U of A Overview of Addictions AADAC YOUTH

U of A Overview of Addictions AADAC YOUTH SERVICES EDMONTON Margaret Mc. Clellan

Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission Vision n A healthy society that is free from the harmful effects of alcohol, other drugs, and gambling Mission n Making a difference in people’s lives by assisting Albertans to achieve freedom from the harmful effects of alcohol, other drugs and gambling.

What percentage of Alberta young people (grades 7 -12) do NOT smoke cigarettes? a) b) c) d) 44. 5% 76. 7% 83. 8% 91. 5%

What percentage of Alberta young people (grades 7 -12) do NOT use alcohol? a) b) c) d) 19. 3% 31% 43. 7% 67. 8%

What percentage of Alberta young people (grades 7 -12) do NOT use cannabis? a) b) c) d) 35. 2% 52. 4% 43. 7% 72. 4

What percentage of Alberta young people (grades 7 -12) do NOT use cannabis? a) b) c) d) 35. 2% 52. 4% 43. 7% 72. 4

CLASSES OF DRUGS n n Uppers – Stimulants nicotine, caffeine, crystal meth, cocaine/crack, Downers – Depressants alcohol, codeine, heroin, All-arounders – Hallucinogens magic mushrooms, PCP, LSD, Ecstacy Cannabis

What are the perks n n n n Curiosity To escape To build confidence To increase energy Cope with emotional/physical pain Peer influence Self-medication n n To be “cool” To gain a competitive edge Change appearance i. e lose weight Emotional experience Action

Continuum of Use n n n No use Use Misuse Abuse Dependency

Dependence n Pattern of behaviour involves: n n Poor self-regulatory control Continues despite negative feedback Often appears out of control Reinforcers become Strong

Addiction “learned habits that are difficult to extinguish even in face of dramatic negative consequences”

Risk Factors n Either life events or experiences that are statistically associated with an increase in problematic behaviours such as alcohol and other drug use, and problem gambling (Hawkins, Catalano & Miller, 1992)

What are the two top risk factors for substance abuse & gambling? 1. 2. 3. Grade at first start and ease of access Age and peer risk behaviour Neighbourhood disorganization and poor mother’s support

Risk Factors (associated with substance abuse and gambling) n n n Age Peer risk behaviour Family history of substance abuse Family discord Disconnection from school

Signs of Substance Abuse n n n Changes in school performance Changes in attitudes toward sports and activities Changes in weight or physical appearance Changes in eating/sleeping habits Changes in friends Changes in behaviours

Identifying Students at Risk n Attendance n n n Absent/late Excused from class Performance n n n Grades Assignments Motivation Behaviour n n n n n Disruptive Inattentive Uncooperative Easily upset Paranoia Change of friends Anger/obscene language Withdrawn Memory lapses

Identifying risks con’t n Attitude n n Frequent change of mood Defensive Other students are afraid of him or her Specific Concerns n Talks about… n Physical symptoms n n n n Appears dazed/giddy Lethargic Unkempt appearance Glassy/bloodshot eyes/dark circles Falls asleep, not alert Unexplained bruises, underweight Accident prone

Risk Factors Within Life Domains School Domain n n n Academic failure Negative, disorderly, and unsafe school climate Low teacher expectations Lack of clear school policies regarding drug use Lack of commitment to school Withdrawn/aggressive classroom behaviour

Major Life Areas n n n n Legal Financial Job/School Social Leisure Activities Physical Health Family Relationships Emotional/ Spiritual Health

Transtheoretical Model of Change Prochaska, Di. Clemente, Norcross n n n Precontemplation Contemplation Preparation Action Maintenance Termination

Model of Change Stages – have specific tasks that need to be completed Processes – create and sustain movement through stages Context – i. e. current life situation, attitudes, beliefs, relationships, personal characteristics Markers of Change – signposts

Protective Factors n Represent the influences, orientations and behaviours in a youth’s lives that contribute to positive development and help prevent negative behaviours and outcomes such as substance use (SAMHSA 2002 p. 10, )

Most Important Protective Factors n n n n Parental monitoring Social skills (managing behaviour choices) Availability of pro-social activities Participation in pro-social activities School connection Peer influence on decision making Positive adults/bonding

Protective factors Within Life Domains School n n Caring and supportive school environment High expectations Clear standards and rules for appropriate behaviour Youth participation, involvement, and responsibility in school tasks and decisions

Resiliency n A balancing of protective factors against risk factors, and the gradual accumulation of emotional strength as children respond successfully to challenges in their families, schools and communities

Resiliency n n It is important to shift our focus from looking at what is wrong to looking at and building upon adolescents’ strengths Building resiliency means thriving not just surviving

Strength Based Perspective n Believes that everybody, every community, every family, every individual has a fundamental knowledge of capacities and skills, of personal traits and resources that exists within them and around them, that are tools to be used in helping people move in a different direction. n Dennis Saleby

Best practices in prevention What alcohol, drug, gambling and tobacco prevention works best?

Good addiction prevention programming n n n n Increase protective factors decrease risk factors Targeted Key transition points Cumulative, progressive Strength-based/best practices Run by leaders who youth see as trustworthy experiential

Great leaders make great prevention n A Passion for People is paramount. Your positive qualities as a teacher are an asset as you help prevent alcohol, drugs, gambling and tobacco problems. Capture those informal prevention opportunities

AADAC Youth Services 12325 140 St. 423 7383 n n n Intake Information Series Outpatient Counseling Intensive Treatment Program Family Counseling Parent Support Group n n n Detox Residential Treatment Mobile Team Prevention Team Tobacco Reduction Team

AADAC Youth Services n n Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Act Guidelines for interpreting the confidentiality and disclosure provisions of the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Act