1. ADDICTION

2. IF YOU DON’T START, YOU WON’T HAVE TO QUIT! “Just as no one starts out to have lung cancer when they smoke, or no one starts out to have clogged arteries when they eat fried foods…no one starts out to become a drug addict when they use drugs.” – Alan I. Leshner, Ph.D,

3. Phase 1: First Use/Occasional Use/Recreational Use  Uses or participates for the first time  Likes the way the drug/alcohol makes them feel. Likes how it reduces stress, or allows them to escape life  Drug use or activity is unplanned  Use of the drug/alcohol is in social settings

4. Phase 2: Regular Use  Begins to show mood swings or personality changes  Tolerance slowly increases  More cravings  May cry, get violent, or show high risk behavior when using  Hangs out with others who take part in the drug use

5. Phase 3: Increasing Dependency  Begins to plan drug use. Looking for or asking people about the next party  Tries to control drug use but can’t  May have blackouts; doesn’t remember things they did while they were intoxicated  Feels guilty regarding their behavior  Denies they have a problem, they get angry if other people suggest that they use too much  May combine or switch drug use for stronger effect

6. Phase 4: Total Dependency  Needs the drug to function normally  Total loss of control over their actions  Tolerance has developed; finds the drug no longer has that same effect  Loses interest in family, friends, job, school  Sole focus becomes getting and using drugs. They can’t pay bills or pay people back when they borrow money. They steal from family, friends or classmates to sell items to pay for drugs.  Feel physically and emotionally defeated  Accidental or non accidental overdoses could occur

7. Signs & Symptoms to Look For: Regular use to have a good time or cope with everyday life Hanging out with new friends who will do drugs with them Shows up at school drunk or high Will cancel plans or dates because they would prefer to be using Little interest in activities they once enjoyed Use drugs/alcohol when they are alone Driving under the influence of intoxicants Difficulty with family relationships and letting friends down

8. Other Information Factors that contribute to addiction: Personality Genetic Make-Up Responses to Peer Pressure/ Social Environment Type of Drugs they decide to use Anxiety/Depression  People don’t start using drugs thinking that they will become addicted…..

9. Denial, Enabling and the Silent Majority:

10. Denial: When a drug dependent person makes excuses for his or her drug use, lies about it or tries to hide it.

11. Enabling: When a parent, family member, or friend makes excuses or minimizes the drug/alcohol use, ignores the signs and symptoms, or tries to cover up the behaviors of the addict.  For example: “oh all teens and college kids act that way; that’s how you’re supposed to act when you’re young.” “It’s just alcohol or pot, what’s the big deal, they only get drunk or high every once in a while.” “School is just too hard for them. If their teachers would just…”

12. Reasons for Denial & Enabling: People in DENIAL may be: 1.Afraid of dealing with real-life problems. 2.Surprised at how quickly the tolerance and dependency developed. 3.Afraid people won’t like them if they admit they have a problem. 4.The addict is unsure about where to go for help. People who ENABLE may be: 1.Trying to protect the drug user from getting into trouble. 2.Unwilling to admit there’s a problem or get involved in someone else’s “business.” 3.Unsure about the help or assistance available for them.

13. Seeking Help: Denial is usually present in drug addiction, therefore people are not likely to get help Addiction is also a chronic relapsing disorder (you fall back into it) The sooner a person gets help the better  Treatment Information (PP) Friends/Family members are those who usually help get a person the treatment they need.

14. The Silent Majority: Bystanders: 1.When the silent majority stands by and does nothing about drug use or the sale of drugs, this reinforces the negative behaviors and encourages the drug use/dealing to continue. 2.Doing nothing supports the drug use and the people who “party” view this as approval of their behavior. 3.Bystanders could experience negative consequences by not reporting. They could feel guilty about not saying anything when something tragic happens to their peers, become a victim themselves or get in trouble just by association. 4.As they become desensitized to the drug use, bystanders become susceptible to aligning with the “stoners”and participating in negative behaviors themselves.

15. Talking to a friend or family member: 1. Start by telling them how much they mean to you and that you are worried about them. 2. Try talking in confidence to an adult, teacher or counselor you trust before you approach your friend or family member. Or call Youthline or Lifeworks for suggestions on how to help a friend or family member. 3. Give examples of their drug use and problems associated with their use. 4. Let them know you want to help and what you are willing to do. 5. Have another friend there to help you talk, but don’t “gang up” on the addict. 6. If not comfortable face-to-face, then try a note, text or email.

16. Don’t Give Up!! Talking to a friend or family member is the first step. It may take several conversations before they are ready to get help. Your friend or family member may need additional help such as a counselor or treatment center. Help them get what they need.

17. The End