SUBSTANCE ABUSE CAN AFFECT ANYONE

“Do not think of today’s failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed; and you will find joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no effort that we attain something beautiful is ever lost.” - Helen Keller

Drugs do not discriminate. They do not care how old you are, whether you’re a guy or a girl, what your race happens to be, or how much money you have. Anyone who makes the decision to take drugs risks ruining his or her life, as any number of repercussions can occur. For certain substances, such as ecstasy, cocaine, or even alcohol, death can occur even if it is the first time a person has used it. One of the most damaging and lasting consequences, next to death, is a dependency that may develop in that person’s drug of choice.

“Addiction is an compulsive, habitual behaviour that limits the freedom of the human desire” - Gerald G. May

When someone is dealing with an addiction, it can affect everything in their lives. It can reach a point, even for teenagers, that the substance the person is abusing becomes the addict’s entire world. Everything else is an addict’s life gets pushed to the side, everything like school, friendships, family, and personal goals for the future. To be young and free, to have the whole world at your feet and your whole future ahead of you, can be destroyed with a drug addiction. Don’t let something like substance abuse stand in your way of fulfilling, happy life.

THE FACTS

In a Amherstburg Community Services Teen Health Survey completed in 2001, it was discovered that among teens aged 13 to 19, 32% had a desire to seek help for alcohol, 28% for marijuana, and 28% for other drugs. These rates indicate a large of adolescents struggling with some from of substance abuse.

Alcohol is the most popular drug among teenagers, and can be just as dangerous as any type if illegal narcotic. When teens drink, they are more likely to be involved in violent crimes, to become sexually active at a younger age, to have trouble with concentration and school, to be involved in traffic accidents relating to drinking and driving, and to become alcoholics themselves, (www.cha.ag.ca). Not only is alcohol dangerous, but it “can ruin you looks, give you bad breath, and make you gain weight” (www.freevibe.com). Not so glamorous in reality.

Alcohol is the most prominent substance abused among teens, there are many other drugs that have a negative impact on the lives on numerous adolescents. For example, researchers say that from 1991 to 2001, the number of 8th graders who have used marijuana doubled from one in ten to one in five , and that the majority of teens in treatment for drugs use were there because they had become addicted to marijuana (www.theantidrug.com). Like any other drug, marijuana use can increase a teens risk of developing health problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, and possibly some forms of cancer.

Another popular drug among young people is the so-called “Club Drug” ecstasy, which is often found at parties or raves. Ecstasy can have an immediate effect on the body, and although the user may feel a temporary sense of euphoria, they may also suffer from panic attacks, nausea or vomiting, paranoia and in some cases, even death (www.canadian-health-network.com). Among many high school students, particularly male athletes, there is also the problem of steroids. With all the pressure placed on teens to succeed, many feel that the need help to enhance their performance, and they turn to such drugs as anabolic steroids to boost their athletic abilities. What many users of the drug may not realize is that, for young men, steroid use can “reduce sperm production, shrink the testicles, and cause impotence and irreversible breast enlargement”, while girls “can develop more masculine characteristics such as deepening of the voice and excessive body hair.” (www.drugabuse.gov).

These are just a sampling of the possible drugs that are used by teenagers today. The main thing to remember is that if there is something in your life that you are addicted to, that is taking over your life and causing you a great deal of harm, as all substance abuse does, then you need help, regardless of whether that substance you are using in excess is alcohol, marijuana, ecstasy, steroids, cocaine, heroin, or any other type of drug.

The help is out there, and all you have to do is reach out. It could be the that saves your life.

SIGNS THAT MAY INDICATE A SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROBLEM INCLUDE:
• drastic change in attitude and personality, like changing friends, being secretive or lying, and losing the drive to do what they once thought important (e.g. school).
• changes in appearance, e.g. poor hygiene, weight loss, bloodshot eyes.
• the scent of alcohol or other drugs on the person, or slurred or rapid speech.
• uncharacteristic withdrawal or depression.

These are only a few signs that may indicate a problem. The best step to uncovering a possible addiction of a loved on is to communicate with them, and let the know that there is help out there, beginning with them-selves.

HELP FOR TROUBLED TEENS

If you, or someone close to you, are suffering form drug addiction or alcoholism, there are several places in Essex County that you can turn to for help:

Adolescent Substance Abuse Program, Teen Health Centre
Outpatient counselling for persons aged 12 to 24 years in a non-judgmental atmosphere. Main Office Phone: (519) 253-8481. Main Address: 1585 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor. Appointments can also be made at the County satellite offices, including the Amherstburg Community Services site, through the Windsor number.

House of Sophrosvne
A residential facility providing’ a continuum of care for women aged 16 years and older recovering from chemical dependency, as well as improving the lives of those impacted by the addictions of others. Phone: (519) 252-2711. Address: 1771 Chappell Avenue, Windsor. Email: hos2@jet2.net.

Brentwood Recovery Home
A rehabilitation centre for treatment of people with alcohol and or drug related problems. Phone: (519) 253-2441. Address: 2335 Dougall Ave. Windsor. Email: brentwood@cogeco.net

Windsor Regional Hospital
A community based assessment service for persons whose health may be andangered by use of alcohol/drugs, and for their significant others. Includes Withdrawal Management Services, Community Withdrawal Management Services, and Assessment Referral Services. Phone: (519) 257-5125. Address: Community Mental Health Clinic, 1453 Prince Road, Windsor. Email: detrh01@mnsi.net.

CanAm Indian Friendship Centre
An aboriginal Cultural Community Development Centre that provides integrated support services to Aboriginal people of Windsor/Essex County. Phone: (519) 258-8954. Address: 1100 University Avenue W, Windsor. Email: canam@windsor.igs.net.

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Provides mental health and addiction prevention services. You can call toll free at 1-888-424-9958 to get all the information you may need, or you can visit the website at www.camh.net.