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CY STaff
TABLE TALK
Role Modeling as You Celebrate the Season
This time of year alcohol is often a regular part of the holiday celebration and traditions for some families – office parties, eggnog, and champagne toasts can help to create confusing messages for kids about healthy responsible use. During the teen years, the part of the brain responsible for making complex judgments is not as mature as the parts dedicated to emotion and motivation. So it’s only natural for emotions and impulses to win out over good judgment. At the same time, the incredible changes that take place in the brain during these years leave it very vulnerable to the effects of alcohol and drugs—meaning that the decisions your teen makes now could impact them for life.
We know that parental alcohol use and parents' attitudes toward drinking are one of the strongest influences on decisions children will make and the perceptions they have regarding alcohol. Adolescents are less likely to drink if they live in homes where parents have specific rules against drinking underage and also drink responsibly themselves.
For parents and caregivers, the holiday season offers an excellent opportunity to model the appropriate role of alcohol at celebrations. Children often pay greater attention to what their parents do than what they say. Here are a few tips and things to consider:
This time of year alcohol is often a regular part of the holiday celebration and traditions for some families – office parties, eggnog, and champagne toasts can help to create confusing messages for kids about healthy responsible use. During the teen years, the part of the brain responsible for making complex judgments is not as mature as the parts dedicated to emotion and motivation. So it’s only natural for emotions and impulses to win out over good judgment. At the same time, the incredible changes that take place in the brain during these years leave it very vulnerable to the effects of alcohol and drugs—meaning that the decisions your teen makes now could impact them for life.
We know that parental alcohol use and parents' attitudes toward drinking are one of the strongest influences on decisions children will make and the perceptions they have regarding alcohol. Adolescents are less likely to drink if they live in homes where parents have specific rules against drinking underage and also drink responsibly themselves.
For parents and caregivers, the holiday season offers an excellent opportunity to model the appropriate role of alcohol at celebrations. Children often pay greater attention to what their parents do than what they say. Here are a few tips and things to consider:
- Always make sure celebrations include a variety of nonalcoholic drinks—water, juices, sparkling sodas - and healthy foods and snacks. It helps give the message that alcohol is not the central component of festivities. AND nonalcoholic drinks and snacks help counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol and slow the absorption of alcohol in the body to keep partygoers safer.
- Anyone getting behind the wheel of a car should not have had alcohol. Help your guests get home safely—use designated drivers and taxis. The adolescent brain has a much harder time understanding nuance and it is much clearer to them to understand the message that when you drink, you do not drive.
- f you choose to drink, model responsible consumption. For men, it takes about an hour for a standard drink to be metabolized in the body. For women it can take longer.
- Do not provide alcohol to anyone under 21.
Vermont does not need more drug use. We need healthy brains.
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug among youth today and is more potent than ever. The chances of Vermont kids encountering marijuana in their tweens and teens have increased. During the teen and young adult years, children are especially susceptible to the negative effects of any drug use, including marijuana. And it is clear that the link between marijuana use and mental health extends beyond anxiety and depression. Evidence has shown that marijuana use during the teen years could potentially lower a person’s IQ and interfere with other aspects of academic success and mental and physical well-being.
This post will focus on what we’ve learned from research about the connection between marijuana use and mental health issues.
High Potency Strains of Marijuana Worsen and Even Cause Mental Health Problems
Marijuana use is associated with several mental health disorders. These include social anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, bi-polar disorder, paranoia, psychosis, and schizophrenia. Adolescent marijuana users, in particular, often show clinically significant symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADHD, along with conduct disorders (which are considered a risk factor for heavy use). We know that association alone does not prove causation, but the 2015 RAND Report, Considering Marijuana Legalization: Insights for Vermont and Other Jurisdictions, noted that, “. . . in numerous longitudinal studies, the temporal pattern of the association is usually more consistent with the marijuana-use-leads-to-mental-illness model than with a self-medication (i.e., mental illness leads to marijuana use) account.” Just a few of the many examples of the negative impact of marijuana use on specific mental health challenges are outlined below:
Marijuana use and psychosis:
The research is showing that teenage marijuana users have up to a seven-fold increase in the likelihood of suicide planning and attempts. Our own Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey data shows that suicide planning and attempts by Vermont teens increase directly as marijuana use goes up. A recent study of Iraq/Afghanistan-era veterans who use marijuana regularly are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide as those who don't use marijuana.
