Social media is, in theory, a fantastic way to stay up to date with long distance family and friends, discover new places to explore, or learn tips that make daily tasks easier. With increasingly more presence, accessibility, and utilization, it’s nearly necessary if we wish to remain connected to the world around us. What happens though, when this overwhelmingly powerful  platform lands in the wrong hands, those that are young, impressionable, and susceptible to the dangers held beneath the surface?

In the culture of today, you’d be hard-pressed to find a significant amount of people, especially young people, “unplugged.” With a swipe of a screen or a press of a button, the worldwide web lights up our devices, providing access to all we could possibly hope to learn—and even more we wouldn’t.

The Monolith Menace

In August of 2020 14-year-old Englyn Roberts died by suicide. Her parents, Toney and Brandy, told Sharyn Alfonsi, host of CBS News’ 60 Minutes, they had no idea that the bright and sunny baby of the family, was struggling with depression and thoughts of suicide. It was only after they searched through her phone that they found a simulation video of a woman demonstrating how to hang oneself. A video that according to Brandy, was still circulating online roughly a year and a half after her daughter’s death and was only taken down in December of 2021.

Alexis Spence, now 20, developed depression and an eating disorder at age 12 after Instagram algorithms led her to pro-anorexia accounts from an innocent search for exercise tips. Her parents had given her the phone to communicate with them after school and middle school teachers themselves, had taken precautions by setting up age restrictions and a schedule in which young Alexis was allowed to use her smart phone. In the same 60 Minutes segment, aired earlier this week, Alexis told Alfonsi that she learned “pretty quickly” how to sneak phone use and override the parental controls which ultimately contributed to a downward spiral into dangerous waters.

These stories are just two of the more than 1,200 families pressing charges against big social media companies such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Roblox, and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. According to 60 Minutes, over 150 cases will be moving forward after the start of the new year. All of the companies contacted for the story declined comment.

Evidence That Companies Know Their Influence And Impact On Youth

Last fall, previous Facebook data scientist, Frances Haugen testified in front of a Senate subcommittee that the major social media company actively “…harms children, sows division and undermines democracy in pursuit of breakneck growth and ‘astronomical profits.” A Facebook employee for nearly two years, Haugen’s job was to research how foreign adversaries utilized misinformation that was promoted through the company’s algorithms. Hardly the first ex-employee to blow the whistle on the tech giant, Haugen’s testimony was backed by dozens of research documents she’d copied before she left; accurately coined “The Facebook Files,” these papers proved that Facebook “…intentionally hides vital information from the public, from the US government, and from governments around the world.”

Executives of the company such as Monika Bickert and Mark Zuckerberg himself released statements that the information Haugen provided was taken out of context. The leaked research, however, shows otherwise. In one survey, 13.5% of teenage girls in the UK and 6% in America responded that their suicidal thoughts increased after using Instagram. Another found that roughly 32% of teen girls (presumably globally), or 1 in 3, experienced increased negative body image issues after scrolling through the photo-sharing platform.

According to the Wall Street Journal, over 40% of Instagram’s users are 22 years old and younger with approximately 22 million teenagers logging in each day, placing the app in a high profile, incredibly influential position for young people around the world.

Social Media Victims Center: The Attorney Taking On Social Media Giants

After reading the Facebook Files, attorney Matt Bergman, a product liability lawyer, started the Social Media Victims Center to aid and support families suffering at the hands of social media companies’ negligence. Representing the Spence and Roberts family, as well as the hundreds of other families pressing charges, Bergman told Alfonsi, “Time and time again, when they have an opportunity to choose between safety of our kids and profits, they always choose profits…I’m all for parental responsibility. But these products are explicitly designed to evade parental authority.”

Sometime next year Bergman and his team will begin the process for a federal case against Meta and others. This multi-million-dollar lawsuit, he says, is about more than just the money, but a plea for policy change. At this time, he outlines a three-pronged approach that addresses the lackadaisical, easily evaded age verification, the harmful and unnecessary algorithms, and a better way of ensuring that parents are informed. “Let’s be realistic, you’re never gonna have social media platforms be 100% safe. But, you know, these changes would make them safer.”

Social Media Addiction? Get The Help You Need

Despite it not being listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), research shows a strong correlation between social media use and signs/symptoms of other addictive behaviors. Because it is largely the way of the world and a huge form of communication these days, daily social media use might be normal or expected. Trouble arises when the scrolling and thoughts of the scrolling become excessive and consuming. Add in the influx of influencers and edited material designed to gain traction and attention and it’s no wonder teens in particular experience severe mental health consequences.

If you or someone you love is exhibiting signs of a social media addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are resources available to assist you. Learn about online therapy and how it can be used to treat social media addiction, from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Try Online Therapy

Get professional help from an addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp by phone, video, or live-chat.

Take the Quiz. Get Matched. Begin Therapy.

GET STARTED NOW

Online therapy can help you with long term addiction support. Connect with a therapist from Talkspace anytime, anywhere.

