drug addiction

Ways to Avoid Relapsing Over Summer

The summer months are a prime time for relapse due to the change of routine and environment. Have you made yourself goals related to your abstinence? What do you hope to achieve by abstaining from your addiction?

Points for Consideration to Help Avoid a Relapse

Following on from our previous post about signs you might be about to relapse, here are some useful points for thought and consideration to help avoid relapses over the summer months.

  • Evaluate your alcohol and/or drug consumption:
    a. What encourages your behaviour? (money, people, the paraphernalia etc.)
    b. Who in your work/home/social environment also takes drugs/alcohol?
    c. How easily available are drugs and alcohol in your environment?
    d. Will you be receiving an important sum of money in the immediate future?
  • Have you examined all of your high-risk situations with your fellow addicts in recovery and therapist?
  • Do you have a plan in place for any high-risk situations which you might find yourself in?
  • Have you talked about your feelings of loss or deprivation which accompany your sobriety? Do you feel cheated because you cannot drink or consume drugs?
  • Are you conscious of the way you justify your drug or alcohol consumption? Briefly explain…
  • Are you conscious of what you have done to try and control your consumption? Briefly explain…
  • Are you prepared for the highs and lows which are associated with recovery?
  • Have you taken measures to restrict the availability of alcohol and drugs?
  • Have you spoken to all the important people in your life about your addiction?
  • Are you hoping for treatment to be a ‘cure’ or ‘magical’ solution?
  • How do you assess yourself during the recovery process?
  • How will you limit your contact with people who are taking drugs or drinking?
  • Are you conscious of how you take the chain of decisions which lead to consuming alcohol or drugs?
  • How have you viewed previous relapses? Do you see them as errors, failures or moments of weakness?
  • What personality traits do you have which could hold-up your recovery?
  • Do you feel like you have a right to take drugs and alcohol? Are you right?
  • How do you track your feelings?
  • How do you solve your problems?
  • Do you imagine that although you might not feel like using during treatment you will continue to feel this way when you finish it?
  • Do you see desire as something with a life of its own, something out of your control or something which you can manage?
  • What have you changed about your lifestyle?
  • Do you look for help, or wait for it to arrive on its own?
  • What are your plans to minimise complicated situations or crises which may present themselves in your life?

If you need some extra support over the summer to avoid relapsing don’t hesitate to contact us as Marbella Recovery and we will be happy to help.

Marijuana Addiction in Young People

Marijuana in Young People

As marijuana becomes either legalised in some countries or more easily available there are increasing concerns the harmful effects of marijuana addiction, especially on young people and the developing brain. Statistics show that in recent years there has been an increase in the number of teenagers and adolescents becoming addicted to marijuana and subsequently seeking help related to their addiction.

Statistics

Marijuana use is highest amongst adolescents than any other age group and boys tend to use it more commonly than girls. It is thought that of all the people who use marijuana around 9% become hooked and the younger the age the more dramatically this figure increases. The risk of marijuana addiction also increases substantially in people who use marijuana on a daily basis.

Health Risks

Withdrawal from marijuana use can include signs such as irritability, insomnia, a reduced appetite, anxiety and cravings. These are relatively mild when compared to other illegal drugs but the longer lasting effects can have a huge impact. Adolescents who use marijuana on a daily basis generally function at a lower intellectual level than their peers and this can have an effect on their achievement levels in the short and long run, affecting their ability to fulfil any goals they may have. Marijuana use can also affect brain development and thus cause a reduction in IQ.

In addition to this several studies have shown that adolescents which are addicted to marijuana are more likely to move onto use other illegal drugs and/or attempt to commit suicide. Physical effects of marijuana use can include lung and heart disease, a increase of the risk of testicular cancer and also subsequent psychiatric illness such as schizophrenia.

How Marijuana Addiction Affects the Brain

Over the last 20 years the concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) the chemical principally responsible for the majority of marijuana’s psychological effects, has been increasing. It is suspected that these increased levels are responsible for the increased rate of addiction and adverse side effects. This substance acts on receptors in the brain, which are linked to thought, memory, pleasure, coordination and the perception of time. THC causes cells in the brain to release dopamine, giving a sense of euphoria. It can cause hallucinations and delusions and also affect short-term memory.

The Bottom Line About Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana addiction is not something to be taken lightly and the consequences in teenagers can be serious and life changing. The good news is that facing addiction problems in adolescents can have good results and the sooner the problem is treated the better the result.

How We Can Help at Marbella Recovery

At Marbella Recovery we run a specialised programme for young people suffering from problems with addiction. This treatment integrates the use of proven techniques such as the SBIRT model, the Minnesota Model and Systemic Family Therapy. There are six key components which form part of our effective treatment programme:

  1. Workshops in generic skills that improve social and interpersonal skills, including emotional intelligence and problem solving.
  2. Information about the effects of marijuana consumption.
  3. Promoting protective socialisation and relationship skills within the family.
  4. Formation of self help groups among individuals with similar problems, for both young people and their families alike.
  5. Encouraging healthy recreation activities.
  6. Inclusion of gender perspectives.

If you need help, or know somebody who does, do not hesitate to contact us at Marbella Recovery and we will be happy to assist you.