This article is based on research published by SAMHSA this past February in their NSDUH Report. According to the study:
- Combined 2002 to 2010 data show that nearly one in seven youths aged 16 to 18 (13.2 percent), or 12th grade aged youths, had dropped out of school
- Substance use rates among 12th grade aged youths who had dropped out of school were higher than among those who were still in school; for example, 56.8 percent of dropouts were current cigarette users compared with 22.4 percent of those still in school
- The pattern of higher use rates among dropouts than those still in school generally held for both males and females, as well as for whites and blacks; however, Hispanic 12th grade aged dropouts and those still in school had similar past month rates of alcohol and illicit drug use
Below is an exerpt from the study...
In the United States, about 75 percent of youths who enter public high school as freshmen eventually graduate from high school in 4 years (or average freshman graduation rate).1 This is an important public health issue because, in general, adults who do not graduate from high school tend to have lower paying jobs than those who do and thus are at greater risk for living in poverty, lacking health insurance, and suffering from poor health.2,3,4 Moreover, high school dropouts typically have higher rates of substance use than high school graduates.5
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) asks respondents about their age, current school enrollment status, last grade completed, and age when they last attended school. For this report, these respondent characteristics are used to identify 12th grade aged youths and whether they have dropped out of school. Youths aged 16 to 18 are categorized into three groups:
- 12th grade students—youths aged 16 to 18 who were either in or entering the 12th grade;
- 12th grade aged dropouts—youths aged 16 to 18 who had not completed high school or a Graduate Equivalent Degree (GED), were not currently attending or on vacation from school, and were considered 12th grade aged based on the last grade they had completed and their age when they stopped attending school6;
- Other—youths aged 16 to 18 who completed high school or a GED, youths aged 16 to 18 in grade 11 or lower, and youths aged 16 who were not considered "12th grade aged" (based on criteria discussed in group 2).
This issue of The NSDUH Report focuses on the first two of these groups, which are collectively referred to as "12th grade aged youths"; comparisons of past month (current) substance use between 12th grade students and 12th grade aged dropouts are provided. All findings in this report are annual averages from the 2002 to 2010 NSDUH data.
Dropout Status
Nearly one in seven (13.2 percent) 12th grade aged youths had dropped out of school, with males having been more likely than females to have dropped out (14.7 vs. 11.6 percent).7 About one quarter of Hispanic and American Indian or Alaska Native 12th grade aged youths (23.0 and 25.5 percent, respectively) had dropped out of school compared with 12.6 percent of youths of two or more races, 12.1 percent of black or African American youths, 11.2 percent of white youths, and 1.5 percent of Asian youths.
Substance Use by Dropout Status
Twelfth grade aged youths who had dropped out of school were more likely than similarly aged youths who were still in school to engage in current cigarette use, alcohol use, binge alcohol use, marijuana use, nonmedical use of psychotherapeutic drugs, and use of any illicit drugs (Figure 1).8 For example, 56.8 percent of dropouts were current cigarette users compared with 22.4 percent of those still in school, and 27.3 percent of dropouts were current marijuana users compared with 15.3 percent of those still in school.
Substance Use by Dropout Status and Gender
Current substance use rates among 12th grade aged male dropouts were higher than the rates among similar aged males who were still in school (Figure 2). For example, 60.1 percent of male dropouts were current cigarette users compared with 23.8 percent of males who were still in school, and 32.0 percent of male dropouts were current marijuana users compared with 17.9 percent of males who were still in school.
Current substance use rates among 12th grade aged female dropouts were generally higher than the rates for similar aged females who were still in school (Figure 3). One exception was current alcohol use, for which there was no statistical difference between the rates among female dropouts and females who were still in school (34.2 and 33.4 percent, respectively).
Click here to view full report...
Discussion
Dropping out of high school is related to a number of negative socioeconomic and health outcomes. This report shows that one in seven 12th grade aged youths had dropped out of high school and that 12th grade aged dropouts (with a few exceptions) had higher rates of current substance use (e.g., cigarettes, alcohol, binge alcohol, marijuana, nonmedical use of psychotherapeutic drugs, any illicit drugs) than similar aged peers who were still in school. Substance use is a public health problem that is preventable. Thus, prevention efforts targeted to adolescents generally and to those at risk of dropping out of high school more specifically might improve the educational, employment and financial, and health outcomes of many youths.