Get matched with a therapist now.

GET STARTED NOW

Begin making positive changes with Online-Therapy.com. Quality online therapy, from the comfort of home.

Answer a few questions to get started.

GET STARTED NOW

Paid Advertising. We may receive advertising fees if you follow links to promoted online therapy websites.

The post Hundreds Of Families Suing Social Media Giants appeared first on Addiction Center.

Recent data collected by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has found that young adults between the ages of 19 and 30 are using Marijuana and Hallucinogens at the highest rates since 1988.

“Young adults are in a critical life stage and honing their ability to make informed choices,” said Dr. Nora Volkow, the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an NIH subsidiary. “Understanding how substance use can impact the formative choices in young adulthood is critical to help position the new generations for success.”

The data, collected between April 2021 through October 2021, included annual surveys of 108,000 individuals, beginning at 8th grade and into early adulthood.

Marijuana Use Among Young Adults

Marijuana was among one of the most used substances among both young adults and adults in 2021. According to the data, the number of young adults in 2021 who said they had used Marijuana in the last year was 43%. Nearly 30% said they had used Marijuana in the last month, while over 10% said they used it daily.

According to those involved with the study, daily use was defined as using Marijuana 20 or more times in the last month. This metric increased more than 8% from 2016.

Along with an overall increase in Marijuana use, the number of young adults who reported using a Marijuana vape device more than doubled from just 6% in 2017 to over 12% in 2021. This amount of reported use reached levels higher than what was observed during the pandemic, according to experts.

Hallucinogen Use Among Young Adults

In decades past, the number of young adults who reported using Hallucinogens had been fairly consistent year-over-year. That is until rates started spiking in 2020. Rates spiked so high, in fact, that in 2021 the number of young adults who reported using Hallucinogens in the past year reached 8%, the highest since 1988.

Among reported Hallucinogen use was LSD, which accounted for about 4.2% of all Hallucinogen use. Other reported Hallucinogen use included Mescaline, Shrooms, PCP, and MDMA (Ecstasy). Researchers noted, however, that the use of Ecstasy decreased among young adults, from 5% in 2020 to 3% in 2021.

Other Substances Reported

Even more so than Marijuana and Hallucinogens, the most reported substance used among young adults was alcohol, which nearly 82% of all young adults reported using in the last year. The data did reflect, however, that the rate of alcohol use has been on the decline for the past 10 years.

However, the data showed that binge drinking, which was defined as having 5 or more drinks in a row, was increasing once again after hitting an all-time low in 2020. At that time, the number of young adults who reported was around 28%, however, that number has increased by nearly 15% to 32% in 2021.

Binge drinking wasn’t the only alarming alcohol-related trend that saw an increase in 2021. High-intensity drinking, defined as having more than 10 drinks in a row, has been increasing steadily in the last 10 years as well. In 2016, high-intensity drinking hit its highest rate, 9.6%, since 2005. Now, the number of young adults who reported high-intensity drinking in the last 2 weeks is 13.1%.

Along with alcohol, young adults also reported increased use of Nicotine vape products. Since 2017, the prevalence of Nicotine vapes among young adults more than tripled from 6% to 16% in 2021.

Researchers noted that the use of both Nicotine cigarettes and Opioids has been on the decline in the last 10 years.

Why Are Young Adults Using Substances At Such Alarming Rates?

There are many reasons why young adults, particularly those in their late teen years, may use substances. Young adults face challenges that are unique and are often a first-time experience for many. The development of the brain, the desire to fit in or to feel good, or simply the curiosity to experiment are all reasons why a young adult may choose to use substances.

The frontal lobe of the brain, which is responsible for decision-making, natural inhibitions, processing, and cognitive flexibility doesn’t fully develop until a person’s mid-20s. However, the reward center of the brain, known as the striatum, is fully developed much sooner. This has led many experts to believe that this delayed maturation is to blame for young adults’ tendencies to use substances.

Many young adults may choose to use substances to help “self-medicate” or to help cope with a mental illness. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly 1 in 3 young adults aged 18 to 25 reported having a mental illness in 2020. Furthermore, more than 50% of people who report having a substance use disorder (SUD) also report struggling with mental illness. People who struggle with mental illness at an early age are at a higher risk of developing a SUD at some point in their lives. Because of this, it’s important to seek treatment for mental illness as soon as symptoms arise.

Getting Help For A Substance Use Disorder As A Young Adult

Getting help for a mental health disorder or addiction is not something reserved for adults or those with serious, life-threatening conditions. Like many ailments, the sooner you get help for a mental health disorder or addiction, the higher your likelihood of a successful, long-term recovery.

There are many options for young adults who are looking to enter treatment, many of which can address addiction and mental health simultaneously. Services like inpatient rehab can be a great option for young adults who may be struggling with co-occurring addiction and mental health conditions, as it offers 24/7 care and can offer many programs aimed at helping young adults learn how to cope with the stresses of adulthood.

