Display Of Addictive Behaviour In Teenagers

In recent years addictive behaviour has been defined as a display of any excessive behaviour. nnThis includes taking legal or illegal drugs and substances, or overindulging in activities like eating, exercising, shopping, surfing the Net, watching TV, playing game boy, seeking attention, viewing pornographic images, gambling, and a wide range of other behaviour patterns that can fall into this catagory. nExcessive behaviour can cross the line and become every bit as real an addiction as being physically dependent on a drug. nAnything we feel we have to have or have to do, or can’t do without is display of excessive behaviour. nnIt is a fact that in the western world, addictive behaviour is on the rise in all groups in staggering numbers. Many people display such behaviour without ever thinking it could be labelled addictive. nnWe might often think we can handle such behaviour by encouraging more willpower, discipline or insight into harmful consequences. Unfortunately none of this works in reality.nnnExcessive behaviour can lead to addiction.nnnAddiction is defined as a “bio-psycho-social” disease. This means that biology, psychology and a person’s social environment can contribute to the development of addictive ehaviour, or an addiction to drugs, alcohol, substances or activities. There is no “one” cause for it. Excessive behaviour such as repeatedly engaging in an activity or taking drugs can lead to addiction when a number of internal and external factors line up in such a way to produce the result of becoming “addicted”.nnLet’s look at the different aspects of addictive behaviour.nnBiological – or that which is “physical” nPsychological – or that which is “emotional” nSociological – or that which is “cultural” or a function of the environment nEach of these factors can impact an individual in particular ways and produce the transition from excessive behaviour, to developing an addiction.nnBiological AspectnnIn the last several decades, scientific research about addiction or the display of excessive behaviour and how it impacts the normal functioning of the brain has made a huge contribution towards a better understanding of the underlying process of addiction. One thing central to this research is the understanding of why so many addicts experience relapses in their disease, despite their willingness and determined efforts to recover. Through understanding what happens in our brain, there may be more success in helping people with addictions fully recovernnHow Drugs Affect the BrainnnDrugs are chemicals. When taken drugs, these chemicals travel with the bloodstream to all our organs, including the brain. nDrugs target the brain’s reward system, the Limbic System nnnThe Limbic System contains the brain’s ‘reward circuit’. It links together a number of brain structures that control and regulate our ability to feel pleasure. Feeling pleasure motivates us to repeat activities, like eating, which are vital to our existence. The Limbic System is activated when we perform the vital activity of eating, thus urging us to continue that activity.nnThe same happens when we consume drugs or engage in any activity that gives us pleasure.nnDopamine is a neurotransmitter present in our bodies that is involved in the body’s pleasure response. Drugs interfere with the chemical messages that dopamine offers. Cells of the nervous system release dopamine during pleasurable activities. Once released, dopamine travels across a gap between nerve cells, called a synapse and binds to a receptor on a neighbouring nerve cell (also called a neuron). This send a signal to that nerve cell, which produces a good feeling. Under normal conditions, once the dopamine sends that signal it is re-absorbed by the neuron that released it. Drugs interrupt this cycle, preventing the normal re-absorption process. As dopamine builds up in the synapses, it continues to stimulate the receptor, creating a feeling of euphoria in the user and prompting the individual to repeat the action that gives the reward.nnThis mechanism works at a very simplified levelnn• Drugs interfere with the communication of brain cells and the way these cells normally send, receive, and process information.nnNeurons are brain cells. They receive and pass information back and forth, providing communication between the cells, coordinating and regulating everything we feel, think or do.nnNeurotransmitters are chemical messengers released from the brain cells. They transmitt messages between the neurons. Once they have done their “job” they are re-absorbed by the neuron which released them.nnSynapse is the gap in between the neurons. The re-absorbtion of the neurotransmitter keeps the gap between the neurones and the synapses “clean”, and ready for the next information to be transmitted.nnReceptors are receivers for the neurotransmitters. Each neurotransmitter “docks on” to a specific site on the nerve cell. nnFrom what science knows today it seems this underlying process is the same no matter if we consume substances excessively, or engage excessively in activities. Whatever gives us pleasure or prompts our body to produce the chemicals which target the limbic system, the same process occurs. nnThe basic underlying mechanism seems to always be the same.nnThe reaction of the brain when flooded with a neurotransmitter, in this case dopamine, is to try to adjust to the build up of dopamine by producing less dopamine or by reducing the number of receptors.nnAs a result, the impact of dopamine can become abnormally low, which reduces the ability to experience pleasure. Higher dosages of the drug, or more excessive behaviour are needed now to create a dopamine high in order to experience the same level of pleasure.nnThis can eventually lead to profound changes in the neurons and the communication circuit of the brain. The long-term health of the brain is compromised and impaired brain function is risked.nnLong-term drug abuse impairs brain functioning.nnWe know that the brain goes through dynamic change during the preteen, teenage and adolescent years. The brain is still a “work in progress” during these years. Excessive behaviour of any kind, or addiction can seriously damage the growth processes. The development of the frontal lobe and the refinement of pathways and connections of brain cells continue to develop until late in the twenties.nnThe feelings that signal intoxication or the euphoric effect to the individual in an adult brain are delayed in the teenager’s brain. This means that teenagers need to consume more drugs or engage in more excessive behaviour until they can feel the euphoric effect, compared to adults. This also means that they get “hooked” on excessive behaviour and drugs more quickly than adults.nnPsychological and Social AspectsnnThe earlier in age children experience overindulgent in behaviour or use of drugs and substances, the more likely they are at risk to develop an addiction. nnNot everyone will try an illegal drug in their life time, but almost any of us can become a behavioural addict. Today many scientists believe that “behavioural” addiction will be on the rise in coming yearsThis is what some scientists believe