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Our mission statement at Fairwinds Treatment Center is "As we strengthen families, we strengthen society." If you have a loved one who is struggling with an addiction, contact Fairwinds Treatment Center, our admissions team can assess your situation and guide you to the best course of action to eliminate this disease from your life.
Authors Barry Meier and Bill Marsh A very insightful article about the growth of opioid use (legal and illegal) over the past 10 years and the related costs associated was published by the New York Times last week.
"Profiting from Pain" covers the increase of opioid prescriptions to treat long-term pain, while the supporting data in "The Soaring Cost of the Opioid Economy" presents the economy this opioid epidemic has created.
Excerpt...
THE use of narcotic painkillers, or opioids, has boomed over the past decade as drug makers and doctors have promoted them for a new use: treating long-term pain from back injuries, headaches, arthritis and conditions like fibromyalgia. Insurers have also grown to see pills as a cheaper way to treat chronic pain than other methods.
Multimedia
The Soaring Cost of the Opioid Economy
Some patients are greatly helped by opioids, a large family of medications. Among the more widely used opioids are oxycodone, which is found in Percocet and OxyContin, and hydrocodone, which is used in Vicodin. Other potent opioids include fentanyl and methadone. Narcotic painkillers are now the most widely prescribed class of medications in the United States, and prescriptions for the strongest opioids, including OxyContin, have increased nearly fourfold over the past decade.
There is increasing evidence, however, that such drugs, along with being widely abused, are often ineffective in treating long-term pain and can have serious consequences, particularly when used in high doses. Along with the risk of addiction, side effects can include psychological dependence, reduced drive, extreme lethargy and sleep apnea.
The economic costs associated with the painkiller boom have also proved enormous, giving rise to a host of unanticipated medical, legal and social costs. Over the past decade, the legal — and illegal — use of these drugs has given birth to new businesses and expanded existing ones. These include urine-screening tests to make sure patients are taking the drugs properly, added sales of addiction treatment drugs, growing emergency-room expenses, law-enforcement budgets and skyrocketing costs for insurers.
In the short run, treating a patient with an opioid like OxyContin, which costs about $6,000 a year, is less expensive than putting a patient through a pain-treatment program that emphasizes physical therapy and behavior modification. But over time, such programs, which run from $15,000 to $25,000, might yield far lower costs.
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If you or a loved one are struggling with a prescription drug addiction or substance abuse problem, contact the admissions team at Fairwinds to discuss your situation. Call 727-449-0300 or submit the contact form here. For 23 years, families have trusted Fairwinds Treatment Center to help their loves ones through our highly effective treatment programs for eating disorders and drug rehab.
It is well known the holiday season can be a double edged sword or sorts. Times that most consider happy can quickly trigger bouts of depression. This depression can cause an individual battling an eating disorder or drug addiction to turn to their illness as a comfort or escape.
Rather than allowing this to happen and dealig with the repercussions, there are steps one can take to stay positive through the holiday season, avoiding the pitfalls often seen this time of year with those family problems and money troubles.
Health.com interviewed several professionals on the subject of depression during the holidays and cam up with a helpful list of 11 tips for avoiding depression during the holiday season, hence avoiding trouble with an addiction, eating disorder or perhaps a relapse. Below is a list of tips compiled from their discussions.
11 Tips for Avoiding Holiday Depression Triggers
Plan ahead
Spend some time figuring out how to take care of yourself during this time, says John Sharp, MD, a psychiatrist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in Boston.
Come up with restorative routines, such as reading a book or napping, and write them on a calendar. In between shopping and baking, make sure these routines don't fall by the wayside.
"Figure out what basics are going to help you get through the holidays and make them a priority," Dr. Sharp says.
Avoid family conflict
There are a couple ways to save your sanity at family gatherings, says Jeffrey Greeson, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University School of Medicine, in Durham, N.C.
If you know there are going to be conflicts, prepare a neutral response, such as, "Let's talk about that another time," or, "I can see how you would feel that way."
Then escape to the restroom, offer to help in the kitchen, or go hang out with the kids. And it always helps to call a good friend if you need a sympathetic ear.
