Not On the Straight and Narrow: 4 Telltale Signs of Drug Use in Teens

Published on: 28 February 2019 Last Updated on: 02 March 2020

Did you know that 6.1 percent of 8th graders, 9.6 percent of 10th graders, and 12.4 percent of 12th graders admit they have used an illicit drug recently?

With such shocking statistics, it’s clear to see there is a growing problem among young people. During the troublesome teen years, it’s common to experiment with new things. But this may lead your child down a dark path.

You may wonder how to tell if your child is using drugs. Fortunately, there are clear telltale signs of drug use in teens. Read on to find out if your loved one has fallen off the straight and narrow.

Telltale Signs of Drug Use in Teens:

During their teens, young people have to deal with many physical and emotional changes. This can make it difficult to pinpoint whether drug use is the problem or it’s simply a case of rebelliousness.

Looking for these next four signs will help you to know for sure.

1. Use Your Senses:

When your teen comes home, what can you smell on their breath, on their clothes or in their hair? Are their eyes red with constricted pupils? Signs of crack use also include blistered lips or burnt fingers.

Your teen may also rapidly lose weight, as they will be spending their allowance on their fix instead of food. If they are inhaling drugs they may also have respiratory problems, such as coughing or constant sniffing. If they are injecting they may have track marks on their arms.

2. Behavioral Changes:

Another way to tell if someone is on drugs is if you notice their behavior has changed dramatically.

Of course, arguing, anger, and moodiness may be part of the troublesome teen years. But if you also notice them defying your house rules, disappearing for long periods of time, and other reckless behavior it may be a sign of using.

After a night out with friends, is your teen clumsy, laughing hysterically, and obnoxious? Or do they look exhausted, jittery, or queasy? These behavioral signs are common with teens who take drugs.

3. Caught in the Act:

If you find drugs in their room or on their possession you’ve caught them in the act. Some other drug-related paraphernalia may include:

Tiny plastic bags with powder residue
Roll-ups
Tin boxes
Syringes
Burnt teaspoons or crack pipes

If you find any of these items, try not to overreact. Confront your teen, it may be an honest mistake after all.

4. Social Changes:

Your teen’s grades may be declining dramatically. Or they may keep on skipping school and other social activities that they previously enjoyed. Another sign of someone on drugs is if your teen ditches their friends to hang out with another unknown crowd.

You may also notice items or money missing from your home. This may mean your teen is stealing to fund their habit. Monitor any alcohol you have in the home as they may use it for payment.

Time to Take Action:

If you can see any or all these signs of someone on drugs, it’s time to take action. Encourage them to get support from professionals.

Lincoln Nova Vital Recovery has created a unique program that can help people to recover from addiction. Find out more here.

Some Things are Worth Fighting For:

Of course, these signs of drug use in teens may vary from person to person. But one thing is for sure: they are going to need you to fight alongside them on their road to recovery.

To keep your family close-knit and strong in times of distress, check out these fundamental pillars of a happy family.

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An Ultimate Wall Pilates Free Workout Plan for Beginners

