Choosing the Best Path: Avoiding Addictions

Presented by:

Yvonne Kays, MAT

AOD Prevention Health Educator

IN OUR FAMILY ?1 out of every 3 families report being affected by problem drinking

1 out of every 4 children live with an alcoholic parent

In most Marion County classrooms over half the students have worried about drugs, gambling or alcohol use in their family

New AddictionOregon is 2nd only to Nevada for all the opportunities we offer to gamble88% of problem gamblers are addicted to video slot/poker machinesHigher risk of suicideAlcohol/drug use increases riskTreatment is free and confidential in Oregon – call 1-877-MY LIMIT or chat online at 1877mylimit.org

HIGHER RISK FOR ADDICTIONS

Children with addiction in their families

Children who begin use at any early age: 15 and under = 40%

18 and over = 10%

Women

PERPETUATION OF ADDICTION

Children with higher risk for addiction begin use and progress into addiction. and/orThey may marry an addictive person. and/orTheir children may become addicted.

Be aware – choose to avoid the problem

THE FAMILY STRUCTURE

is altered when a family member becomes dependent

Other family members try to cope by behaving differently

CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE

The “unspoken” rules

Don’t Talk

Don’t Feel

Don’t Trust

ROLES IN THE FAMILY

Children cope by taking on different roles -

And then get stuck in that role.

FAMILY HERO The “Good” kid

Super responsible

Perfectionist

Overachiever

THE REBEL In trouble

Acts out anger

Defiant

Alcohol & drug use may begin

THE LOST CHILD The quiet one

Isolates to room

Spends time alone

Doesn’t draw attention

The Mascot Clowns around

Distracts, teases

Smile becomes mask

Uses humor to draw attention

Remember the seven C’s

I didn’t cause it

I can’t control it

I can’t cure it

I can learn to cope with it

By taking better care of myself

By communicating my feelings

And by making health choices

INFORMATION AVAILABLE Al-Anon/Alateen(for family/friends) AA/NA/GA(what is addiction/help) Intervention (how to confront) Specific Drug information Stop Smoking information Problem gambling information