Forget perfection
Debbie Thurman, a 57-year-old from Monroe, Va., suffered from depression for years, and the holidays made it worse. From decorating to finding the perfect gifts, she felt overwhelmed.
At a support group's suggestion, she listed the simple things that really made her family happy, and she began traditions that helped the less fortunate.
"When you take your eyes off of yourself and focus on those who have far less than you do, you can't be depressed," she says. "I learned to be grateful for the blessings I had, and I had a lot."
Learn to grieve
If you are mourning a loved one, it's a good time to talk about your feelings or reach out to support groups.
"There's no one right way to feel," says Deborah Jonsson, public relations manager at Avow Hospice, in Collier County, Fla. It's not uncommon to feel angry at the person for leaving you alone or feeling guilty if you do enjoy yourself during the holidays.
"All feelings are a sign that you're human and reflect where you are in your healing process," Jonsson says.
Schedule some sleep
Holiday activities easily can interfere with your sleep schedule. But studies have shown there is a link between sleep loss and depression, so you need to be extra careful about cutting back on sleep to get everything done.
Try to get to bed and wake up at approximately the same time every day; avoid large meals and physical activity such as dancing within a few hours of bedtime; and make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary, free from TV or other distractions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Get help
When Thurman's children were young, she and her husband lived far away from their extended family. When she needed support during "black bouts of depression," she leaned on close friends.
She and her husband had two couples in particular that helped them through difficult times. "These friends were godsends," she says.
"I credit them with quite possibly helping to save my life," she says. "I also drew encouragement from a small support group of women who were dealing with depression."
Prioritize workouts
Exercise—one of the first activities to get lost in the holiday shuffle—should be placed high on your to-do list.
"The more stress we are under, the less time we feel like we have, and the more irritated our mood, the more we need to continue exercising," Greeson says. "Get out and do something; it helps use those calories from rich, fatty, sugary holiday foods."
Exercise has been shown to improve mood. Taking a brisk walk for 35 minutes five days a week (or 60 minutes three times a week) can do the trick.
Consider your light exposure
If you are consistently tired, irritable, and down at this time of year, it may not be due to the holidays as much as to the lack of exposure to the sun, Dr. Sharp says.
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, can be treated by long walks during daylight hours or exposure to a light box for about 30 minutes a day.
If you think you may be suffering from SAD, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
Focus on what matters
The holidays shouldn't be all about the presents, but financial woes can make it easy to lose sight of that.
Rein in the stress (and cost) by organizing a gift exchange with friends or family. You can also bake your gifts, or create traditions such as having a large potluck meal followed by a walk outside or board games by the fire.
"I think saying no is more of a relief instead of stretching and spending more than you have and still not doing enough," Dr. Sharp says.
Don't binge on food or alcohol
For some, overindulgence is as much of a holiday tradition as opening gifts. Carmen Harra, PhD, an author and psychologist in Hollywood, Fla., recommends more restraint.
"Have one piece of pie, not three," she says. "Apart from being unhealthy for your body, you will feel guilty afterward."
Harra recommends preparing for holiday dinners by eating healthy meals the week prior. And don't use alcohol to deal with holiday depression. Alcohol can intensify your emotions and leave you feeling worse when it wears off.
Cut back on commitments
If you feel like you just can't get through one more holiday gathering, it's OK to sit them out.
"One of the things about holiday stress we forget is that Thanksgiving and Christmas are both 24 hours and that's it," says Pauline Wallin, PhD, an author and clinical psychologist in Camp Hill, Penn.
Wallin recommends figuring out what you need to get through those 24 hours, such as volunteering, going on vacation, or visiting a shelter or someone who is alone. Focusing on others can help alleviate depression.
If someone you know is fighting a tough battle this year with a drug or alcohol addiction, or perhaps they are battling a severe eating disorder. Call Fairwinds at 727-449-0300 to speak wirh one of our admissions counselors to see if Fairwinds Treatment Center is a good fit.
The Holiday's are upon us. This can be a very stressful time of year for those struggling with an eating disorder and/or a substance abuse illness. People tend to start to put things off until after the Holidays, but treatment to eliminate an eating disorder, addiction or both should not be one of them.
