Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Are You Addicted to Love? | The Fix

Are You Addicted to Love? | The Fix: Do you resort to manipulation in order to hold onto your partner? Is your relationship frequently chaotic? If so, you may be using love as a fix.

The Ones Who Didn't Make It | The Fix

The Ones Who Didn't Make It | The Fix: How can one ever be prepared for the sudden deaths of young, vibrant and kind men who you essentially share a home with for 40 hours a week?

Why Increasing Penalties for Drug Use Doesn’t Work | The Fix

Why Increasing Penalties for Drug Use Doesn’t Work | The Fix: As long as we can convince ourselves that those communities deserve the devastation that results from harsh drug laws, we will continue to repeat the same tactics—even knowing that they are both ineffective and wrong.

The 6 Types Of People You Need In Sobriety | The Fix

The 6 Types Of People You Need In Sobriety | The Fix: The One Who Tells It Like It Is tells you the truth, even when it’s hard to hear—especially when it’s hard to hear.

MARCH

NOM COMMUNITY MEETING

SV Town Center Community Room @ 6:30pm

Our Monthly Community Meeting is coming up on March 28, 6:30 pm, at The Simi Valley Town Center, upstairs in the Community Room. Our speakers this month include Dr Carlos Reyes, an MD and attorney, and Wendy Casson RN. Both will have important information to share! Just added, Patrick Kelly, EMT and First Responder will be joining us to share his experience.

Please mark your calendar and join us! The Town Center has some great places to grab dinner before the meeting, so plan on visiting a restaurant there. The Town Center has been so very supportive of our mission, let's do the same in return.

Forward to Friend
Copyright © 2017 Not One More, All rights reserved. You are receiving these emails because you signed up at our website. Our mailing address is: Not One More 225 Simi Village Drive #940876 Simi Valley, Ca 93094 Add us to your address book
unsubscribe from this list \| update subscription preferences

There is no single reason why teenagers use drugs or alcohol. But here are some of the core issues and influences behind the behavior of teenage drug and alcohol use.

It’s important that you, as a parent, understand these reasons and talk to your kids about the dangers of drinking and using drugs.

Other People — Teenagers see lots of people consuming various substances. They see their parents and other adults drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes and, sometimes, trying other substances. Also, a teenager’s social scene often revolves around drinking and smoking marijuana. Sometimes friends urge one another to have a drink or smoke pot, but it’s just as common for teens to start trying a substance because it’s readily available and they see all their friends enjoying it. In their minds, they see drug use as a part of the normal teenage experience.

Popular Media — Forty-five percent of teens agree with the statement: “The music that teens listen to makes marijuana seem cool.” And 45 percent of teens agree with the statement “Movies and TV shows make drugs seem like an ok thing to do.” (PATS 2012) So be aware of the media that your son or daughter is consuming and talk to them about it.

Escape and Self-Medication — When teens are unhappy and can’t find a healthy outlet for their frustration or a trusted confidant, they may turn to chemicals for solace. Depending on what substance they’re using, they may feel blissfully oblivious, wonderfully happy or energized and confident. The often-rough teenage years can take an emotional toll on children, sometimes even causing depression, so when teens are given a chance to take something to make them feel better, many can’t resist. For example, some teens abuse prescription medicine to manage stress or regulate their lives. Sometimes they abuse prescription stimulants (used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) to provide additional energy and the ability to focus when they’re studying or taking tests. Others are abusing prescription pain relievers and tranquilizers to cope with academic, social or emotional stress.

Boredom — Teens who can’t tolerate being alone, have trouble keeping themselves occupied or crave excitement are prime candidates for substance use. Not only do alcohol and marijuana give them something to do, but those substances help fill the internal void they feel. Further, they provide a common ground for interacting with like-minded teens, a way to instantly bond with a group of kids.

Rebellion — Different rebellious teens choose different substances to use based on their personalities. Alcohol is the drug of choice for the angry teenager because it frees him to behave aggressively. Methamphetamine, or meth, also encourages aggressive, violent behavior, and can be far more dangerous and potent than alcohol. Marijuana, on the other hand, often seems to reduce aggression and is more of an avoidance drug. Some teens abuse prescription medicine to party and get high. LSD and hallucinogens are also escape drugs, often used by young people who feel misunderstood and may long to escape to a more idealistic, kind world. Smoking cigarettes can be a form of rebellion to flaunt their independence and make their parents angry. The reasons for teenage drug-use are as complex as teenagers themselves.

Instant Gratification — Drugs and alcohol work quickly. The initial effects feel really good. Teenagers turn to drug use because they see it as a short-term shortcut to happiness.

Lack of Confidence — Many shy teenagers who lack confidence report that they’ll do things under the influence of alcohol or drugs that they might not otherwise. This is part of the appeal of drugs and alcohol even for relatively self-confident teens; you have the courage to dance if you’re a bad dancer, or sing at the top of your lungs even if you have a terrible voice, or kiss the girl you’re attracted to. And alcohol and other drugs tend not only to loosen your inhibitions but to alleviate social anxiety. Not only do you have something in common with the other people around you, but there’s the mentality that if you do anything or say anything stupid, everyone will just think you had too many drinks or smoked too much weed.

Misinformation — Perhaps the most avoidable cause of substance use is inaccurate information about drugs and alcohol. Nearly every teenager has friends who claim to be experts on various recreational substances, and they’re happy to assure her that the risks are minimal. Educate your teenagers about drug use, so they get the real facts about the dangers of drug use.