem, not you. It is very important to understand this.
Skill #2: Set Limits, Roles and Boundaries
Many family members have done things that seemed as though they could help, but they actually made it easier for the person to continue misusing substances. Calling in sick for them, bailing them out of jail, etc. can actually make things worse by delaying the substance user from having to address their problem. Limits need to be set to stop doing things that make it easier for a person to continue misusing substances.
Skill #3: Solidify Your Position – Know Where You Stand
As the substance abuser begins to see changes in the other family members, he or she may become irritable, angry, or hostile. By deciding on a position and sticking to it, family members will help the addicted person begin to learn that there is a new way that things are going to be handled. This is good for everybody– the person with the problem and the family. Consistency is essential.
Skill #4: Support Sobriety
There are many ways to support sobriety – to clearly let the person know that you are there for them in the recovery process. Compliments about positive change, bringing them to or picking them up from Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous meetings, etc., and other support groups, participating in family therapy, and asking the person about their progress, are all examples of ways to support sobriety.
Skill # 5: Simplify Your Approach by Setting Small Goals
Those working towards recovery must set small goals like "One Day at a Time." The same is true for families. A good goal is a small goal. Indeed families can become very overwhelmed and it is important to step back and set one small goal just for today. For example, instead of setting a goal to attend Al-Anon meetings regularly, set a goal to attend one meeting on a specific day this week. Likewise, instead of a goal to take better care of yourself, set aside a specific amount of time today to go to a park and spend some time walking or sitting quietly.
Skill #6: Sustain Your Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health
A person's physical, mental, and/or spiritual health may all be negatively affected when they misuse substances. The same often happens to those who care about that person. Eating properly, getting exercise, taking breaks, and addressing any spiritual needs are all examples of things that family members should do to take care of themselves. Taking care of your personal needs is a must, and this also includes any safety concerns such as domestic violence or child abuse. It is critical that if there is an unsafe situation, you may have to leave the situation immediately or contact law enforcement for assistance to help remove others, such as children, from the unsafe situation.
Conclusion
Researchers have found that when family members are involved and supportive of individuals with substance use problems who are seeking treatment, the likelihood of success is improved. Not only can family members work towards making things better for themselves, but they can increase the chances of the person achieving recovery.
Many times we start to see changes in the person with an addiction history when they enter treatment. Their mood, eating patterns, appearance, or friends may change. They may also reduce or stop going to 12-Step meetings or counseling sessions. These can be the initial signs of relapse, which may be seen first in the home. As noted in the first skill, relapse is not a problem for which we are responsible, but we can support a person's sobriety (Skill #4) by providing feedback to them about the changes we see.
Having a loved one who is misusing substances can cause families to feel angry and fearful. The best antidote is to address what is going on. Staying alert and on-track is important.
_______________
To read more articles by Dr. Ligon on this subject, please go to http://chhs.gsu.edu/socialwork/sixstepsligon.asp.
Related Articles:
Addictions – Your Options: Alcohol and Aging: Myths and Realities
|
Introduction | |
Mr. Collins |
|
Seniors and Problem Drinking | |
Mrs. Carlson |
|
How Many Are Too Many Drinks? | |
Receiving Treatment |
|
Alcohol’s Effect on the Body |
Mrs. Jones, age 76, is unsteady on her feet, has tremors in her hands and is malnourished. She is also forgetful, often disoriented and has difficulty staying on track in a conversation. What do you think her problem is? A variety of medical illnesses come to mind, as well and depression and dementia. What might you think about Mrs. Jones if she were 42-years old and had the same symptoms? If you are like most people, the possibility of an alcohol problem would occur to you in the latter case but not in the former.
Who Has an Alcohol Problem?
The good news is that 60 percent of older people in this country drink very little or not at all. The proportion of people over 65 who have a drinking problem is approximately 10 percent. However, among older people who have chronic health problems or are often seen in medical and health care facilities, the proportion is closer to 50 percent!
It is also true that most cases of alcoholism are overlooked by primary care doctors, regardless of the patient's age. This is particularly likely with older patients. Doctors have little time to ask specific questions that would tease out an alcohol problem, and a senior is unlikely to volunteer the information. Older people may not realize they are drinking too much for their age, or they may be ashamed to bring it up.
How Many Are Too Many Drinks?
Older adults don't metabolize alcohol and other substances as quickly as younger people. Generally, an at risk older drinker is someone who drinks over one to two drinks per day or more than seven to fourteen drinks per week. That is one drink per day for an older woman, and two drinks per day for an older man, recognizing the differences in male and female bodies. And a senior who consumes four or more drinks in 24 hours is biologically in real trouble. One can of beer, one glass of wine, a single shot of spirits or a small glass of sherry: these all equal one drink.
