Preventing Teenage Addiction

June 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment
An icon illustrating a parent and child

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Preventing addictive behaviors should be on the mind of every parent. With a rise of alcohol, narcotics, and prescription drug addiction in teenagers, educating your child early is the best preventative measure.

Communicate. It may sound like a public service ad cliché, but talk to your kids about drugs. Be honest about the dangers of addictions and the potential consequences such as rehabilitation. Remember that the media tends to glamorize addictive behaviors, so talk about the facts and truths regarding your teen’s favorite television shows.

Be a Good Example. If you have an addictive behavior, your child is at risk. Parents are the number one influence in a teenager’s behavior, and the mantra “do as I say, not as I do” is ineffective and hypocritical. Practice moderation in your own life to increase your teenager’s chances of following suit.

Nurture Your Child. Being warm and positive is the most powerful tool a parent can possess. Rebellious teens often act out due to a lack of warmth from a parent, so consider your own actions if your child is being disruptive or is showing signs of addictive behavior.

Be Involved. Teens that develop substance abuse problems often have no parent involved in their lives. Neglect can even come in forms where parents are simply working long hours despite having an otherwise healthy family life, so take time to be involved in your child’s life.

Preventing teen addictions takes a healthy dose of good parenting, so do both of you a favor by nurturing a better parent-child relationship. Commit to being honest with one another, and healthy behaviors will follow.

 

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The Role Of Parents In Preventing Addiction

March 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The parents are the people who need to be held responsible for the addiction in their children. These days, there are many young kids who are addicted. The main reason for the addiction that is seen in these people is that they are not given adequate care and attention by their parents.

The role of the parents in preventing addiction to alcohol, drugs and other substances is very high. There are several methods that can be followed by the parents to make sure that the child does not get addicted to these substances. The first thing that the parent needs to do is to spend more time with the children. As many kids long for the affection of their parents, they are forced into addiction because they find solace in this activity.

If the parents talk to their kids and spend enough time, they will get to know all about the worries that these kids have. They will also know about the friends that these kids have. As the parents get to know all about their kids and their activities, they will be able to assess if their kids are at a high risk of being affected by addiction.

Parents also have the role of a mentor and they will be able to guide their children on the right methods that have to be followed by the kids. The parents should talk to the kids about the various substances and then tell them that it is not only harmful to the body, but can cause various emotional and other trauma. These kind of explanations will prevent the child from trying these substances that could harm the child and get the child into addiction.

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Methods That Can Be Used To Prevent Addiction

March 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There are various methods that can be used to prevent the addiction of a person. There are many people who are addicted to various substances like alcohol and also other drugs. It is important for the person to be able to prevent getting addicted to these substances. The problem with substance abuse is that the person who is involved in taking these things will not know that he or she has become addicted to it. The person will use these things in small amounts initially. As time goes by, the person will start using the substance in larger quantities and this will cause the person to become completely dependent on the substance.

There are some simple methods that can be used to prevent a person from becoming addicted to these substances. The first thing that has to be done is that the person who seems to be getting addicted should be motivated to give up a particular habit that can become an addiction. There are very few people who would be willing to give up their habit without a fight. The parents and the other people who play an important role in the person’s life should be the people who try to prevent the person from getting addicted.

The person who is at a risk of getting addicted should not be allowed to get into a situation where there is no other way out. This can lead to addiction. Hobbies and other activities need to be encouraged in those who are at risk of being affected by the addiction. When the mind of the person is distracted in these activities, the person may not get addicted. These are the methods that can prevent addiction.