For milder addictions or mental health concerns, outpatient programs should be considered, especially for those who may not wish to completely disrupt their lives. Outpatient programs allow patients to undergo treatment while still spending time at home with loved ones.

Treatment Is Available

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, waiting to get help can only make things worse. Marijuana and hallucinogen use is on the rise among young adults, and with it are cases of addiction. If you are looking for help, know there are people ready and willing to help you start your journey toward recovery. For more information about what treatment options are available to young adults, contact a treatment provider today.

The post Marijuana And Hallucinogen Use In Young Adults Peaks appeared first on Addiction Center.

Every year since 1975, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) surveys the nation’s young people on their drug use. The questionnaire targets grades 8, 10, and 12, and for the first time since its introduction 46 years ago, there is a decrease in teen drug usage.

The survey, called “Monitoring the Future,” measures such drugs as alcohol, Marijuana, Nicotine (through vaping) and any other illicit substances. Conducted by a team at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research, the survey is self-reported over various increments of time: 30 days, 12 months, and a lifetime, and students are asked about associated perceptions of harm, disapproval of use, and speculated availability of drugs. The data is collected from mid-winter to early summer and reported in the same year, giving the most accurate, timely snapshot of young people’s overall relationship with drug use.

Teen Drug Usage Statistics

The numbers don’t lie; here is a screenshot depicting the noticeable decline in usage among teens in the monitored substances:

Alcohol:

8^th graders: 17.2% in 2021 from 20.5% in 2020 (3.3% decline)

10^th graders: 28.5% in 2021 from 40.7% in 2020 (12.2% decline)

12^th graders: 46.5% in 2021 from 55.3% in 2020 (8.8% decline)

Marijuana:

8^th graders: 7.1% in 2021 from 11.4% in 2020 (4.3% decline)

10^th graders: 17.3% in 2021 from 28.0% in 2020 (10.7% decline)

12^th graders: 30.5% in 2021 from 35.2% in 2020 (4.7% decline)

 Vaping:

8^th graders: 12.1% in 2021 from 16.6% in 2020 (4.5% decline)

10^th graders: 20% in 2021 from 31% in 2020 (11% decline)

12^th graders: 27% in 2021 from 35% in 2020 (8% decline)

Illicit drugs (other than Marijuana):

8^th graders: 4.6% in 2021 from 7.7% in 2020 (3.1% decline)

10^th graders: 5.1% in 2021 from 8.6% in 2020 (3.5% decline)

12^th graders: 7.2% in 2021 from 11.4% in 2020 (4.2% decline)

Mental Health And Pandemic-Related Hypotheses

In addition to teen’s use and perception of drugs, the study also investigates the overall mental health of the participants, specifically regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Across all age groups, students reported increases in feelings of boredom, anxiety, depression, loneliness, worry, difficulty sleeping, and other negative mental health indicators since the pandemic started back in March of 2020. Principle investigator of the study and professor of research at University of Michigan, Richard Miech, hypothesized, “These declines are an unintended consequence of the pandemic. Among the many disruptions adolescents have experienced as a result of the pandemic are disruptions in their ability to get drugs, disruptions in their ability to use drugs outside of parental supervision, and disruptions in peer groups that encourage drug use.”

There are many possible reasons for the decline that the director of NIDA, Nora D. Volkow, MD called “unprecedented” in the wake of the global health crisis:

These data are unprecedented and highlight one unexpected potential consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused seismic shifts in the day-to-day lives of adolescents. Moving forward, it will be crucial to identify the pivotal elements of this past year that contributed to decreased drug use—whether related to drug availability, family involvement, differences in peer pressure, or other factors—and harness them to inform future prevention efforts.

Other researchers are saying that a possible explanation for the decrease in the statistics is that there is a decently sized portion of adolescents who have not used drugs in the last year, but otherwise might have if not for the very obscure circumstances and stipulations brought forth by the pandemic. These teenagers may have been spared some of the psycho-neural experiences and changes that often increase susceptibility for future drug use and potential addiction, but as the research is still so new, there is no way to tell at this time. In a separate study evaluating 10 to 14-year olds’ drug use throughout the pandemic, Dr. Volkow said, “Recognizing how the stress of the past year translates into substance use has profound implications into adulthood, because drinking and drug use at these ages are associated with a substantially higher risk of long-term alcohol and drug use disorders and related harms.”

Check if my insurance covers rehab

Addiction Center is not affiliated with any insurance.

Evidence-Based Prevention To Maintain Research Results

Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy commented: “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to using data and evidence to guide our prevention efforts so it is important to identify all the factors that may have led to this decrease in substance use to better inform prevention strategies moving forward. The Administration is investing historic levels of funding for evidence-based prevention programs because delaying substance use until after adolescence significantly reduces the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder.”

Hopefully, through awareness, research-aided prevention, and funding, the trends continue the crawl down in this manner. Only time will tell for sure.

The post Teen Drug Usage Down Within The Last Year appeared first on Addiction Center.

