I work with a lot of kids and families. Parents are worried when they see their kids “partying” and afraid this behavior will lead to worse things. While it’s true that many kids will grow out of it with only a few losses, others may experiment until they try something they truly like and then get hooked in. This is the event I work so hard at preventing. While parents get upset and worried if I can’t always get their kids to stop “partying” (and usually I do get them to stop), I am focusing on educating and listening to them and helping them mature and feel secure enough so when the terrible day comes that they are offered something truly dangerous, they will refuse it. If they’re already in deep, the same formula applies: help them mature because with maturity comes mature choices and strength to change.
Addiction is horrible and I tell everyone I work with that drugs have personalities just like people do. Somewhere out there is a drug that suits your personality and when you stumble across it you’re in huge trouble. Addiction can happen in an instant; literally – in an instant!
No one… ever says in their youth, “I’m gonna shoot heroin someday!” In the beginning everyone has limitations and boundaries to their using. But over time, as healthy friends move on, who is left to “party” with? As these kids get older, they get bolder. They get desensitized to different drugs and ways of using them. If they continue to experiment, it is only a matter of time before they meet the drug they love and seems to love them back. This is what keeps me up at night. I’ve been there – all the way, into deep, hard, drug addiction. And now I’m free and spend my time fighting for those who can’t see where they’re headed.
Please, if you or someone you care for is “partying,” call and consult and evaluate to see if they could develop something more serious. Begin a process of building maturity and confidence to prevent what could be years of derailment in an otherwise shining life. Like any disease or disorder, catching it early can make all the difference. If it’s already serious, take action immediately. There is something you can do if you get smart, professional help. You have nothing to lose by asking questions and everything to gain.
Scott Spackey is a California Registered Addiction Specialist, Interventionist, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Life-Coach. For more information, please call 661-299-1966, email: Scott@Life-Mind.com and visit www.life-mind.com.