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How to Be a Responsible Host

December 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

ContentWhen hosting a party that involves alcohol, it is the responsibility of the host to regulate the alcohol consumption and ensure the safety of their guests.
Before you decide to serve alcohol at a party, consider who your guests are. Are they people who you know well or are guests bringing friends you have never met? Is everyone at the party going to be of legal drinking age? Will people at the party be able to find a ride home if they have too much to drink? Also, be sure to consider whether anyone invited to the party has a known alcohol addiction. It can create an uncomfortable situation, at the least, if your guest is either suffering or recovering from an alcohol addiction.
Once you are confident with the guests you have invited, think about the subtle cues that you can send to your guests about how you expect them to act at your party. For example, larger glasses encourage more drinking! You can designate someone to serve alcohol or simply make it available in smaller quantities if you want to encourage guests to only drink in limited amounts. Decide how much you want to be consumed at the party overall and only make that much available. For example, if you want guests to drink an average of three drinks, then three drinks times ten guests is thirty total drinks. Supplying much more than this amount invites guests to overindulge. Avoid games that promote drinking large amounts or very quickly as they often encourage irresponsible drinking. If a guests loses control at your party, it becomes your responsibility.
Always serve food and nonalcoholic drinks along with alcohol. Making food and water available is likely to slow the rate at which people consume alcohol. Eating food while drinking also causes the alcohol to be absorbed into the bloodstream slower.
Finally, set a good example for your guests as to how you expect them to behave.

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When Does Alcohol Become a Problem?

December 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Some typical alcoholic beverages.
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cle ContentFrom toasting on New Year’s Eve to a romantic dinner, alcohol is an accepted part of many social events. With alcohol being acceptable in so many situations, it can be tough to determine at what point alcohol becomes a problem for someone.
An alcohol problem is not necessarily defined by how much a person consumes, rather their reasons for the consumption and the consequences that result. Think about the difference between having a few glasses of wine while out for dinner as opposed to having the same few glasses of wine before work. While having wine at dinner will probably not have negative consequences, having wine before work probably will. A person’s motivation for having wine at dinner may be to celebrate, to relax or to be social. Having a few glasses of wine before work may be motivated by anxiety, stress, or depression. Drinking before work may result in poor performance or even losing one’s job.
In order to determine if someone’s drinking is a problem, consider if there are adverse consequences present. Consequences may be social, such as being shunned by others due to drinking habits. They may also be physical, for example when a woman drinks alcohol while pregnant. Drinking even a small amount during pregnancy is proven to have the potential of damaging the fetus. Finally, consequences may be emotional such as strong feelings of guilt or shame. Often people who abuse alcohol suffer from strained relationships with family, friends and coworkers. They may find themselves unable to perform their job or maintain their social life due to their drinking habits. Driving under the influence of alcohol could result in a car accident or an arrest and could have life-long consequences for even a first-time offender.
Drinking alcohol becomes a problem when it negatively effects other parts of a person’s life. If you recognize these symptoms in someone close to you, it may be time to confront the problem.

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Effects of Alcohol: Alcohol Poisoning

December 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Alcohol, like any drug, can be toxic in high doses. Alcohol poisoning occurs when a high volume of alcohol in ingested in a short period of time. This level is different for each person depending on many factors including weight, gender, tolerance level, medications, and overall health.
Alcohol is a depressant which refers to the effect that it has on the central nervous system. When consumed, it causes heart rate and respiration to slow. It dulls the senses, relaxes muscles and induces sleep. As a result, a person may experience decreased coordination and slurred speech. The more alcohol that is consumed, the greater the effect on the nervous system. If enough alcohol is consumed it will eventually slow the nervous system to the point of unconsciousness or death.
Time is also a big factor. The body begins processing alcohol in the liver as soon as it enters the body. The human body understands alcohol to be a toxin, so it works immediately to try to eliminate it. Therefore, drinking slowly lessens the harmful effects on the nervous system. If large amounts of alcohol are consumed quickly, the body is not able to keep up and the harmful effects have the potential to overwhelm the nervous system. Toxic levels of alcohol in the blood could cause respiratory failure and cardiac failure which can result in a coma or death.
When a person ingests too much alcohol in a short period of time, their body may try to force it out by vomiting. If a person is semiconscious while vomiting, there is a risk that they might choke when vomit blocks the airway. Alcohol poisoning is dangerous and can be fatal, so if you suspect that someone may be suffering from alcohol poisoning do not leave them alone. Contact emergency services to advise you on how best to help them.

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Vegan, Healthy or Hazardous?