This Tuesday, Instagram debuted a new feature that they think can help to lower social media addiction amongst users. The photo sharing app’s “Take a break” tool was released after facing months of criticism for their child safety practices. The head of Instagram, Andrew Morresi, is set to appear before congress to address the topic on December 8th. 

Social Media Addiction

It is estimated that 10% of people in the US are experiencing an addiction to social media. While there is no medical diagnosis, overuse and compulsive social media behaviors can have negative effects on one’s physical and mental health. Research has shown that using social media can produce a similar dopamine increase to substance use. This chemical, which is associated with pleasure, is viewed by the brain as rewarding. This positive reinforcement is temporary, causing users to return to the app when it wears off. 

Try Online Therapy

Get professional help from an addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp by phone, video, or live-chat.

Take the Quiz. Get Matched. Begin Therapy.

GET STARTED NOW

Online therapy can help you with long term addiction support. Connect with a therapist from Talkspace anytime, anywhere.

Get matched with a therapist now.

GET STARTED NOW

Paid Advertising. We may receive advertising fees if you follow links to promoted online therapy websites.

While not everyone who uses social media will form an addiction, excessive use is a problem when it interferes with other aspects of an individual’s life. Negative effects of a social media addiction include:

• Low self-esteem 
• Feelings of loneliness and isolation
• Anxiety
• Depression 
• Disrupted sleep schedule
• Decreased school or work performance 
• Lack of empathy
• Not putting effort into “real life” relationships

What Is Instagram’s “Take A Break” Tool?

Instagram’s new “Take A Break” feature was designed to prevent social media addiction by urging users to close out the app after a set amount of time. Those who choose to utilize this setting must choose between 10, 20, or 30 minutes of use. After the selected amount of minutes has passed, users receive a full screen alert which includes suggested alternative activities. These suggestions include: taking a deep breath, writing something down, checking their to-do list, and listening to a song. 

This latest Instagram tool is available this week in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. The social media company has also said that they are developing other tools to address these issues. They intended on creating a tool that will allow users to delete comments, posts, and previous likes in bulk. Additionally, they are working on an educational hub to provide resources for parents, as well as manage and view their child’s social media use. 

Instagram’s Impact On Young People

In October of this year, a former employee of Meta (previously Facebook) supplied a series of internal documents to journalists. Known as “The Facebook Papers,” these documents revealed that the tech conglomerate had conducted research on how Instagram can impact the teens who use their app. Meta’s data showed that 1/3rd of teenage girls reported that Instagram made them feel worse about their bodies.

One of the insider documents, released by France Haugen, reads, “Comparisons on Instagram can change how young women view and describe themselves.”

Even with the knowledge of the potential damage to mental health and body image, the company had not made any changes to their services or engagement techniques. In response to the whistle blower’s claims, a bipartisan group of state attorney general’s initiated an investigation into Meta. The 11 states involved in this investigation intend on examining how Instagram works to increase frequency and engagement specifically for young people. 

Meta claims that the initial reporting of their data lacked context and did not include important information. They insist that the survey of young girls included 12 issues total and that using Instagram made them feel better in all of the 11 other categories. 

A spokesperson for Meta said, “These accusations are false and demonstrate a deep misunderstanding of the facts. While challenges in protecting young people online impact the entire industry, we’ve led the industry in combating bullying and supporting people struggling with suicidal thoughts, self-injury, and eating disorders.”

The company has also halted the development of a previously announced version of Instagram intended for only children to use. 

Is Instagram Designed For Addiction?

App developer Peter Mezyk spoke with Business Insider on the addictive qualities of social media platforms like Instagram. Mezyk told the site the ability of an app to introduce a new habit is often used to measure its success. Facebook and Instagram encourage habitual use because more time spent on the app increases their ad revenue. Mezyk described attention as currency in this situation. Because of this, it is believed that Instagram and Facebook are deliberately designed to lead to an addiction.

Mezyk also outlined the 3 criteria apps use to cause a habit to form: sufficient motivation, an action, and a trigger. This is called the “three-pronged approach” which is based on the Fogg Behavioral Model. Motivations are the reason users open an app, such as feeling like they might be missing out on something. Receiving a notification, and other triggers, cause users to click on the app. Actions, like tapping the like button, begin the behavioral loop. 

Mezyk believes that apps are mostly designed to be addictive because they don’t prioritize ethics. “The reason some apps are addictive is that most companies first ask themselves how they can make money with them – but ethical app development focuses on the user,” Mezyk said. 

Holding Meta Accountable

This week a group of around 300 scientists from the psychology, technology, and health fields penned an open letter to Mark Zuckerberg. These scientists have asked Meta’s CEO to allow outside researchers in to evaluate potential negative mental health effects from their apps.

It was stated in this letter that the group does not think that the leaked research alone proves the damage caused by Meta. They also wrote that the issues of teen and child mental health are too serious for Meta to withhold their data. 