To start your Pilates workout, all you need is a wall. With wall Pilates free workout, you can blend traditional Pilates with home exercise. This workout can be helpful for you whether you are a beginner in Pilates or have been practicing Pilates for a few years. Consider starting out with wall Pilates if you want to transform your fitness journey. In this article, you will get a Wall Pilates workout plan. Apart from that, you will also get a general overview of what a wall Pilates exercise is as well as its benefits. Moreover, this article will also set a Wall Pilates free workout plan. Finally, you will also get essential tips to perform this exercise. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article. What is Wall Pilates? Wall Pilates is a form of Pilates training. It is a low-impact exercise where you have to use a wall for support and resistance. Basically, the wall provides support for your back, shoulder, and hips. Hence, you can use it as a resistance to perform exercise. Generally, when you perform traditional Pilates, you have to exercise on a mat or a reformer machine. Here, you use your body weight or the machine for resistance. However, with wall Pilates, you press your body and its parts against a wall. You make movements by exerting force on the wall and by using it as a support. Actually, in this exercise, you have to do the same repetitive movements that you practice during a mat. Some examples of wall Pilates are single-leg stretch, criss-cross, the hundred, etc. Benefits of Wall Pilates Free Hand Exercises The following are some of the major benefits of Wall Pilates that you must: By performing wall Pilates daily, you can strengthen your core muscles. As a result, this will help you prevent injuries and maintain a good posture. With time, you will improve your flexibility with wall Pilates. Additionally, it also helps you to improve your coordination and balance. As you are using a wall for your support, the stable surface can help you maintain the right form. Thereby, with time, you will get a better spinal alignment, which will ensure a lower risk of injury. With wall Pilates, you engage your full body for the exercise. This way, you can target all muscle areas of the body. Moreover, Wall Pilates free hand exercises are also effective in reducing blood pressure. Hence, if you do it regularly, you lower your risk of heart attacks and strokes. Wall Pilates also involves mindful movement, which can help you work on your mental health. People of all ages and fitness levels can perform wall pilates. This is because it is a low-impact exercise. Apart from all these benefits, one of the biggest factors to consider Wall Pilates is that it is a budget-friendly exercise. All you require here is a wall. Who is Wall Pilates Good for? Since Wall Pilates is a low-impact exercise, it will not be physically demanding and exhausting. Hence, this form of exercise is good for people of all ages and fitness levels. Moreover, this exercise is also good for pregnant and injured people. Furthermore, if you are someone who finds it difficult to lie on your back, you can even do Wall Pilates. Generally, traditional Pilates, like mat or reformer Pilates, are difficult to perform. This is especially true for people who have physiological issues or injuries. Hence, if you want to perform a light exercise to stay fit, Wall Pilates is one of the best options to consider. 15-Minute Wall Pilates Free Hand Workout To start a Wall Pilates workout, you need an open wall and a yoga mat. Here are the steps you must follow to perform your Wall Pilates workout: Start your warmup with a Cat-Cow pose and Thread-the-Needle stretch. Warm up for 2-3 minutes. Once you complete your warmup, start your wall Pilates exercise. Here, make sure to have consistency with the reps for each move. Once you complete the five Pilates exercises, repeat the circuit twice more. The next section consists of 5 back-to-back exercises that you must perform in each circuit. 5 Wall Pilates Free Hand Exercises Here are the Wall Pilates exercises you must perform to complete each circuit: 1. Single-Leg Knee Crunch The following are the steps to follow if you want to perform a single-leg knee crunch: Sit one foot away from the wall. Then, lie down on your back. After that, place your feet on the wall so that your legs look like a tabletop, horizontally. Stretch your left leg diagonally so that your toes are just touching the wall. Then, extend your arms over your head. Meanwhile, be sure to press your lower back into the floor. This way, you can engage your core. Pull your left knee toward your chest and curl your shoulders, hands, and your head towards your core. Then, slowly, go back to the initial position. Repeat these fifteen times to complete one set. 2. Wall Bridge and Calf Raise The following are the steps to follow if you want to perform the wall bridge and calf raise exercise: Sit one foot away from the wall. Then, lie down on your back. After that, place your feet on the wall so that your legs look like a tabletop, horizontally. Press your feet on the wall. This way, you can engage your glutes and your hamstring. Then, lift your hips off the floor. However, do not arch your back in the process. Moreover, when your body makes a straight line from the knees to the shoulder, lift your heels for a calf raise. This will balance out the movement. Then, return to the starting position to complete one rep. Repeat these fifteen times to complete one set. 3. Reach Backs The following are the steps to follow if you want to perform reach-backs: Start with a high plank by pressing your feet on the edge of the wall. Here, ensure to keep your feet apart by shoulder-width. Also, be sure to place your shoulders directly over your wrists. Moreover, your body must be in a straight line from your heels to your shoulder. Use it as your starting position. Then, lift your hips up. When you are lifting up, touch your left foot with your right hand. Then, come back to the starting position. Do the same with your left hand by touching your right foot. Again, come back to the starting position. Make sure to repeat this 10 times for one set. 4. Marching Bridge The following are the steps to follow if you want to perform a marching bridge: Sit one foot away from the wall. Then, lie down on your back. After that, place your feet on the wall so that your legs look like a tabletop, horizontally. Then, press your feet to lift your hips off the floor. Here, make sure to form a straight line from your knees to your shoulder. However, make sure not to arch your back. Consider this as your starting position. Then, lift your left foot and bring your knee toward your chest. Meanwhile, make sure to keep your hips still. Here, maintain the same bend in your knee and stop when your thigh is at a right angle to your torso. Then, come back to your starting position by reversing the movement. This is one rep. By performing 10 reps, you complete one set of the marching bridge. 5. Wall Sit and Calf Raise The following are the steps to follow if you want to perform the wall sit and calf raise exercise: Become a human chair: Stand with your back against a wall and take your feet about a foot forward. Then, lower your hips down to a position such that your knees are perpendicular to your hips. Also, make sure your ankle is perpendicular to your knees. Then, extend your arms horizontally so that it is perpendicular to your torso. This is your starting position. Hold the squat position to raise your arms, and reverse the movement to the starting position. Simultaneously, raise your heels to do a calf raise and reverse the movement. This is one rep. Perform 12 reps to complete one set of Wall Sit and Calf Raise. Tips for Effective Wall Pilates Practice Here are some useful tips if you want to perform Wall Pilates free hand exercises effectively: Don’t over-exert yourself with your exercises. Basically, start with simple exercises and gradually increase your intensity. Make sure to breathe steadily and have control of your breathing. Use good-quality mats to support your back and hips. There is no substitute for a professional instructor. Hence, consult with an instructor to perform your exercises correctly. Do you have more suggestions on how to perform Wall Pilates free hand exercises? Please share your experiences and opinions in the comments section below. Read Also: 5 Rowing Machine Workout Tips Every Fitness Person should know Get up and Workout! Things to Consider

