Ways to Help End Addiction through Early Intervention
According to the Partnership to End Addiction, over 20 million people in America are affected by substance use and addiction. The primary focus of the organization is to catch drug or alcohol use disorders as early as possible, ideally during adolescence or early adulthood. The Partnership to End Addiction recommends that parents stay involved in their child’s activities, finding out who their friends are, and discussing their stance on substance use with the parents.
Teens and young adults often turn to drugs or alcohol when there is a sudden change or life transition.
As noted on their website, common periods of transitions that can affect a teen’s life include:
- Moving
- Divorce
- Puberty
- Changing schools
- An illness or death in the family
Substance use disorder can also be the result of stress or trauma. Showing “empathy and compassion” can help your child cope with the trauma. The Partnership to End Addiction recommends “model(ing) healthy coping skills like exercise, meditation, or mindfulness.” The organization also encourages seeking professional help.
How Substance Use Affects a Teen’s Developing Brain
The partnership notes that drugs and alcohol can “interfere with the body’s development of its natural reward system.” Substances can overload a developing brain with dopamine, “the main neurotransmitter of the “feel-good” message.” When the brain is overloaded, it can try to hold back some of the signals, requiring more of the drugs or alcohol to obtain the same sensation.
The substances can also affect the brain long after a person stops drinking or the effects of the drug have worn off. According to their data, once a person stops taking the drugs or alcohol, “dopamine levels remain low for some time.” Low dopamine levels can make a person feel depressed or unmotivated. It may result in sleep deprivation and several other symptoms, which is why it is imperative to get the help that your loved one needs as early as possible.