Instagram’s CEO, Adam Mosseri, will testify under oath in front of congress for the first time this week. This panel, which is a subcommittee of the senate’s Commerce Committee, will be led by Senator Richard Blumenthal. He has said that he intends on asking questions about the app’s algorithms and how they can affect how children engage on the app. The panel is hoping to get Instagram to commit to being transparent about their rankings and recommendations. Executives at Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube have already made a similar commitment. 

In addition to Instagram’s new “Take a break” setting, they have said they want to take a stricter approach when recommending content to teens. They plan to do so by actively suggesting alternative topics when young users have spent too much time viewing any type of content.

While these new measures aim to lower social media addiction, many individuals may still want to consider treatment for social media addiction. If you’re interested in learning more about online therapy options for social media addiction, click here.

Try Online Therapy

Get professional help from an addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp by phone, video, or live-chat.

Take the Quiz. Get Matched. Begin Therapy.

GET STARTED NOW

Online therapy can help you with long term addiction support. Connect with a therapist from Talkspace anytime, anywhere.

Get matched with a therapist now.

GET STARTED NOW

Begin making positive changes with Online-Therapy.com. Quality online therapy, from the comfort of home.

Answer a few questions to get started.

GET STARTED NOW

Paid Advertising. We may receive advertising fees if you follow links to promoted online therapy websites.

The post New Instagram Tool Addresses Social Media Addiction appeared first on Addiction Center.

Historically, young adults and alcohol have meshed together like coffee and cream. Whether at a party or group outing, alcohol has always been a staple in American social events. Surprisingly, the trend seems to be changing. More Millennials and Gen Z are abstaining from alcohol more than ever before. They are cutting down or choosing not to drink at all. 

Dubbed as the “Dry Generation,” 30% of college-aged adults are avoiding drinking. Traditionally, consuming alcohol was considered a right of passage into adulthood. Learning how to “hold your liquor” is a skill that takes practice and signifies maturity. Fast-forward to today; these newer generations are quickly doing away with the toxic tradition. Researchers found that alcohol abstinence between 16 to 24-year-olds increased from 18% in 2005 to 29% in 2015. They also discovered that alcohol abuse among the same age group decreased by 50% from 2002 to 2018. Why are young Americans drinking less? 

Young Adults, Smoking Habits, And Illicit Drug Use

According to a study performed by the University of Michigan, the answer may be found in the “Dry Generation’s” smoking habits and illicit drug use. In the U.S., daily Marijuana use is up to 7.8%. The amount of cannabis users is the highest it’s been in over 40 years. There is also a rise in Amphetamine use. The misuse of Amphetamines like Ritalin and Adderall rose to about 3%. Hookah and e-vaporizers are also trending. Almost a fifth of young adults either vape or smoke hookah. 

The trend to experiment with new substances among young adults is changing the nation’s traditional landscape. When experimenting, older generations like Baby Boomers or Gen X used to drink alcohol or smoke weed. Today, individuals are staying away from alcohol and trying new substances or mixing. The shift is giving rise to co-occurring disorders. 

The Co-Occurring Disorder Trend Among Young Adults

The co-occurring disorder trend among young adults is climbing. A recent survey identified that 18% of college-age adults who drink and smoke weed enjoy being “crossfaded.” Being “crossfaded” is a slang term for getting drunk and high from Marijuana at the same time. Crossfading is glamorized by celebrities like Lil Wayne and Ryan Langdon. The trend has gained popularity among youth and is commonly seen in college parties. 

Though being crossfaded is deemed as relatively harmless, it is far from it. People who smoke weed and drink are more likely to binge or develop an alcohol addiction. It also makes it difficult to gauge how intoxicated a person may be. The lack of symptoms can lead to negative outcomes like drunk driving. The less intoxicated a person seems, the more likely they are to engage in dangerous behaviors like driving under the influence. Drinking while smoking is associated with a higher likelihood of driving under the influence and DUI’s. What is even more concerning is the 75% of co-users who also take other illicit substances. In 2020, the University of Michigan revealed that a fifth of young Americans misused prescription drugs while “crossfaded.” In contrast, only 2.5% of young adults who abstained from alcohol and marijuana misused prescription drugs. 

Check if my insurance covers rehab

Addiction Center is not affiliated with any insurance.

Alcohol Abstinence, Weed Use: The Key To Polysubstance Abuse?

Based on recent research, alcohol abstinence does not lead to polysubstance abuse. However, there is a rise in drug experimentation, which may be leading to co-occurring disorders. Young adults are using Marijuana more than ever before. This increase in weed’s popularity may be correlated with the rise of polysubstance abuse. It is still too early to tell whether this correlation is true and more research is needed. In the meantime, Marijuana will only continue to gain popularity as it becomes legalized in many states. 

The post More Young Adults Are Abstaining From Alcohol appeared first on Addiction Center.

Early childhood adversity is a motivating factor in child and adult substance abuse and challenging mental health conditions. Because of the vulnerability children have and the exposure to traumatic circumstances, the child could end up scarred for life and coping in various ways. Early childhood adversity are conditions or actions that negatively impact the wellbeing of the child, and in some cases, can result in a broken family and foster care arrangements.