In some cases it may be beneficial to be in a treatment facility during this time of year in order to bypass the family and social events that tend to produce damaging results for those with an ED or CD, while instead using this time to work towards recovery.
Fairwinds Treatment Center treats our patients like family. We are fully aware they have made an important decision to save their own life, and we take that very seriously and make sure our patientsare as comfortable as possible
Should you or a loved one be struggling with an eating disorder such as anorexia or blulimia, or perhaps drugs and alcohol are involved as well, please consider Fairwinds Treatment Center.
Patients at Fairwinds Treatment Center will:
- Meet with a psychiatrist EVERYDAY to help them address and overcome the issues at the source of their illness.
- Receive top level care from our full-time medical staff which includes highly trained nurses and seven specialized therapists.
- Attend and participate in a wide variety of therapeutic activities including, art therapy, family therapy, group therapy and fitness/wellness groups.
- Complete treatment with a fresh outlook on life, ready for a lasting recovery.
Fairwinds Treatment Center was founded in 1989 and is one of only a few dually licensed eating disorder and substance abuse treatment facility in the United States. We specialize in the treatment and recovery of both adolescent and adult eating disorders, male and female.
If you would like to discuss our treatment plan and how it works, please contact our admissions department at 727-449-0030 or email fairwinds@fairwindstreatment.com.
Happy Holidays,
Fairwinds Treatment Center recently released two new public service announcements to be aired on select channels. The following is the substance abuse message aimed at creating awareness of how an addiction can affect the most innocent members of a family.
For over 20 years, families have trusted Fairwinds Treatment Center to help their loves ones through our highly effective treatment programs for eating disorders and drug/alcohol rehab. As one of only a few dually licensed psychiatric and substance abuse centers in the nation to earn accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), we are here to provide the quality care your family needs to achieve a lasting recovery.
If you have a family member or close friend who is battling an addiction, now is the time to help them take the first step towards recovery. Contact Fairwinds Treatment Center here, or call 727-449-0300.
Binge drinking is at an all-time high and if you or someone close to you is abusing alcohol frequently, it's very important to seek help. Binge drinking at college campuses has gotten out of control and has some people thinking this is a "normal" way to be in college. Unfortunately these behaviors can extend past college, into adulthood and many other substance abuse problems and mental health issues can develop. Especially now that the summer is here, students have more free time to "party" and binge drink. This can be a dangerous time because of more house parties, bar specials, hot weather, and dehydration. But Summer can also be the perfect time to get help if you feel that your drinking habits are out of control. If you're tired of hangovers and the effects of alcohol, finding a solution to the problem is just a phone call away. Treatment is a very safe and therapeutic way to get your life back on track. If you or someone close to you has a problem with alcohol please give us a call (727) 449-0300, or contact us here and we can offer options.
Check out these resources to understand the dangers of binge drinking.
http://www.alifelesswasted.org
http://www.livestrong.com/article/569-facts-physical-effects-binge-drinking/
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/04/the-fun-of-being-drunk-is-all-in-your-head-not-the-bottle/256497/
Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center Helps Stop the Abuse and Starts the Healing
“Why can’t my wife stop drinking?”
“If my son really wanted to stop abusing drugs, he would.”
“I want to stop, but I just can’t face the day without it.”
If any of these statements sound familiar, please don’t wait contact Fairwinds Treatment Center today. Fairwinds Treatment Center provides highly effective alcohol and drug rehab treatment designed to heal the physical and emotional abuse of addiction.
What is Addiction?
Addiction, or chemical dependency, is a medically diagnosable brain and behavioral disease that is chronic, progressive and potentially fatal. But like many other diseases, drug and alcohol dependency can be successfully treated. There are three aspects of addiction:
- Biological – Addiction tends to run in families. If a parent or other close relative has struggled with chemical dependency, you are at greater risk because you may have inherited this family trait.
- Psychological – Depending on chemicals, such as alcohol and drugs to cope with problems and stress, contributes to addiction, as does having certain personality traits, such as impulsiveness, self-destructiveness, or the need for high levels of excitement.
- Social/Cultural – Easy access to alcohol and drugs, peer pressure, or relationships in which a friend or loved one uses alcohol or drugs can all contribute to addiction.
What are the Warning Signs?
