Long Island Council on Alcoholism and

Drug Dependence, Inc.LICADD

516-747-2606631-979-1700

1-800-585-5422www.licadd.org

A foreign substance introduced into the body that produces change in normal body functioning

Mind and mood altering substances

Alcohol Amphetamine Cannabis Hallucinogens Opiates Benzodiazepines Sedatives Stimulants

Why do people use drugs?

CuriosityPeer pressure

RelaxationAnxietySocial

acceptance Depression

Escape Energy

Lose inhibitions

Stress from school Relationships (friends) Relationships (romantic) Family pressures and problems Transitions and fitting in Independence (driving) Availability of drugs and alcohol

RISK DISAPPROVAL USE

Risk Factors for Drug Use and Abuse

Family history- predisposition to drug or alcohol problems

Close friends who use drugs or alcohol

Early first use

Diagnosed or undiagnosed depression/other mental health disorders

Problems in school/learning disabilities

Gateway drugs include alcohol, nicotine and marijuana.

Subtle changes in attitudes and related behaviors.

Defense mechanisms: denial, rationalization and intellectualization ‘backfire’ and create dysfunction.

Abstinence Infrequent use Early abuse Abuse Dependence

Intensive Treatment

Drug Involvement

Brief intervention:Schools, courts, pediatric clinics, emergency rooms, mental health clinics

Adapted from Broadening the Base of Alcohol Treatment (IOM)

BI as supplementaltherapy

Physical: the body has adapted to the drug and the lack of it will lead to specific withdrawal symptoms.

Psychological: a sense of need for a specific substance is felt either for the drugs’ perceived effects, or to avoid the negative effects associated with abstinence.

“A disease process characterized by the continued use of a substance despite physical, psychological or social harm.”

A disease of the mind (as seen in the DSM-IV-R).

Dysfunctional defense mechanisms and lack of healthy coping skills.

Shift in interests

towards substance use

Young people who begin drinking before age 15 are 4 times more likely to develop

alcohol dependence than those who abstain until age

21.CAMY Report, 2007

Each year, approximately 5,000 people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking1,900 deaths from motor vehicle

accidents1,600 homicides 300 suicides

U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2007

Alcohol kills 6½ times more teenagers than all illicit drugs.

95% of violent crimes on college campuses are alcohol-related.

High levels of alcohol use interferes with brain development

It is illegal for any person over the age of eighteen who owns, rents, or otherwise controls a private residence, to allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages by any minor on the premises

This law provides a legal basis for holding adults responsible for knowingly allowing parties for individuals under the age of 21 to occur at a place under their control, whether or not they provide the alcohol.

5 SIGNS1.Decline in school work and grades2.Abrupt change in friends, groups, or actions3.Sleeping habits/abnormal health issues4.Deteriorating relationships with family5.Less open and honest

Substance abuse is a disease.

Left untreated it will progressively get worse.

Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (LICADD):

www.licadd.org516-747-2606 or 1-800-585-5422

Alcoholics Anonymous Hotline Nassau County:

516-292-3045 Narcotics Anonymous Nassau County:

516-827-9500