Dear D,

One of my family members confessed to me about being addicted to drugs. She made me swear I wouldn’t tell anyone, though. I’m afraid to tell, but I think I should for her safety. Should I? —Veronica, 11

Dear D,

Some of my friends think I have a drinking problem. I don’t know if I do or not. Most of my friends drink a lot more than I do. I only drink on the weekends when I’m out with friends. But when I do drink I get really drunk and out of control. I usually end up getting sick and passing out. I like the way I feel when I’m drunk, but I sometimes do embarrassing things that my friends make fun of me for. Do you think I have a drinking problem? —Anonymous

Dear Veronica and Anonymous,

First off, thank you so much for writing about something so personal. You are both extremely brave for opening up and seeking guidance. Many people think teens are too young to be addicted, so it’s great that you’re taking this seriously. A lot of teen girls are facing issues in their lives and don’t look for change. By choosing to speak out, you’re not only helping yourselves, but also our readers who may be in similar dilemmas.

April  Whitlow, 19, Missouri

Veronica, the fact that your family member confessed to you about her addiction makes it obvious that she knows she has a problem and wants help. Her situation, if not addressed, could become life-threatening. At this point it’s not a betrayal issue, but a safety issue. It’s clear that you deeply love your family member and that you’re close to each other, but even if she’s upset with you at first, if you tell an adult it will benefit her in the long run and potentially save her life. She may even come to thank you.

Anonymous, your problem sounds like you may have an addiction to alcohol. The behavior you describe--“being out of control” and “getting sick and passing out”--makes it clear that this is a habit that you need help with in order to stop. You said you liked the feeling when you got drunk, however feeding into this pleasure too much and for too long can be dangerous. Your body can, and may have already, become dependent on it.
Remember, Veronica and Anonymous, addiction means your body thinks it can’t live without the substance which makes it hard to stop doing it alone. The most important thing is to confide in a trusted parent, mentor, coach, guidance counselor, or someone else who could offer support to you and your loved ones. If you’re uncomfortable addressing someone about this face to face, there are hotlines you can call anonymously to seek professional advice. With help, such as a twelve-step program, support groups, or counseling, each of you will get through this battle. You’re not alone in this struggle; many other teens deal with similar issues. Your bravery will be an inspiration to others facing addiction. Thanks again for writing to D!

Words to Know:
Addict: A person who has become dependent on an activity, habit, or substance.
Addiction: A persistent physical and/or mental need for something.
Intervention: Confronting an addict about her substance abuse/addiction in order to help her recover. Intervention usually involves a number of important people in the addict’s life confronting her together with the intention of taking her directly to rehab. The idea is to confront the addict so strongly that she cannot avoid going for help right then, that day, no ifs, ands, or buts.
Recovery: Someone who has stopped the addicted behavior and is actively pursuing a clean and sober lifestyle (by going to a support group, seeing a counselor, or simply being actively aware of her issues and seeking healthy alternatives) is considered to be “in recovery.”
Rehab: A program that helps people overcome addictions and regain their health through therapy and education. Some rehab programs are called inpatient or residential, which means you live there, and some are outpatient, which means you keep living at home.

Quiz

How do you know you’re addicted?
Do you fit the signs of addiction? Answer yes or no.
Is there something in your life that you can’t stop doing or using?
If you stopped, would you begin to have withdrawal pains or would your behavior be affected?
Do you constantly think and/or talk about something?
Do your friends and/or family think you’re addicted to something?
Do you have a habit that you hide from others?

If you answered yes to most of these questions it may be a sign of addiction. Speaking up and seeking help are the first steps toward addressing your problem. Addiction is a common issue that many teen girls face. You are NOT ALONE!

Fiona Talks about Teens and Addiction
An interview with Fiona Ray, M.A.

As an educator and a counselor, Fiona has extensive experience working with individuals dealing with substance abuse. She has been in the field for more than five years, working with teens as well as their families to help them grow and to prevent relapse. Fiona currently works as Program Coordinator and Chemical Dependency Counselor for Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers. Fiona is a member of the Women’s Association of Addiction Treatment, the American Counseling Association, and the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists. We asked her some questions about teen addiction.

Teen Voices: What are the signs and symptoms of addiction? How does someone know they’re addicted?
Fiona Ray: One way to tell is if you are experiencing physical cravings. If it’s a mental obsession, how much of the day are you thinking about it? When you do it, can you stop? A person who isn’t an addict can stop after one or two, but are you compelled to keep going? Has it gotten in the way of your functioning as far as school is concerned, or work or family or finances?

TV: What types of addictions are most common among teenagers today?
Fiona: What you see mostly with teens is substance abuse or dependence usually coupled with other compulsive* or impulsive* behaviors. I often see eating disorders, coupled with substance abuse, especially with females. A minimum of 50 percent of the girls who suffer from substance abuse also have an eating disorder.

TV: Sometimes we see teen years as the time to experiment with different things, so is the use of all drugs or alcohol evidence of addiction?
Fiona: I think there’s something to be said for experimentation and curiosity, but when it becomes a tool or coping mechanism*, that’s when the flags are raised and you have to start looking at it.

TV: When we see celebrities checking into treatment centers and checking out a week or two later, are they really cured so quickly?
Fiona: Treatment is always individualized and you always have to meet the client where they’re at. You have to develop a treatment plan that is appropriate for that individual. Do I think two weeks is enough? No.

TV: What kind of person can form an addiction?
Fiona: You don’t have to have a crappy life and you don’t have to have a good life to be an addict or an alcoholic. Addiction does not discriminate, it goes across the board. [Editor’s Note: If any of your family members have issues with substance abuse, you may be more at risk for developing an addiction.]

TV: Do you have any additional information or comments that might benefit our readers?
Fiona: If left untreated, addiction can result in death, frankly. The thing with teens is that it is so important to give a teen the opportunity to get help young without going through life with it untreated and having to deal with it in their 20s.

*Compulsive: A very strong impulse that makes you do something.
*Impulsive: An urge or an inborn drive.
*Coping mechanism: A way of dealing with stress.

For More Info:

Visions Adolescent Treatment Center: 866-889-3665
Teen Drug Abuse: 886-323-5611, teen-drug-abuse.org (hotline and informational site)
www.411intervention.com (helps with the intervention process, from beginning to end)
www.Dailystrength.org (find a support group near you)
Adolescence, Alcohol, and Substance Abuse: Reaching Teens through Brief Interventions, Edited by Peter M. Monti, Suzanne M. Colby, and Tracy A. O’ Leary
Young, Sober & Free: Experience, Strength, and Hope for Young Adults, By Shelly Marshall
Sources:
www.visionsteen.com, www.helpyourteens.com, www.dictionary.com, www.coping.org, www.teen-drug-abuse.org