December 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Vegan, another name for vegetarianism, is a diet in which no animal products are eaten. Meat, eggs, milk and sometimes fish are all removed from the diet. Generally, vegetarians eat an entirely plant-based diet.

Reasons for becoming a vegetarian vary. Sometimes it’s for religious reasons, other times it’s because of a concern for the well being of animals. In any case, before deciding to become a vegan, you should research this way of eating and know what you are getting into.

There are benefits to eating vegan. The diet can lower cholesterol, improve heart health, lower blood pressure, help you lose weight and even help protect you against some cancers. Since vegans eat a lot of leafy greens, they have all the calcium and most of the vitamins they need. Eating vegan can strengthen your eye sight too.

However, there are many disadvantages in avoiding meat and animal products. Vitamin B12 is not found in plants, but it’s a very important vitamin and required for your body to function properly. Nursing mothers can actually cause neurological disorders in their children if they have low B12 levels when nursing.

Other vitamins that are sometimes overlooked by vegetarians are calcium and vitamin D. Both help maintain strong healthy bones and are not easily found in vegetables and grains. Unless the diet is monitored carefully, vegan children increase their risk of rickets and adults may decrease their nerve functionality.

Another concern is iodine. Iodine is primarily made from animal products and therefore avoided by vegans. Lack of iodine in your system can cause a mother to give birth to children who are prone to low I.Q.s as well as stunted growth and impaired motor functionality. Iodine deficiency can also cause hyperthyroidism in some people.

One of the most common vegan deficiencies is in Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Omega 3 is vitally important to brain function and brain growth. This deficiency can increase the risk of heart attacks, arthritis, heart disease and cancer.

The biggest concern is for children. Many deaths from malnutrition have been reported where the child was kept on a vegan diet.

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Skin Health with Aloe Vera

December 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Aloe Vera has long been used as a household treatment to help heal burns, but it has many other useful benefits. Aloe can be used to slow skin wrinkling, disinfect cuts, fight acne, sooth itching and even smooth out skin complexion. It’s also been used to help minimize scarring from larger skin injures and
extensive burns.

Aloe Vera is a small succulent warm-weather plant that has a clear gel in its leaves. The clear gel contains vitamins E and C, and anti inflammatory agents and other healing properties. One of its best known uses is for sunburn. Many skin lotions and shampoos use Aloe Vera as a main component, but they also include alcohols and mineral oil, which can dry out your skin. If you use pure
Aloe Vera gel or juice, the effects of Aloe won’t be countered by a drying agent.

When you moisturize your skin with Aloe, it adds a protective layer that helps keep toxins and bacteria from entering through the pores in your skin. Applying Aloe Vera daily to your face can cut down on acne outbreaks and smooth out your complexion without chemicals or causing dryness. If you drink Aloe Vera juice, it can help flush toxins out of your body. Aloe Vera can also help to keep your
blood pressure level. Many people use it as a weight loss aid and others as a way to help manage diabetes.

Drinking Aloe can help with digestion problems and if you have colon troubles, drinking Aloe Vera can help immensely. Aloe’s laxative effect can help keep you colon functioning well and regularly. If your colon is in good health, so are you. Colon trouble can cause fatigue and an overall feeling of being unwell.

Drinking as little as three ounces of Aloe Vera juice will give you all its health benefits while improving your circulation and cell growth too. Drinking more than five ounces a day is not recommended, as it might cause side effects in some people that could include nausea, liver dysfunction and a possible allergic reaction.

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Alcohol as a Medicine

December 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Alcohol as a Medicine

Excessive amounts of alcohol can cause serious damage to your health, but doctors have discovered that if you drink wisely you can actually lengthen your life span and reduce your risk of disease.

Like many other things that can be abused, alcohol has bad connotations attached to it. It’s viewed as indulgent and evil by many groups of people, so they avoid it entirely or try to get it made illegal. Yet as far back as the bible, alcohol has been used to treat illnesses, ease pain and relax people.

Scientists have discovered that people that are moderate drinkers, one or two drinks a day, have less risk of heart attacks and don’t have high blood pressure. On average, they also have a much lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and even the common cold. Moderate drinkers of both genders also showed reduced risk of strokes by 50%.