When Someone You Love Has an Addiction: 5 Tips on How to Help an Addict

Helping someone who has addiction problems can be a challenge. Unlike other health issues, people who are addicts will actively try to avoid getting help. Read this article to find out how to help an addict. 1. Know the Signs: In order to help someone who has addiction issues, first, you need to recognize that they have a problem. Learn the signs of addiction so you can see them in your loved ones. For example, you might notice mood swings, abrupt changes in sleeping pattern and appetite, and changes in physical appearance. Addicts may also try to frequently borrow money. When addiction becomes serious, the addict may no longer be able to keep up with their responsibilities. They might also stop enjoying some of the things they once liked to do. 2. How to Help an Addict? Establish Trust: If an addict feels you aren't someone they can trust, they might cut you out of their life. Avoid nagging, lecturing, and making personal attacks. In most cases, this sort of thing will just act as a trigger and cause the addict to indulge in their addiction even more. Instead, be patient and try to be understanding. Recognize that deciding to go into recovery can take time. You can't force an addict into recovery. But if you've established trust, you can guide them towards it when the time is right. 3. Take Care of Yourself: It's important that you take care of your own well-being when trying to help an addict. Set clear boundaries and don't let the addict overstep them. If you allow yourself to become stressed out by the situation, you're just going to make things worse in the long run. Also, you shouldn't engage in any addictive behaviors yourself. You won't have much credibility if you're telling them to get help while you're drinking a case of beer a day. 4. Don't Protect Them From Consequences: While this is difficult to do, it's often a bad move to protect your loved one from the consequences of their actions. Facing up to the results of their negative behavior is often what an addict needs to recognize they have a problem. If you shelter an addict from the consequences, you might just be preventing them from making a recovery. 5. Accept That It'll Take Time: If you want to provide good addiction support, you need to accept that it'll take time. Don't expect miracles. Recovering from addiction is a long road. In some cases, an addict might relapse. If this happens, you shouldn't overreact. For many addicts, relapse is a natural part of recovery. Be There for Your Loved Ones: Now you know a bit more about how to help an addict. It's important to remember that you can do everything right, and it still might not work out. Do what you can for your loved one, but don't allow it to become excessively detrimental to your own life. Want to know more about outpatient rehab? Then check out our blog post. Read Also: 9 Signs You Have A Prescription Opiate Addiction Is Someone You Know Suffering From A Benzodiazepine Addiction? Here’s How To Know

