Addiction does not happen only to those of a certain age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. Alcoholism and drug addiction can happen to anyone- in 2017, over 19.7 million Americans struggled with a substance abuse problem. However, certain factors can place you more at risk for developing a substance abuse problem. These are those high-risk factors:
- Family history of addiction: Have family members struggled with addiction? If so, this may be a sign that you could struggle with it too.
- Early drug or alcohol use: If you started using drugs at a particularly young age, this could be a sign that further problems with drugs and alcohol are to follow.
- Abuse, neglect, or other trauma: Traumatic experiences of any kind can leave you searching for something to heal the pain, and drugs or alcohol can seem to be the thing to do that. However, this can quickly lead to substance abuse and addiction, which can leave you worse off than you ever were before.
- Mental disorders: If you struggle with depression, anxiety, or other mental disorders, you have a higher risk factor for a substance abuse problem. It’s crucial to keep this in mind when trying to self-medicate or self-soothe.
It’s important to know if you have a high risk factor of addiction so that you can be conscientious and sensitive of the choices you make. If you think you may have a substance abuse problem, continue reading to understand if you do.
Sources: HelpGuide.Org, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
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My greatest fear, was to see, one of my love ones, travel down the road I’d
I believe that everyone is afraid of this. Especially if it affects their loved ones and our children. I believe that we can save them from this. Listening to the child, follow his facial expressions and gestures, analyze them. Sometimes children assure us that they have everything in order, but a trembling chin or sparkling eyes speak about something completely different. When words and facial expressions do not match, always give preference to facial expressions, facial expressions, posture, gestures, tone of voice. Keep track of how you answer your child’s questions. Your tone “speaks” no less clearly than your words. He should not be mocking. Encourage, praise the child for diligence and effort as well as for achievements. Notice even the smallest successes. Let’s understand that diligence and perseverance is often more important than the result. Help children set realistic goals. If they themselves or their parents expect too much, failure can be devastating to their personality. Your child should know that his personal, albeit objectively small in comparison with others, achievements will cause you the same pride and the same admiration as the highest achievements and victories of others. Good luck everyone!