Marijuana use and PTSD
Several US states, most recently including Vermont, have approved medical use of marijuana to relieve symptoms of PTSD. However, have been no controlled studies that provide evidence that marijuana is an effective treatment for PTSD. In fact, research suggests that marijuana use can be harmful to individuals with PTSD.
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug among youth today and is more potent than ever. The chances of Vermont kids encountering marijuana in their tweens and teens have increased. During the teen and young adult years, children are especially susceptible to the negative effects of any drug use, including marijuana. And it is clear that the link between marijuana use and mental health extends beyond anxiety and depression. Evidence has shown that marijuana use during the teen years could potentially lower a person’s IQ and interfere with other aspects of academic success and mental and physical well-being.
This post will focus on what we’ve learned from research about the connection between marijuana use and mental health issues.
High Potency Strains of Marijuana Worsen and Even Cause Mental Health Problems
Marijuana use is associated with several mental health disorders. These include social anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, bi-polar disorder, paranoia, psychosis, and schizophrenia. Adolescent marijuana users, in particular, often show clinically significant symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADHD, along with conduct disorders (which are considered a risk factor for heavy use). We know that association alone does not prove causation, but the 2015 RAND Report, Considering Marijuana Legalization: Insights for Vermont and Other Jurisdictions, noted that, “. . . in numerous longitudinal studies, the temporal pattern of the association is usually more consistent with the marijuana-use-leads-to-mental-illness model than with a self-medication (i.e., mental illness leads to marijuana use) account.” Just a few of the many examples of the negative impact of marijuana use on specific mental health challenges are outlined below:
Marijuana use and psychosis:
- Since 2002, a series of ten long-term epidemiological studies have reported that individuals who used cannabis had a greater risk of developing psychotic symptoms and full-blown schizophrenia than non-users.
- The National Academy of Sciences found that, “Cannabis use is likely to increase the risk of developing schizophrenia and other psychoses; the higher the use the greater the risk.”
- A comprehensive 2007 review of all published papers concerning psychosis and schizophrenia, conducted by a world-wide group of researchers, merged the study data and found that marijuana use almost doubled the risk for schizophrenia. Almost all of the studies involved low potency marijuana common before 2004.
- A more recent study showed that the risk goes up to 5-fold if the use is heavy or the marijuana is strong (potency 12% THC or higher). The average potency nationwide is now 13%; in Seattle it is 21%.
The research is showing that teenage marijuana users have up to a seven-fold increase in the likelihood of suicide planning and attempts. Our own Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey data shows that suicide planning and attempts by Vermont teens increase directly as marijuana use goes up. A recent study of Iraq/Afghanistan-era veterans who use marijuana regularly are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide as those who don't use marijuana.
Marijuana use and PTSD
Several US states, most recently including Vermont, have approved medical use of marijuana to relieve symptoms of PTSD. However, have been no controlled studies that provide evidence that marijuana is an effective treatment for PTSD. In fact, research suggests that marijuana use can be harmful to individuals with PTSD.
- In a 20-year study involving over 2000 U.S. veterans being treated for PTSD, those who used medical marijuana in conjunction with the standard therapy reported worse outcomes four months after treatment ended than those who didn’t use marijuana. Vets who started using marijuana during or after treatment had the worst outcomes, while vets who stopped using during treatment showed the most improvement. The heaviest marijuana users showed the most severe effects.
- The same study found that the veterans who used marijuana reported more violent behaviors, and the group who started use during the course of their treatment reported the most violent behaviors.
OCTOBER is
MEDICINE ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH
Prescription medicine is a critical part of our cultural fabric and it sometimes seems as if there is “a pill for every ill.” The fact is we live in a society where the potential for prescription drug abuse and addiction is ever present. Among teens and young adults, next to marijuana, Rx drugs are the most commonly abused substances. Young people are abusing pain relievers, depressants and stimulants to go to sleep, wake up, study, stay alert and/or get high.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Every day, 2000 kids get high for the first time on a prescription drug (DEA).
- Drug overdoses have now surpassed car crashes as the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. (CDC).