Alcohol’s Effect on the Body
Alcohol is a toxic substance that adversely affects every organ in its path. It damages not only the liver, but the kidneys, the intestines, the stomach, the throat, the mouth and the brain. Problem drinkers increase their risk for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Additionally, alcohol causes loss of calcium and contributes to osteoporosis (the bone disease), and it impairs the body's immune system which helps fight off disease. Weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration, metabolic imbalances, insomnia and insensitivity to pain are common side effects of drinking.
Mr. Collins
Meet Mr. Collins. He is a retired construction worker and lives alone in a downtown apartment. He spends his time watching tv and playing pool or just hanging out with a couple of buddies. Married and divorced twice, he has little contact with his grown children, and his daughter won't trust him with her children.
Worried about chest pains, fainting spells and constipation, he finally goes to a doctor. Mr. Collins tells the doctor he had a tough start in life, had a "mean drunk" for a father. Mr. Collins left home at age 17 to join the army, where he spent time in Vietnam, "seeing and doing some pretty bad things." He also admits he drank and drugged in the army but proudly reports he quit all the drugs himself when he returned to the States.
When asked by the doctor about his drinking now, Mr. Collins says he has cut back a lot over the years, just has a few beers with his pals now and then. He has provided us with a number of red flags for a drinking problem, including family history, past abuse, isolation from family, and medical symptoms.
The good news is that he does not want to "drop dead alone in the apartment", and he would really like to convince the daughter to let him spend time with his grandchildren. A savvy health care professional could help Mr. Collins make the connection between his drinking and his concerns. He may not know how a six pack of beer every couple of days is hurting him.
Mrs. Carlson
Or consider Mrs. Carlson, a sixty-year-old homemaker whose busy husband is still practicing law and traveling out of town to give speeches. For years it has been their custom to have a cocktail or two with dinner each night that he is home.
During the past year, she has had difficulty going to sleep at night and has been taking a sedative prescribed by her doctor. She believes taking the sedative along with a few cocktails is helping her get to sleep. Mrs. Carlson's problem with alcohol and medication comes to light after she has some elective surgery.
When in the recovery room, she experiences agitation, an elevated pulse and respiration and nearly has a seizure. No one had thought prior to surgery to ask her if she drank regularly. Now she feels embarrassed and humiliated, and her husband and grown children are shocked to discover that her nightly cocktails have made her a problem drinker.
Approximately one-third of older problem drinkers are like Mrs. Carlson who didn't have an abuse problem earlier in their lives. They generally have good coping skills and good relationships with others, and they are likely to deny or hide the problem. Others are likely to miss it, too.
Receiving Treatment
Once a drinking problem is recognized in an older person, the prognosis for improvement is good, provided the person receives interventions tailored to the needs of older people.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed and tested a brief intervention program specifically designed for use with older Americans experiencing a drug or alcohol problem. This approach relies on what is commonly termed motivational interviewing, with an educational slant.
It is important to Focus on a concern for the person's health and well-being while avoiding the use of accusatory language and labels. It works better to weave questions about alcohol use into a discussion of daily self care, including diet and exercise. The client receives educational materials about the effects of alcohol on the older body and then there is a discussion of the older person's own goals and how drinking might be a barrier.
For Mr. Collins, that means letting him know that most men his age drink considerably less than he, if at all, and expressing genuine concern for the impact of drinking on his health and his inability to see his grandchildren. He decides not to drink on weekends as a start; as a result of his commitment to his decision, he is soon able to visit the grandchildren on Sundays.
To learn more about alcohol and aging, visit the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services web site at www.csat.samhsa.gov or call 1-800-729-6686 to order free literature. And there is a national hotline to help connect older people experiencing alcohol problems with appropriate treatment providers: 1-800-662-4357.
Related Articles:
Addictions Tip Sheet – Warning Signs of Gambling Addiction
Introduction
Problem gambling is gambling that causes problems in a person’s life. A person whose gambling is out of control may feel their situation is hopeless, but the good news is that problem gambling is considered a very treatable disorder. There are highly educated social workers with specialized training in gambling addiction that individuals can turn to for help.
This list of gambling addiction warning signs is provided by The Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia.
- Talks only about wins, not losses.
- Gambles more often, for longer periods, for more money.
- Hides gambling losses from family members.
- Lies about gambling directly or by omission.
- Uses gambling as a means to cope.
- Gambles in spite of negative consequences, such as large losses or family problems.
- Has unexplained absences of household or personal items.
- Withdraws from friends or family.
- Started gambling with groups but now gambles alone.
- Gets bored if not gambling, i.e., says there is nothing else to do.
- Uses gambling as primary form of recreation and socialization.
- Has unsuccessful attempts to cut back or quit.
- Borrows money from friends and family.
- Is unable to meet living expenses previously met.
- Depletes financial reserves: Cashing in savings, retirement, pensions, 401K, IRA's and insurance plans to get money to gamble.
- Gambles on credit: credit cards, bank loan, second mortgages, "kiting" checks.
Remember, there is hope and help available. For more information visit The Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia and The National Council on Problem Gambling.
