Addiction

addiction: addiction:

A FEW THOUGHTS FROM OUR TEENS. There has been a lot of information presented so far, but we still need to understand what is driving continued drug use and what role the drugs play in your life. Let’s talk to our three experts again.

Hi guys. I want to point out that you guys seem to be approaching substance use from really different walks of life. Austin, you have the more stereotypical image of a “rough around the edges” drug user. Ethan, you look like any other popular high school guy, and Sam, even though you’re not using anything, you seem set on being in the right crowd – the “fun” crowd. A Yeah. We probably won’t all be ending up at the same party anytime soon.

Austin, what did doing all of those drugs add to your life? A Well, part of it was that I didn’t have much structure to my life when I first started getting into using. I didn’t have any hobbies, my mom was always working, I barely saw my dad and have no siblings, so I was alone a lot. I was bored. I’ve always been drawn to risk, whether through skateboarding or pulling pranks on teachers, so I wasn’t scared to try anything. Using all these drugs made life more interesting for a while. I felt good about myself, too. When I was high, all the constant buzzing in my head – the worries, the self-doubt, the negative thoughts – just stopped. I felt instantly better, for a few hours, anyway.

What made you keep using? A I couldn’t get through the day without using something. When I wasn’t using, I was miserable – the negativity and worries piled up way more than they had before. I wasn’t getting as much joy out of using, but at least I could put off reality for a bit longer.

Also, I think addiction runs in my family. My mom had a problem with pain killers for a long time, and my grandmother and uncle are both alcoholics. I definitely felt like there was addictive process that just took over. I never meant to get addicted, but it happened pretty fast.

It’s amazing that you were able to stop, given how far in you got.

AYeah, well, it wasn’t easy. It’s a bit of a blur, but when I got kicked out of school, my mother dragged me to see the counselor that had helped her through her addiction. The counselor really helped me to see that I still had choices, even though it would probably get worse before getting better. I ended up going to residential treatment for youth, because I really needed to get away from all the things in my life that made me want to use. When I was in treatment, I really connected the dots and saw all the underlying issues that made me want the drugs so badly.

What’s different now?

AI go to meetings with other teenagers who have had drug problems. We can relate to each other. I see a counselor regularly.

IT’S NOT THAT EASY

I am learning how to cope with the things that But aren’t there any other ways for you to relax or used to make me want to escape through lighten up? Like having more balance in your life, drugs: stress, loneliness, boredom. I found out for example? Finding other ways to have fun? I have ADHD and major depression, and am taking medication that helps me feel more balanced. E Hmmm. That’s a good question. I’ve never had balance in my life – I’ve always been all or nothing. Wow. That’s quite the story, Austin. It’s really I need to think about that one! impressive, and inspiring, that you have managed to get to this point. Ethan, what about Sam, what do you make of all this? you? You seem like you’ve got it all. How does smoking weed factor in to your life? S I don’t know. It sounds like using drugs has made things more complicated. I always thought E I don’t know…life seems so serious that drinking was a safe bet. Everyone does it eventually, right? But I’m hearing that for Austin sometimes! My parents are always on my anyway it was basically his “on-ramp” to the rest back to get better grades; I guess I put a lot of of his drug use. But I just don’t want to be made pressure on myself to be perfect, too. Before I fun of for turning it down if it’s offered to me. That started smoking weed, I was a complete stress can really brand you, you know? How do I not join case! Since I was a kid I’ve always been really in the fun and still be thought of as fun? busy with sports: first hockey, which I quit when they wanted me to commit to five practices a week…I found that I was coming up with excuses to miss practice. Now basketball, which I love but is really time consuming, and it seems easier just to go home and go to sleep… For me, smoking weed was never about fitting in. It just E Trust me, Samantha, there are plenty of good and fun people who are not drinking or using drugs. Like most of my old friends, for example, who still don’t get why I’ve turned into such a chronic weed smoker. I’m no cooler than they are! And I’m afraid they won’t understand why I feel makes me feel content and I find that my mind the way that I do.just goes quiet. My worries just fade away. I can see why it’s tough for you to want to stop, A I’ve used it all, and none of it made me cooler then. or more fun. Okay, I’m not gonna lie – it did initially make me more comfortable socially, but that E I know, right? Except that I used to be a didn’t last. I needed to learn to be interesting and friendly without using before I found a good group decent enough student. I mean, I still had to of people to hang with. And, Ethan, it’s completely work hard to get just a B, but at least I could okay to go and seek help. Talking to someone pull it off. My grades are pretty bad now and about how I was feeling was such a relief! my parents are really disappointed in me... Someone is always willing to listen. And take some It doesn’t help that my two older sisters are time for yourself! Go out for walk or run around the both star athletes and students. It’s confusing, block. Listen to music that makes you happy. Have because I sometimes think I should stop or cut lunch with a friend. Go out to a movie. Express down so I can do better in school, but I just can’t handle life without weed. It’s too serious…I’d just yourself creatively, whether that is through art or writing. Do something spontaneous! rather not feel. Thanks for the chat, all of you! Lets keep in touch! healthyteens.ca 47