Misuse or abuse of prescription drugs means taken in ways or amounts not intended by a doctor, or taken by someone other than the person for whom they are prescribed, even if for a legitimate medical complaint such as pain. Prescription drug misuse or abuse can have serious adverse health effects, including overdose – especially when taken along with other drugs or alcohol. (NIDA)
Many teens and young adults still believe that Rx medications are safer to use than illegal drugs, and sadly these medications prove all too easy to get and are as addictive and dangerous as illicit drugs.
Talking regularly to youth about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs reduces their risk of using in the first place.
SHATTER THE MYTHS – WITH THE FACTS!
Research shows parents are still the #1 influence on teens’ decision making. Vermont parents know we should talk with our kids about alcohol and drugs early and often. But how do we get started!?!
ParentUPvt.org has videos with tips from Vermont parents on how to keep teens on the right track when it comes to alcohol and other drug use. Check them out today at: http://parentupvt.org/media-center/videos/
According to the 2015 Vermont Youth Behavior Risk Survey, 30% of teens in Vermont reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days, and 16% reported binge drinking (5+ drinks in a row). In the same time period, 7% of students reported driving after drinking, 22% reported smoking marijuana, and 15% reported driving after using marijuana. Clearly, these conversations are an important part of helping to keep our kids safe and supporting them make healthy decisions.
Even if it may seem like teens are not listening, research show that children of all ages are deeply influenced about their parents’ opinions and values. The ParentUP Vermont website provides useful support to help parents make a plan for talking to their teen and find resources to get help for your teen if you think they might be using already. The website is easy to navigate and tailored to the needs of Vermont families!
ParentUPvt.org has videos with tips from Vermont parents on how to keep teens on the right track when it comes to alcohol and other drug use. Check them out today at: http://parentupvt.org/media-center/videos/
According to the 2015 Vermont Youth Behavior Risk Survey, 30% of teens in Vermont reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days, and 16% reported binge drinking (5+ drinks in a row). In the same time period, 7% of students reported driving after drinking, 22% reported smoking marijuana, and 15% reported driving after using marijuana. Clearly, these conversations are an important part of helping to keep our kids safe and supporting them make healthy decisions.
Even if it may seem like teens are not listening, research show that children of all ages are deeply influenced about their parents’ opinions and values. The ParentUP Vermont website provides useful support to help parents make a plan for talking to their teen and find resources to get help for your teen if you think they might be using already. The website is easy to navigate and tailored to the needs of Vermont families!
Do you know when is a good time to talk with your kids about marijuana?
Now. And tomorrow. And many other days after.
Express Care. Make Connection. Educate. Set Boundaries. Role model.
There has been conflicting talk in our media lately related to marijuana policy and increasing access to marijuana for recreational use in Vermont. Between legalization, increased normalization in pop culture and new ways of using (edibles, vaporizers, concentrates), it’s becoming more and more complicated to know how to address marijuana use with kids.
These are highly complex issues and it is important to be informed and thoughtful about the impact of marijuana use on individual and community behavior. What we know from research is the marijuana use has ill effects on health and should be discouraged, particularly by youth.
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug among youth today and is more potent than ever. The chances of kids encountering marijuana in their tweens and teens have increased and we need to be prepared. The science continues to emerge, but we can say with certainty now that marijuana use is significantly linked with:
Think back to your own role models growing up. They might have been parents, teachers, neighbors. Often it is difficult to remember the specific lessons they taught or things they said to you, however, it might be easier to think about how they made you feel - connected, capable, and cared for.
Research shows there is a strong connection between feeling valued in a community or school and substance abuse. Adolescents who perceive that their teachers and community cares about them are less likely to initiate marijuana use, cigarette smoking, drinking to get drunk, and other health risk behaviors (1). Relationships with parents, teachers and counselors are among the most important and formative ones for many youth. According to studies, students who are poorly bonded to school are also less likely to recognize that substance use may reduce the likelihood of them achieving their future goals.
So now is the time to get a conversation started and keep it going! Struggling with what to say? Try asking your child these questions to get the conversation started:
Here are some other great websites to get more information and tips for talking with kids about drug and alcohol use:
ParentUP Vermont
Parentupvt.org
Partnership for Drug Free Kids
drugfree.org
ParentFurther
Parentfurther.com
Speak Now
speaknowcolorado.org
Now. And tomorrow. And many other days after.
