Know! Your Family History and Share it

Most families are well aware and proud to point out the talents and passions that have been passed on from generation to generation (athletic ability, musical gifts, artistic skills, etc.). Most are also well aware of specific health issues that run in the family (cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc.), and many are conscientious o not only share such information with their children, but to encourage by example, healthy behavioral choices to avoid them. But how often do people talk about their family’s history of alcohol dependency? And how many of those with family history are aware of the increased risk of younger generations also developing alcohol problems?

While there are a number of factors that determine a person’s risk associated with alcoholism, there is strong evidence that genetics play a role. Does that mean that the child of an alcohol dependent parent is destined to be an alcoholic? Absolutely not; but it does mean that child’s risk for developing a problematic relationship with alcohol is increased.

The biological child of an alcoholic is between four to nine times more likely to develop an alcohol addiction at some point in his/her life. Whether the child is then raised by the alcohol dependent biological parent, an adoptive parent or other caregiver, his/her risk for alcoholism remains nearly the same, with about one in four children of alcoholics
also developing the disease. In cases where the child’s biological family history includes multiple relatives with alcoholism, the risk increases even further.

PARENTS: For children whose family history includes alcohol addiction, there are proactive steps you can take to help reduce their risk of also developing the disease:

Fill them in: Make sure they are aware that alcoholism or problems with alcohol is a part of their family’s health history, just like other diseases that run in families. Let them know that due to the nature of alcoholism and the fact that it is partially genetic, they are at increased risk of developing the disease.

Set the record straight: Children with a family history of alcohol problems need to know that while they may be at increased risk, they are not predestined. In the end, it comes down to the lifestyle choices they make now and down the road.

Empower them: Talk with them about ways they can reduce their risk, like delaying the onset of first use until at least age 21. Youth who chose to drink before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol problems at some point in their lives. For children with a family history of alcoholism, the risk increases even further. For some however, alcohol at any age or in any amount may never be a good option.

Share expectations: Just like children without a family history of alcoholism, children with such family history need to know exactly where their parents stand on the issue of underage drinking and that it is not taken lightly. It should also be shared that just because a parent or relative has or has had issues with alcohol, it does not give a child an excuse or permission to drink.

For additional support and resources visit: National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACOA)and/or Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA).

Sources: NIAAA: COGA (the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism), NIAAA: Alcohol Alert Underage Drinking, The Alcoholism Guide, National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACOA),  Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA).

Change Your Words, Change Your World

Great video on the power of expressing yourself.

The Link Between ADHD and Substance Abuse

Childhood Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) places both boys and girls at an increased risk for teenage substance abuse (according to a large-scale study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences).
The study revealed that compared to their non-ADHD peers, children with the disorder are more likely to:

• Use one or more substances during their teen years;
• Smoke cigarettes on a daily basis;
• Experience marijuana abuse or dependence as an older teen;
• Meet criteria for having a substance abuse or dependence disorder.

* Note: Teen alcohol use remains high for those with or without childhood ADHD.

Experts believe that many of the personality traits and other characteristics commonly found in children with ADHD also contribute to the onset of substance use such as thrill-seeking behaviors, impulsivity, academic struggles, trouble maintaining healthy friendships and sleep issues.

For those of you whose child or children have ADHD, you are called to be hyper-vigilant in your substance abuse prevention efforts; ramping up the quality and quantity of your anti-alcohol and other drug talks; making clear your expectations for non-use and the consequences should it happen; being consistent in discipline and follow-through; taking extra care to monitor your child’s whereabouts and with whom they are spending time; and making a concerted effort to get to know your child’s friends and their parents.
Just because a child has ADHD, that does not guarantee he or she will have alcohol or other drug issues as a teen. The key is to be aware of the link between the two, to step-up your prevention efforts if your child does has ADHD, and to seek professional help if you feel your child may have the disorder. Too many young adults with ADHD go undiagnosed and untreated and end up struggling in different aspects throughout their lives. This can lead to depression and anxiety, as well as self-medicating with alcohol or other drugs; furthering the cycle of substance abuse.
For additional information on ADHD including symptoms, treatment, recommendations and resources, click here.
Sources: Science Daily: Featured Research - Large study shows substance abuse rates higher in teenagers with ADHD, February 2013. WebMD ADHD and Substance Abuse.

Alcohol Awareness Month in Putnam County