Choosing the Best Path: Avoiding Addictions Presented by: Yvonne Kays, MAT AOD Prevention Health Educator

IN OUR FAMILY ? 1 out of every 3 families report being affected by problem drinking 1 out of every 4 children live with an alcoholic parent In most Marion County classrooms over half the students have worried about drugs, gambling or alcohol use in their family

New Addiction Oregon is 2 nd only to Nevada for all the opportunities we offer to gamble 88% of problem gamblers are addicted to video slot/poker machines Higher risk of suicide Alcohol/drug use increases risk Treatment is free and confidential in Oregon – call MY LIMIT or chat online at 1877mylimit.org

HIGHER RISK FOR ADDICTIONS Children with addiction in their families Children who begin use at any early age: 15 and under = 40% 18 and over = 10% Women

PERPETUATION OF ADDICTION Children with higher risk for addiction begin use and progress into addiction. and/or They may marry an addictive person. and/or Their children may become addicted. Be aware – choose to avoid the problem

THE FAMILY STRUCTURE is altered when a family member becomes dependent Other family members try to cope by behaving differently

CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE The “unspoken” rules Don’t Talk  Don’t Feel  Don’t Trust

ROLES IN THE FAMILY Children cope by taking on different roles - And then get stuck in that role.

FAMILY HERO  The “Good” kid  Super responsible  Perfectionist  Overachiever

THE REBEL  In trouble  Acts out anger  Defiant  Alcohol & drug use may begin

THE LOST CHILD  The quiet one  Isolates to room  Spends time alone  Doesn’t draw attention

The Mascot  Clowns around  Distracts, teases  Smile becomes mask  Uses humor to draw attention

Remember the seven C’s I didn’t cause it I can’t control it I can’t cure it I can learn to cope with it By taking better care of myself By communicating my feelings And by making health choices

INFORMATION AVAILABLE  Al-Anon/Alateen(for family/friends)  AA/NA/GA(what is addiction/help)  Intervention (how to confront)  Specific Drug information  Stop Smoking information  Problem gambling information