There were a reported 28.6 million children of adult alcoholics in 2017, amounting to 11 million who were 18 and younger. Adult children of alcoholics were reported to endure toxic stress and develop caretaking tendencies that can create future addiction or codependent dynamics. Furthermore, children who endured early childhood adversity were reported to have a lifespan shortened by 20 years if they scored 6 or more points.

Genetic, Environmental Factors & Early Childhood Adversity

Examples of early childhood adversity include parental divorce, parental neglect, child abuse, sexual child abuse or molestation, seeing a parent abuse drugs or alcohol, having a parent go to jail, having a parent endure mental disorders, seeing parents fight or become violent with each other, and witnessing a parent who abuses substances. Young girls and boys were twice as likely to be victims of incest due to an alcoholic parent. Secondly, children who grew up with the early childhood adversity of seeing a parent battle alcoholism were twice as likely to marry someone with the same addiction.

Early Childhood Adversity, Mental Health & Toxic Stress

All of these conditions are challenging for anyone of any age to endure, and when a child is in such conditions, can scar them for years. Unfortunately, the child can re-enact patterns they witnessed in childhood and either seek out partners with addictions to care for, re-enact scenes of violence, develop mental health challenges like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or abuse harmful chemicals. Additionally, behaviors and personal challenges like low self-esteem, low self-worth, academic difficulties, and challenges with trusting people can ensue.

Another major side effect of early childhood adversity is toxic stress, which are high amounts of stress that can endanger the child’s immunity. When children are stressed due to having to caretake a parent with substance abuse, they risk irritability, poor immunity, and mental or emotional tension because of it. Anxiety can emerge as another effect, and poor coping mechanisms can increase the likelihood of toxic stress.

Check if my insurance covers rehab

Addiction Center is not affiliated with any insurance.

Early Childhood Adversity & Addiction

Long-term effects of childhood adversity can introduce mental health disorders like anxiety, PTSD, and depression. Children who endured early childhood adversity were more likely to experience depression when scoring between 4 and 460 in the evaluation. Science Daily noted roughly 50% of people who experienced “childhood maltreatment” developed an addiction.

Furthermore, a study observed the immunity of people abusing cocaine. The people who endured childhood neglect, abuse, or other adversarial experiences revealed an “increase in expression levels” for tests surveying cocaine addiction. Three specific types of early childhood adversity—witnessing parental violence, trauma, and major events endured in childhood—contributed to a higher likelihood of substance abuse in the child’s life and throughout their later years.

The presence of toxic stress combined with other types of mental health challenges can further serve as an incentive to cope in harmful ways. Since these traits can follow children into adulthood, getting the child the needed support to fight early childhood adversity is essential. It is also important for parents of children who are abusing substances get the help needed to change their lives. Facilities can offer support groups for family members who have been impacted by substance abuse.

The earlier a child gets help or is able to access professionally facilitated support groups, the sooner they can feel understood and have an outlet to connect with others. Lastly, if a child is abusing substances due to adverse environmental and/or genetic factors, consider treatment facilities that cater to adolescents and teenagers. Several treatment options are available.

The post Broken Homes And Spirits: Examining Early Childhood Adversity appeared first on Addiction Center.

A study published last December in the academic journal Molecular Psychiatry has shed light on the connection between early life adversity and opioid abuse. According to the study, “individuals with history of early life adversity (ELA) are disproportionately prone to opioid addiction.” The study also found that people who have a family history of opioid addiction are more likely to develop opioid addiction.

The surge in opioid-related deaths in America has inspired medical researchers to examine the underlying reasons for the crisis. The December 2019 study is highly relevant today because the Opioid Epidemic in the United States continues to claim the lives of more than 100 Americans every day, costing the country an estimated $78.5 billion annually.

What Is Early Life Adversity?

Early life adversity is defined as a series of distressing or traumatic events in a person’s childhood which can cause a person to carry destructive thoughts or behaviors into adulthood. Some examples of early life adversity include sexual, mental, or emotional abuse, neglect, lack of affection, parental absence, witnessing domestic violence or drug addiction, the loss of a parent to death, divorce, or incarceration, a parent’s suicide attempts, and parents’ emotional instability or mental illness.

The Impact Of Early Life Adversity On Mental And Behavioral Health

For children, early exposure to adversities and family difficulties can create challenges for them as they strive to form healthy relationships as adults. Moreover, such factors can foster problematic attachment styles, leading to dysfunctional relationships later in life. According to psychological experts, children who experience early life adversity are:

• 8 times more likely to smoke cigarettes.
• 4 times more likely to develop an anxiety disorder.
• 5 times more likely to experience panic attacks.
• 6 times more likely to suffer depression.
• 2 times more likely to become alcoholic.
• 1 times more likely to use drug intravenously.