An individual doesn’t have to experience all of these common signs or symptoms in order to have an alcohol or drug addiction:
- Uses alcohol or other drugs excessively or inappropriately
- Spends a lot of time getting or using substances
- Has trouble cutting down or stopping once he/she starts using
- Experiences withdrawal symptoms when he/she cuts down or stops using
- Uses alcohol or other drugs to avoid or stop withdrawal symptoms
- Uses substances even though they are causing problems in his/her life
- Gives up important activities or loses friendships because of substance use
- Stops using for a period of time (days, weeks or months), only to start up again
- Gets into trouble with the law because of use
- Has blackouts, or forgets conversations or actions while under the influence of chemicals
If you or your loved one is exhibiting any of the warning signs of addiction or abuse, please don’t wait. Fairwinds Treatment Center provides highly effective alcohol and drug addiction rehabilitation services for this dangerous disease. Contact us via email or call 1-800-226-0301 today to find out more.
A recent SAMHSA survey found a higher rate of substance use disorders among those who reported a mental illness in 2010. The study found that among all adults, 20 percent experienced mental illness last year.
As many as 1 in 5 adults experienced a mental illness last year, reports the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in its National Survey on Drug Use and Health released in January. This group, according to the survey, was three times more likely to meet the criteria for substance abuse or dependence than were adults 18 years or older who reported no mental health symptoms in 2010. About 20 percent of adults with mental health disorders had co-occurring substance use disorders, whereas only 6 percent of adults without mental illness met the criteria for substance abuse or dependence.
Only 39 percent of those reporting symptoms received mental health services, the survey indicated. "The data underscores the importance of substance abuse treatment as well," said SAMHSA administrator Pamela S. Hyde.
Full report here.
A dually licensed treatment facility, Fairwinds Treatment Center helps those with co-occuring disorders involving substance abuse and mental illness. To find out more, contact Fairwinds Treatment Center here or call 800.226.0301.
Trying to quit drinking is a difficult task, especially if most of your friends and family drink around you on a regular basis. There seems to always be a temptation to have a drink or two yourself – thinking “why does it matter” or “If they can, why can’t I?” But if you are reading this post, you have reasons you have decided to quit drinking and know that just having “one or two” will lead to more.
It can feel very isolated being the only one not drinking. Before, you were used to being part of the party, but suddenly everyone seems to be having a great time, while you feel left out.
This feeling is normally accompanied by concerned friends or relatives, pressuring you to just give up.
This will probably sound familiar:
• “What’s wrong with you?”
• “Come on, you can have just one…”
• “You’re a lot more fun when you are drinking…”
These comments make it even harder to refrain, and your fun evening can just turn into a stressful event. Of course this all depends on the company you’re with. If you’re just with your family or your partner in a restaurant then obviously the pressure won’t be so awkward, going to but pubs, bars and clubs where most people are drinking and will take some getting used to. It’s best to simply avoid these places for a while (or all together) once you’ve made the decision to quit drinking.
In situations where the temptation cannot be avoided, it helps to get a friend on your side. This would be someone who doesn’t drink, has also decided to stop drinking is prepared to be sober for the evening to keep you company. This way you won’t feel quite so alone and you’ll have somebody else who’s on your level and provide support for you if/when you feel like giving into your cravings for a drink. This won’t be necessary forever and it will get easier the longer you are sober.
Fairwinds Treatment Center is a dually licensed psychiatric treatment facility helping those recover from alcoholism and live sober, healthy lives. If you or a loved one is struggling with a drinking problem, Fairwinds Treatment Center is here to help. For more information, contact Fairwinds Treatment Center today.
Addiction to Drugs and Alcohol Affects All of Us.
Here is another video from The Partnership at Drugfree.org - this one is a family sharing their experiences as their son battled and recovered from drug addiction. The main message being, you are not alone and it's never too late to seek help. Recovery and sobriety is attainable and can be an amazing experience.
More than a quarter of the United States population is directly impacted by drug addiction. Together we can transform stigma and isolation into hope and change.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance abuse, seek help.
Fairwinds Treatment Center is a dually licensed treatment facility specializing in helping those with addictions to recover so they may live long, healthy lives. Our admissions counselors are here to discuss your situation and guide you into recovery. For more information contact Fairwinds Treatment Center here or call 727-449-0300.