9 Signs You Have a Prescription Opiate Addiction

It is no longer a secret that the abuse of opioids is growing and becoming a significant problem in America. It is estimated that more than 2.4 million people in America are abusing prescription painkillers and around half a million individuals are suffering from the abuse of heroin. However, individuals who are abusing opioids often face an extra burden of depression. When left unattended to, depression can make it hard for one to achieve total recovery. Opioid or opiate painkillers are medications that are narcotic and generally prescribed by a doctor. Opioids are used to control pain in many people. Opioid narcotics involve such medicines like morphine, codeine, methadone, heroin, hydrocodone, hydrocodone, and Oxycontin. Opioid abuse and depression : According to studies, the relationship between depression and opioid abuse is bi-directional. This only means that the addition of opioids can lead to recession and depression can lead to opiate addiction. Opioid abuse takes place when a prescription opioid is used for other reasons other than medical or using it for a longer duration than expected. Additionally, taking vast amounts than prescribed leads to opioid abuse. The abuse of opioid has a close associated with higher rates of: Anxiety Depression Bipolar disorders Antisocial personality disorder Schizophrenia Borderline personality disorder Conduct disorders Signs and symptoms of prescription opioid addiction : Several symptoms and signs indicate opiate addiction. It is important to note that not all people experiencing an opiate addiction will show all the following signs. In addition to this, there are some of the symptoms that are common to almost everybody who has a prescription opiate addiction. The symptoms involve: Usage increase: one will be seen increasing their doses more than expected by the doctor. Usage increase eventually results in a growing tolerance to the said drug and finding means of getting the drug to achieve the same effect. Change in personality: shifts in mood, concentration, and energy as a result of making everyday accountabilities a secondary priority to the want for the drug. Social withdrawal: in most cases, the addicted person will distant themselves from friends and family due to that fact that they would want their close members to know about what they are doing or experiencing. On-going use: one will continue using the prescription opioids even after the condition to which the drug was prescribed is over. Increased sensitivity: this involves hallucinations. Normal emotions, sounds, and sights start becoming exaggeratedly stimulating to the individual. Forgetfulness and blackouts: addicted individuals are more likely to forget what just took place as well as experiencing blackouts. Change in appearance and daily habits: the individual will experience a change in eating and sleeping habits and a decline in personal hygiene, constant cough and glazed eyes. Neglects responsibilities: the addicted person will ignore bills and the household chore, as well as calling in sick more often to the workplace or school. Defensiveness: one becomes more defensive as well as lashing out to simple questions to try and hide the dependency on drugs if they feel like somebody will discover them. Causes of prescription opioids addiction : There is no precise cause of why one person will develop an addiction while the other will not when using opioids. According to studies, it is believed that addiction occurs after some factors work interchangeably. The factors include: Genetic: addiction could be hereditary such that if there is a member of the family that has suffered addiction before, it will be passed on to the next generation. While this is not an accurate indicator, it is believed to contribute to addiction. Biological: some studies indicate that there are few chances whereby one is born without the neurotransmitter “endorphins.” In such cases, individuals may turn to outside sources like opium narcotics to fill this inborn deficit. Environmental: people who grow up or find themselves in environments that are chaotic and full of people addicted to drugs, are more probable to experience an addiction at some point in their lives. Psychological: while some addictions are brought up by people trying to self-medicate the signs of an undiagnosed mental disorder, mental illness is a reliable gauge of addiction potential. The prescription opioid addiction is on the rise in America. With people trying to ease pains through painkillers, these painkillers come with their adverse side effects. However, behavioral therapies and medications can help change the situation and restore one to good health.

Not On the Straight and Narrow: 4 Telltale Signs of Drug Use in Teens