Express Care. Make Connection. Educate. Set Boundaries. Role model.
There has been conflicting talk in our media lately related to marijuana policy and increasing access to marijuana for recreational use in Vermont. Between legalization, increased normalization in pop culture and new ways of using (edibles, vaporizers, concentrates), it’s becoming more and more complicated to know how to address marijuana use with kids.
These are highly complex issues and it is important to be informed and thoughtful about the impact of marijuana use on individual and community behavior. What we know from research is the marijuana use has ill effects on health and should be discouraged, particularly by youth.
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug among youth today and is more potent than ever. The chances of kids encountering marijuana in their tweens and teens have increased and we need to be prepared. The science continues to emerge, but we can say with certainty now that marijuana use is significantly linked with:
- Addiction
- Heart and lung complications
- Impaired brain development
- Increased risk for mental illness
- Car crashes
- IQ loss and poor academic outcomes
- Poor quality of life outcomes
- Poor job performance
Think back to your own role models growing up. They might have been parents, teachers, neighbors. Often it is difficult to remember the specific lessons they taught or things they said to you, however, it might be easier to think about how they made you feel - connected, capable, and cared for.
Research shows there is a strong connection between feeling valued in a community or school and substance abuse. Adolescents who perceive that their teachers and community cares about them are less likely to initiate marijuana use, cigarette smoking, drinking to get drunk, and other health risk behaviors (1). Relationships with parents, teachers and counselors are among the most important and formative ones for many youth. According to studies, students who are poorly bonded to school are also less likely to recognize that substance use may reduce the likelihood of them achieving their future goals.
So now is the time to get a conversation started and keep it going! Struggling with what to say? Try asking your child these questions to get the conversation started:
- “What’s the hardest thing you deal with when it comes to just being yourself around your friends?”
- “If one of your friends wanted to try marijuana, how would you handle that?”
- “If someone asks you if you want to try marijuana at a party or friend's house, what will you say? ...How about we practice a few things you can say so you'll feel prepared?”
- “If you ever have questions about marijuana or other drugs, you can count on me to listen and help you find the answer.”
- “There has been a lot of misinformation lately going around about marijuana. What have you heard from others about marijuana? I’ve spent some time getting more informed lately so I have more accurate information. Can I tell you what I know?"
Here are some other great websites to get more information and tips for talking with kids about drug and alcohol use:
ParentUP Vermont
Parentupvt.org
Partnership for Drug Free Kids
drugfree.org
ParentFurther
Parentfurther.com
Speak Now
speaknowcolorado.org
Finding natural ways to talk with kids about drugs and alcohol can be challenging. Especially with teens who may seem like they’re not listening—or don’t care what you have to say. But the truth is, children care deeply about their parents’ opinions, even if they don’t show it directly. In fact, the #1 reason kids give for not drinking is that they don’t want to disappoint their parents.
In Vermont, 30% of high school students reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days (2015 Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey). So the good news to tell kids is that most kids their age are NOT drinking!
There is no single reason why teenagers do choose to use drugs or alcohol. However, the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids offers a list of the most common issues and influences behind the behavior of teenage drug and alcohol use here.
ParentUP, a Vermont resource from the Vermont Department of Health, gives kids tips and tools to help parents and guardians talk to their kids about drug and alcohol use.
Parents can help prevent alcohol and other drug use with the following strategies:
In Vermont, 30% of high school students reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days (2015 Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey). So the good news to tell kids is that most kids their age are NOT drinking!
There is no single reason why teenagers do choose to use drugs or alcohol. However, the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids offers a list of the most common issues and influences behind the behavior of teenage drug and alcohol use here.
ParentUP, a Vermont resource from the Vermont Department of Health, gives kids tips and tools to help parents and guardians talk to their kids about drug and alcohol use.
Parents can help prevent alcohol and other drug use with the following strategies:
- Help your child develop key skills, experiences, relationships, and behaviors that support healthy decision making
- Talk about alcohol, drugs, and mental health issues
- Monitor where your teen is and get to know the other kids they spend time with
- Make connections with the parents of your child’s friends to help you feel comfortable asking them about the rules of their home (Do they lock up/monitor the alcohol and prescription medications in their home? Do they allow teens to drink in their home?)
- Learn the early warning signs of substance use/abuse
