Treatment Center Confirms Link Between Early Drug and Alcohol Use and Later Addiction
A new study shows the earlier an individual first tries drugs or alcohol, the more likely they are to develop a substance abuse problem later in life. Lakeview Health Systems, an addiction treatment center, confirms that the years before the age of 15 are especially fragile. They encourage parents to take preventive measures, as well as to intervene as soon as possible if they suspect drug or alcohol use. To assist families, Lakeview offers some preventive measures to take, as well as a free guide parents can download to help stage an intervention.
Jacksonville, FL (Vocus/PRWEB) November 20, 2010
Marijuana has always been known as the “gateway drug,” and recent research shows the earlier it is first used, the greater the chance it will lead to a substance abuse problem later in life. Lakeview Health Systems, an addiction treatment center in Jacksonville, FL, suggests parents always take steps to prevent their children from trying drugs or alcohol, but should be especially mindful of the years before the age of 15.
A new study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows children who first tried marijuana at age 14 or younger were six times more likely to abuse or become dependent on illicit drugs than those that tried it at 18 or older.
“This study illustrates what we see in patients every day,” said Dr. Michael Provines, the Chief Operations Officer for Lakeview Health Systems. He added, “Many of their stories begin with, ‘I first tried drugs or alcohol when I was 12 years old,’ and you can’t help but wonder if they hadn’t used at such a young age, maybe they wouldn’t be here for treatment right now.”
The same holds true for early alcohol use as well. The study reported that among adults aged 18 or older who first tried alcohol at age 14 or younger, 17.5 percent were classified with alcohol dependence or abuse, compared with only 3.7 percent of adults who had first used alcohol at age 18 or older. This study reinforces how critical it is to get children through these key developmental years unscathed by drugs and alcohol.
The findings show that education and communication are very important to prevention. Children must understand the risks involved with using mind-altering substances, as it will reduce their likelihood of trying them. Children are also less likely to use drugs or alcohol when it is clear that their parents strongly disapprove of their using substances.
What kids do in their free time also influences their substance use. For example, youths that have been involved in fighting or other delinquent behavior were more likely to have used drugs recently, while those who participated in religious activities or held religious beliefs close were less likely. And any exposure to drug or alcohol prevention messages outside of school had a beneficial impact as well.
While Lakeview Health Systems does not treat teenagers, their addiction treatment program does treat patients that started using drugs or alcohol as teenagers and are now parents. Dr. Provines points to what he calls the “cycle of abuse.” “Addiction is a family disease. Parents that struggle with addiction have a hard time explaining the risks or making their disapproval clear.”
As part of every patient’s addiction treatment, Lakeview offers a four-day family workshop to help break the generational progression and address the risk to children and the home environment.
For parents concerned that their child may have a drug or alcohol problem, it is important to intervene as soon as possible. In August 2010, Lakeview published the free Intervention Guide, which offers tips, advice, and help on staging an intervention for a family member or friend.
About Lakeview Health Systems
Lakeview Health Systems is a licensed and accredited drug and alcohol treatment center in Jacksonville, FL. They offer men and women from all over the country a 6-week program, which includes a medical detox, inpatient rehab, a family program, and treatment for dual diagnosis disorders. They specialize in providing highly personalized and comprehensive care using a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating medical, psychiatric, psychosocial, and clinical treatments. For help with a drug or alcohol problem, call their free Addiction Helpline at 866-576-4551.
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