The core of alcohol or drug use (sometimes food, work, or shopping) is often used as a means of relief to avoid an unpleasant situation or feeling. Many times the addict does not want to face a particular issue and has no coping mechanism to do so other than avoidance through alcohol or drugs. Using alcohol or drugs to avoid a situation only provides temporary relief.

Addicts replace healthy relationships and the relief that facing the truth can offer through the abandonment of that truth and the retreat to alcohol or drugs. Consequently, addicts seek relief through an object rather than through meaningful relationships. Relationships offer an emotional connection with others. Healthy relationships are the foundation to emotional connections while alcohol and drug use is the foundation of emotional isolation.

Recovery has to do with the rebuilding of relationships. Relationships with family, friends, a higher power, community, work, and even ...

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Kernersville, North Carolina, decided to take a peek at its teenage drug problem. Nestled in the heart of three large cities, this community was certain that its problem was not nearly as bad as the rest of the nation. Many adults believed that 10% of the high school students abused drugs. However, when the hometown newspaper—the Kernersville News—surveyed 1,706 local teenagers, it was shocked to report that 92% of the respondents believed that “most of the students in my school use drugs.”  PattyJo Sawvel tackles this tough issue through a ten year book project  which is telling for every  community in America. Thank you Patty Jo for your commitment to teenagers in America.

Part of addiction is an inner struggle within the addict. While the presence of some people may "get on the nerves" of the addict, there is a simultaneous craving for human connectedness. The addict wants/craves to be around people of his choosing.

If family or friends that are trying to help the addict try to connect, they are seen as being nosy. Have you ever heard "Why you trying to be up in my business?" Of course, if it is your son or daughter they are your business and you are doing nothing wrong. But you can tread this stage of addiction carefully.

It is important to be there. Sometimes you do not have to say anything, but letting your teen know you are a phone call away is extremely reassuring. You may be met with the silent treatment or even worse outbursts of anger and attacks on your ...

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Insight in North Carolina is where I was introduced to "Beyond the Yellow Brick Road" by Bob Meehan. While Meehan's direction is controversial, the direction towards tough love can be very helpful for parents. Definitely well worth the read.

 

With facilities in North Carolina and Georgia, Insight is a comprehensive program designed to assist individuals, between the ages of 13 and 25, in the beginning stages of their recovery. I.O.P. consists of group counseling, individual counseling, and family counseling. Group sessions are four hours per day, five days a week. Parents are involved through both weekly sessions with a counselor and weekly parent meetings. For individuals successfully discharged from I.O.P., a twelve week After Care Program is offered.

ALL states now share reciprocity meaning whatever goes on your record as a DWI offense in one state carries over to all the other states.

Here are some generic penalties for each instance of a DWI/DUI offense in the state of North Carolina, but understand that these are basic overviews. In any case there are multiple factors and aspects that go into the final judgment. But for your teen expect the strictest of penalties.

First NC DUI Offense/1st Drunk Driving Conviction

• License Suspension – 1 Year Mandatory
• Substance Abuse Assessment / Treatment

Second NC DUI Offense/2nd Drunk Driving Conviction

• License Suspension – 4 Years if Previous DUI was Within 3 Years
• Ignition Interlock Device – Required for Restoration
• Substance Abuse Assessment / Treatment

Third NC DUI Offense/3rd Drunk Driving Conviction

• Class “F” Felony Habitual Impaired Driving (If Other Offenses Within 10 Years)
• Imprisonment – 12 Months Minimum
• License Suspension – Permanent Revocation if ...

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Teens experiment and become addicted to all types of drugs. Different teens have different favorites based on the type of high they are trying to achieve as well as the accessibility of the drug to them.

Most common is marijuana which many say is a gateway drug. Easy to get at school or from friends, marijuana is a popular drug for a high. A major problem with marijuana (and all substances used/abused by youth and adults) is the delay in cognitive development and emotional maturation which result from drugging one's brain repeatedly.

Research demonstrated years ago that regular use of pot stunts normal brain and even physical growth in teens and particularly so for regular users.
 

The year 2012 marks a place in history where teenagers have more access to the digital world than ever before. With the explosion of social media, teenagers find themselves in the midst of making moral and ethical decisions just by pressing SEND.

Unfortunately, with this type of accessibility, teenagers are more often than not confronted with tougher than ever pressure from their peers to become involved in high risk behaviors. Behaviors which include high risks of using and even selling or distributing drugs and alcohol have become a widespread concern.

If you are considering rehab for your teen, there are some hard realities that you as a parent will most likely face. A plan of care will not work if your teen is not on board to receive the help that is being offered. This is one of the hardest truths about rehabilitation. Rehabilitation means to restore. Your teen must ...

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