Safety Communication Health Education Future
A place for families to explore what it means to be responsible

Last night, as I turned on the news to catch the remains of the day, Britney Spears and her child custody issues were everywhere!  CNN , Fox News , local news and of course Perez Hilton (as always) had Britney and her woes at the top of the hour.  Yes, clearly Britney has some issues to deal with.  But, do we really need this to be at the forefront of our nation's news?  It is kind of embarassing, if you ask me.  Tell me on person who did not see this coming from a mile away and well... rehab anyone?

So, here is the deal... it is sad that Britney's children are growing up in this manner, but the fact remains there are many people who raise children and have substance abuse problems, but their children don't get taken away from them and most likely shouldn't be.  It is more important to get these people help.  So, what can you do about it? 

Here is the who, what, when  where and how for you, if you are wondering if you have a problem with substance abuse or if you are wondering if someone else you know needs help.  The definitions of substance abuse and addiction vary from time to time, but overall the following should serve as a thorough guideline for those looking for answers.  I have listed the official diagnostic criteria first, followed by the Responsible Family who, what, when, where, how. 

When in doubt, contact your physician!

Here is the official diagnostic criteria as quoted from the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) issued by the American Psychiatric Association defines substance abuse as:

• A. A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by one (or more) of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:

1. Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home (e.g., repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use; substance-related absences, suspensions or expulsions from school; neglect of children or household)
2. Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving an automobile or operating a machine when impaired by substance use)
3. Recurrent substance-related legal problems (e.g., arrests for substance-related disorderly conduct
4. Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance (e.g., arguments with spouse about consequences of intoxication, physical fights)

• B. The symptoms have never met the criteria for Substance Dependence for this class of substance.

And now, for the Responsible Family Low Down: 

WHO:  Anyone who is experiencing physical, legal, social or financial implications as a result of drug or alcohol use is considered to be abusing the substance in question.  Meaning, if you are having health problems that are directly linked to the substance in question, if you have been arrested while under the influence of the substance, if you have been fired from your job or lost relationships with friends or family due to alcohol or substance abuse... there is a problem and it is time to seek professional help.

WHAT: Alcohol includes beer, wine, hard liquors and any other drink containing alcoholic content.  Substances that can be abused include not only illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroine, GHB, ecstasy, crystal meth and other controlled substances, but also prescribed medications that are either prescribed by a doctor to the person or prescribed to someone else and used by the substance abuser.  Common prescription medications that are abused include, but are not limited to valium, xanax, vicodin, oxycontin, ritalin, adderal and similar substances that induce an energized or relaxed feeling.

WHEN:  The official diagnosis in the DSM IV suggests that the diagnosis should be made when the abuse has existed for at least 12 months or one year.  Personally, I know people who have addictive tendencies and have become addicted and had serious complications in less than a year.  If substance abuse is a problem, the situation can present itself in a matter of months. 

WHERE:  Anywhere!  Substance abuse can affect anyone, anywhere, any time, but it is important for people to look at their family history.  If someone in your family history has suffered from alcohol dependence, abuse or addiction, it is most likely that you carry that trait as well.  Genes carry information about eye and hair color, but also about substance and alcohol use tendencies.

WHY:  Substance dependence, abuse and addiction are all hereditary, but they are often times the result of an underlying issue.  It is possible that people with substance abuse issues are self-medicating for illnesses such as depression, anxiety and personality disorders or other illnesses.  If you feel that this is the case with you or your loved one, consult your physician!

HOW: Alcohol and drugs are all around us.  They are being used, sold, abused and exposed to us all, on a regular basis.  So, it is not unimaginable that they would create a problem for many people of all ages.  Children have access to drugs and alcohol when these substances are in the home.  Adults have access to them if they have the financial resources to acquire them.  It is not hard to find drugs in any community, especially if one is determined to find them (which is often the case when one is abusing drugs or alcohol).

WHAT YOU CAN DO:  Education and support are key in dealing with prevention and treatment of alcohol and substance dependence, abuse and addiction issues.  Parents, stay close to your children if you want to avoid the potential tragedies that can develop with drug and alcohol use.  Ask your kids where they are going, when they will be home, a phone number and address of their destination and stay in contact with the parents of their friends.  The more involved you are in your children's lives, the more likely they will be to turn to you for advice or help.  Pretending that the temptation is not there or that the potential for a problem does not exist will only create a problem for you later.  So, talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol now.  These days, kids are exposed to drugs as early as third grade in some schools!

So, in the case of Britney Spears, I hope she goes back to rehab and gets a hold of her life.  The odds of a relapse after rehab are something like 80%, so this is not unexpected in the case of Britney, it is just sad.  I hope that all parents who have substance abuse problems and issues can gather the courage to acknowledge and address their problem with support and encouragement.  An alcohol or substance abuse problem is not something to be ashamed of, but not taking care of it when children are involved is.

Here are some helpful resources for alcohol and substance issues: 

Drug and Alcohol Resource Center

Substance Abuse Information for the Public 

Teen Drug Abuse Organization 

Partnership for a Drug Free America

As always, if you have more resources or information, please contact us and share you knowledge on our forums .  We appreciate any help you can offer the community. 

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