Often, people who struggle with the ongoing effects of trauma abuse drugs and alcohol to cope. Additionally, early life adversity can generate psychological and behavioral dysfunction, such as low self-esteem, promiscuity, aggression, general distrust, and behavioral problems at home, school, and work.

Break free from addiction.

You have options. Talk about them with a treatment provider today.

(870) 515-4356

Early Life Adversity And Opioid Abuse

There is a growing body of research on how the brain becomes vulnerable to opioid addiction. In a recent Science Daily article, researchers from the University of California – Irvine note that studies on rodents reveal that distressing, unpredictable events can alter the structure of brain circuits in mammals during adolescence.

Both humans and rodents who suffered trauma in adolescence have manifested abnormalities in the maturity of brain circuits which impact brain function. Similarly, rats who endure early life adversity (specifically, limitation in nesting materials), have exhibited opioid addiction-like behaviors. “Our study provided novel insights into potential origins and nature of a reward circuit malfunction in the brain,” said Baram. “Ultimately, we found that conditions during sensitive developmental periods can lead to vulnerability to the addictive effects of opioid drugs, especially in females, which is consistent with the prevalence of ELA in heroin addicted women,” researcher Dr. Tallie Baram explained.

In a world where prescription opioids are widely available and sometimes cause addiction to highly dangerous drugs like heroin, the potential effects of early life adversity on developing children cannot be understated. If you know a child who has suffered some form of childhood trauma, consider connecting them with a professional therapist to help them manage their feelings safely.

The post New Research Examines Connection Between Opioid Addiction And Early Life Adversity appeared first on Addiction Center.

On February 5, the CEOs of five e-cigarette vendors  (JUUL Labs, Inc., Fontem Ventures, NJOY, Logic Vapes, and Reynolds American) testified in Congress before the Oversight and Investigation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. As lawsuits and public backlash continue to barrage the American e-cigarette industry, the Committee members questioned the five executives about whether the companies they lead marketed their nicotine-based products to children and teenagers.

A JAMA study published last November estimated that 27.5% of high student students and 10.5% of middle school students in America smoke e-cigarettes, even though the FDA and many doctors warn that vaping might cause nicotine addiction and damage adolescents’ lungs. The majority of underage smokers vape with JUUL devices, according to the research. At the hearing, JUUL CEO K.C. Crosthwaite expressed concern about the problem. “I fully recognize that the opportunity for the millions of adult smokers who still use combustible cigarettes to have an alternative is at risk if we don’t address this issue,” Crosthwaite told the Subcommittee as he vowed to keep his company “focused on combating underage access.”

Crosthwaite and the other CEOs all denied allegations that the e-cigarette industry targets children and adolescents. As evidence, several of the CEOs informed the Subcommittee that their companies had voluntarily stopped selling sweet-flavored and mint-flavored vaping products even before the FDA banned them last year. The FDA asserts that young people are most likely to use such products.

Most of the CEOs also touted their policy of suspending social media marketing campaigns which appeal to underage viewers. One Subcommittee member, Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL), condemned Foment CEO Antoine Blonde as the “odd man out” because his company still pays online “influencers” to promote BLU e-cigarettes.

Break free from addiction.

You have options. Talk about them with a treatment provider today.

(870) 515-4356

Disposable Vapes And FDA Oversight

The proliferation of open-system and disposable vaping devices was a major topic at the hearing. The FDA policy against flavored vaping products went into effect on February 6, but the policy only affects devices with closed-system cartridges, such as JUUL e-cigarettes. Closed-system devices have cartridges (or “pods”) pre-filled with e-juice. While these products still dominate the e-cigarette market, vape pens with refillable, open-system cartridges and single-use, disposable “puff bars” are becoming more popular. These products also contain nicotine and offer a variety of flavors.

Meredith Berkman, the co-founder of Parents Against Vaping E-cigarettes (PAVE), told the Subcommittee that the FDA should extend its flavored-devices ban to all vaping devices. Meanwhile, Gregory Conley of the American Vaping Association criticized the Subcommittee for only questioning “one side of the industry,” that is, closed-system e-cigarette manufacturers. Conley also accused Congress of attempting to usurp the FDA as America’s tobacco regulator.

Throughout the hearing, the five executives appeared to agree with Conley’s position by frequently deferring to FDA oversight. In response to questions about disposable devices, NJOY CEO Ryan Nivakoff cited “the fact that the FDA excluded the disposables from the guidance completely” to absolve his company from any obligation to withdraw them from the market.

On other issues, such as whether nicotine is harmful and whether regulations on cigarettes should apply to e-cigarettes, the CEOs stated that the FDA should decide. When Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) asked if JUUL would initiate a sales freeze, Crosthwaite replied that the review of his company’s application for FDA approval is “the process we think is best to make that determination.”

Despite the executives’ statements about combatting underage vaping, Committee Chairman Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) ended the hearing on a note of skepticism. “I heard all of you over and over say you are responsible men, men of integrity. That is not true,” he declared. “If you want to be men of integrity, responsible men, you would not be selling this product.”