Over consumption, however can cause a wide array of problems. Though moderate drinking may reduce your chances of many health problems, heavy drinking causes the exact opposite. Heart attacks, cirrhosis (liver scarring), stomach ulcers, nerve damage and even loss of brain cells are all caused by excessive drinking.

Drinking socially can help you keep from over drinking and keep your friends informed of your drinking habits. If you feel you have a alcohol problem, you should seek help. There are many ways to identify if you have a problem.

There are four key signs of alcoholism. If you ever feel you drink too much, or need to cut back. If your friend seem irritated by your drinking habits. If you feel a sense of guilt after drinking or if you use alcohol as a way to wake up in the morning. All four of these are key signs that you may have a drinking problem.

If you don’t drink at all, you may want to consider drinking lightly. A glass of wine before bed can help reduce stress and still give you some of the benefits of moderate drinking. Scientists found that people that abstained from drinking entirely actually have increased risks of stroke by an amazing 50%.

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Dangers of Over Drinking

August 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Alcohol has been around for thousands of years. It’s used in ceremonies and celebrations around the world and drank daily in many countries. When you drink alcohol, it’s absorbed quickly through your stomach and intestines. Your liver filters the alcohol and breaks it down in your system, eventually making it harmless. But if you drink more alcohol then your body can process at one time, it begins to build up in your blood system.
The more alcohol that is in your system, the less responsive your nerves become, impairing reflexes, control and movement. Small amounts of alcohol can relieve stress, make you feel happy and deaden pain, which made it an ideal medicine in medieval times. But if you drink a lot at once, it can poison your body and cause several potentially serious problems.
Besides making it hard to walk and react, a large amount of alcohol can slow down your gag reflex and other automatic reflexes such as breathing and heartbeat. If you continue to drink until your blood reaches a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.2 or more, you may slip into a stupor and lose all motor control.
Even if you stop drinking, your body still has to deal with what you have already ingested, and that can take hours, during which the alcohol will still be causing the physical effects on your nervous system and brain. If you pass out, it can be a very dangerous situation. Your body will continue to absorb the alcohol in your stomach and your BAC will rise. Once your BAC is above 0.2, you run a high risk of vomiting. With your gag reflex already slowed by the alcohol poisoning, you can choke on or breath the vomit into your lungs – which is life threatening.
Drinking one or two alcoholic drinks a day is safe and can actually give you health benefits, such as lowering risk of heart disease. You should always have a friend with you if you plan on having more than two drinks at a time. Practice safe drinking and have a good time.

Alcohol has been around for thousands of years. It’s used in ceremonies and celebrations around the world and drank daily in many countries. When you drink alcohol, it’s absorbed quickly through your stomach and intestines. Your liver filters the alcohol and breaks it down in your system, eventually making it harmless. But if you drink more alcohol then your body can process at one time, it begins to build up in your blood system.
The more alcohol that is in your system, the less responsive your nerves become, impairing reflexes, control and movement. Small amounts of alcohol can relieve stress, make you feel happy and deaden pain, which made it an ideal medicine in medieval times. But if you drink a lot at once, it can poison your body and cause several potentially serious problems.
Besides making it hard to walk and react, a large amount of alcohol can slow down your gag reflex and other automatic reflexes such as breathing and heartbeat. If you continue to drink until your blood reaches a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.2 or more, you may slip into a stupor and lose all motor control.
Even if you stop drinking, your body still has to deal with what you have already ingested, and that can take hours, during which the alcohol will still be causing the physical effects on your nervous system and brain. If you pass out, it can be a very dangerous situation. Your body will continue to absorb the alcohol in your stomach and your BAC will rise. Once your BAC is above 0.2, you run a high risk of vomiting. With your gag reflex already slowed by the alcohol poisoning, you can choke on or breath the vomit into your lungs – which is life threatening.
Drinking one or two alcoholic drinks a day is safe and can actually give you health benefits, such as lowering risk of heart disease. You should always have a friend with you if you plan on having more than two drinks at a time. Practice safe drinking and have a good time.

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