JUUL Restructuring Continues

Under the suspicious gaze of lawmakers and regulators, America’s largest e-cigarette company is working to adapt to new rules and a tougher playing field. After Crosthwaite became JUUL CEO last year, he cut the company’s expenditures by $1 billion and dismissed over 650 employees. He also suspended advertising and political lobbying to signal cooperation with the government after a surge of vaping-related respiratory illnesses shocked the country, although there is no evidence JUUL products caused the crisis.

In the past year, over 300 parties have filed lawsuits against JUUL for allegedly marketing e-cigarettes to adolescents. After the hearing, Pennsylvania joined New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, and California in a bloc of states suing JUUL. The legal pressure has impacted the company’s profits. Last October, JUUL’s market valuation fell to $24 billion from its $38 billion valuation in 2018, the year the tobacco giant Altria Group, Inc. bought a 35% share of the company. Altria has since reported about $8 billion in impairment fees for its JUUL investment. Even still, JUUL has raised over $700 million in convertible debt from investors, a sign of the company’s intent to persevere.

The post E-Cigarette Company CEOs Testify Before Congress About Underage Vaping appeared first on Addiction Center.

A story from USA Today published January 10, 2020 stated that thousands of children across 38 states have been in danger by intoxicated school bus drivers. Since 2015, 1,620 children have been in a school bus where an impaired bus driver was cited or arrested for driving under the influence. Some drivers were drunk from alcohol, others were high on synthetic marijuana, pain pills, or anti-anxiety pills. Pew Research’s Stateline looked at police records, news media reports, and court fillings to obtain this information.

In the last 5 years, police caught 118 bus drivers who were operating a school bus while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Almost all of the 118 cases contained alcohol, but a third of the drivers had also taken drugs. Other impaired drivers were identified through random drug and alcohol tests, but 260 drivers refused to even take a test. A third of the cases involved a bus crash, with about 3 dozen children being injured. Some children had to go to the emergency room for their injuries.

During the research, it was discovered that some states could not identify their own cases, even though Stateline had found them. In 50 states, only 11% could produce any data on impaired bus driving incidents. There is a lack of monitoring for this issue. Ron Replogle, national law enforcement initiatives manager for Mothers Against Drunk Driving said, “This needs to change. States need to be collecting this data and tracking it very thoroughly. This is something parents and the general public would want to be monitored closely.”

Break free from addiction.

You have options. Talk about them with a treatment provider today.

(870) 515-4356

Impaired Bus Driver Cases

One story from Newark, New Jersey states that bus driver Lisa Byrd was driving 12 students from school when she crashed the bus into a tree. The children were ages 5 to 13 and were special needs students. Police stated that Byrd was high on narcotics and overdosed, causing her to crash the bus. Drug paraphernalia was found inside the bus, and officers had to administer Narcan to Byrd for the apparent overdose.

Another impaired bus driver named Richard E. Tanguay from Biddeford, Maine was driving the high school hockey team home when he was pulled over for speeding through a construction zone, failing to stay in his lane, and failing to signal lane changes. The trooper who pulled him over detected sign of impairment, and although no alcohol was reportedly involved, Tanguay was suspected of being under the influence of drugs. He was charged with operating under the influence of drugs and endangering the welfare of a child.

In September 2019, Catherine L. Maccarone was making some of her last stops of the day when a child called 911, stating that the bus driver passed 3 red lights and was wobbling. The child stated that the driver was drunk. When police arrived, they stated that they smelled an obvious odor of intoxicants and the driver was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence.

Recently, a Westchester County, New York bus driver named William J. Mendez was driving third, fourth, and fifth graders home from school when students on the bus started calling their parents saying Mendez was driving erratically. Transportation officials radioed Mendez, telling him to pull over, and when they arrived, he had a blood alcohol level of .22%. that is almost 3 times higher than the legal driving limit. The man was charged with a felony because the children in the bus were under 15. This sparked the suspension of the school’s district transportation director Joe Bernardi. There was a meeting on January 7, 2020 to review the districts transportation policies and procedures.

Addiction In Low-Income Americans

While people from all backgrounds can develop an addiction, low-income Americans are at an elevated risk. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people on Medicaid and other low-income individuals are at a high risk for prescription drug overdose. The limited access to quality health care makes them more likely to be prescribed opioids at higher doses for longer periods of time. This increases the risk for addiction. According to Zip Recruiter, the average annual salary for American bus drivers is $33,768, while some are making less than $30,000 a year. This puts them in the low-income category, and they may face psychological stress as a result.

Stress increases the risk for addiction, and many low-income individuals do not have access to effective treatment or feel that they cannot take time off work to seek treatment. It does not appear that any children in the impaired bus driver’s accidents were killed, but that is something that can easily happen with an intoxicated person behind the wheel. It is important to intervene if someone you know is driving under the influence.

The post Impaired Bus Drivers Risk Children’s Lives While Driving Drunk, High appeared first on Addiction Center.