today, and they believe that this behavioural addiction will be on the rise in coming years (computer, online gambling, consumption of pornographic images, etc...).nnWhy do preteens and teenagers start to display excessive behaviour? What are their motives?nnMany times parents, teachers or guardians think that friends or the peer group pressure the teenager to engage in addictive behaviour. The truth is, usually friends are “changed” in order to be with people who chose the same behaviour. A sudden change of friends can be a warning sign; so stay watchful, it’s worth investigating!!nnDrug use or other addictive behaviour may be influenced by such factors as:nnHarsh discipline in home environment nDrug use by parents or other role models nDisintegration of family life, the child withdraws and does not feel close to her family nThe wish to escape problems, stress or loneliness nNot finding solutions to pressing problems, feeling of being left alone or not appreciated nTo overcome shyness in social situations nTo fill a need or compensate for a feeling of emptiness nEmotional imbalance nTo overcome fear or anxiety nTo relax and feel good; to be “cool” nThe need to be perceived as “grown up” with peers nBeing curious nThere is no “one reason” for being at risk with addiction; it is a combination of many possible scenarios.nnResearch has shown that children from overprotected families often feel overly attached to their families. Many of these children stay at a “child level” in their later development and have difficulties getting to know their own identity. They grow up being extremely dependent on their parents and have not learned how to master the transition to adulthood competently.nnThey can develop problems expressing their independence. They tend to fear that expressing their own ideas about life and living independently, would be a rejection of their parents.nnWhat Can Help Prevent Overindulgent BehaviournnAcknowledgement of strengths, abilities and engaging in every day family activities. nFeedback instead of criticism nClear structures that outline family life, duties and values nFlexibility with little and big “issues” nAuthenticity of parents nMaking the expression of feelings an easy thing to do, providing a supportive and compassionate atmosphere nStaying involved with your child’s life and keeping communication lines open in difficult times nCreating a trustful, open and honest family atmosphere nThese are just some of the factors in a child’s environment which scientists have pinpointed that help prevent addictive behaviour in teenagers.nnIn my Power Workshops on Key Strategies for a Successful and Fulfilling Parent-Teen Relationship, I train parents in how to learn, improve and enhance these powerful parenting skills before any sign of a problem arise. Prevention is the key. nnWhat are the signs that a child is overindulging in any area?nnOne of the most common signs of addiction or behavioural overindulgence, is withdrawal from family life or from long lasting relationships.nnSome other signs for overindulgence, or addiction are excessive moodiness, irritability, anxiety, depression, a sudden drop in activity level, apathy, loss of interest in formally important relationships or activities, restlessness, aggression, secretiveness, or sleeplessness. nnPhysical symptoms like sweating or hallucinating are clear signs of addiction to substances or behaviour.nnThere are many differents signs to look for depending on what the drug or behaviour is. Therefore, as parents we need to do the research and stay informed with current developments in science and health.nnWhat actions can parents take?nnOne of the most important actions parents can take, even before their child is entering preteen years, is to learn and keep informed about addiction to drugs, substances and behaviour. Parents need to educate themselves, so they can read the signs, before the damage is done. nThe other key issue is honesty. Take a very good look at what you see, analyse it, and refrain from denial. Do not close your eyes, do not be ashamed! nDenial and down play are best friends of addictive behaviour and the development of addictionnnSteps You Can Take to Help Your Child to Get Over Addictive BehaviournnTake the time to investigate with your teenager and a professional the possible root causes of the addictive behaviour. The earlier you react, the better your chances are to overcome the addictive behaviour. This will also help you strategize ways to support your child in becoming free from addictive behaviour of any kind. nHave compassion for your child, he is suffering! nDon’t be judgmental towards your teenager or other people with addiction problems. Judgment doesn’t support change, or open communication between you and your child. nDo not play the “guilt game” and refrain from blaming. Doing this will not help you or your child in any way. On the contrary, it will hinder progress and healing substantially. nCreate an open and loving atmosphere in the areas of your teenager’s health, self-worth and values as this will help dramatically with the recovery process. nChange requires total commitment - nothing else will work. nCreate a support network of friends and professionals to work with you and your teenager during this transition process. nSet up a winning environment. Get rid of as many temptations as possible in your teenager’s physical and mental environment. nCelebrate any wins, no matter how small. nSupport your child to envisage and imagine, as detailed as possible, the liberating feeling of a life free of addictive behaviour. nSummary of the Main PointsnnAddictive behaviour is the excessive display of any behaviour. nExcessive behaviour can lead to addiction. nAddiction today is perceived as a bio-psycho-social disease. nThere is no “one cause” for displaying excessive behaviour or developing an addiction. nChemicals in the brain (or neurotransmitters) are activated and target the brain’s reward system - the Limbic system - when we take drugs or engage in overindulging behaviour. nLong term abuse of any type of substance or activity impairs brain function. nThe psychological and enviromental influences which can trigger obsessive behaviour or addiction are numerous. nPrevention work is the key. nHonesty, strong parenting skills, staying informed, trustful and caring family atmosphere all make a good basis for prevention. nA solution oriented upbringing and the chance to experience and get to know themselves while growing up, is a big help for teenagers to steer clear of addictive behaviour. nParents need, more than ever before, to be aware, be informed and educate themselves on drug and behavioural addiction, to be able to read the signs early and take necessary actions to support their child. nDenial and down play are best friends of addictive behaviour and development of addictionnnValuable resource web sites and addresses:nnwww.al-anon.alateen.org information on alcohol abuse, group meetings and regional support groups can be found on this sitenn nwww.al-anon.ch regional meetings and information in German for alcohol addicts and their familiesnn nwww.ncadd.org national council on alcoholism and drugndependence, fighting stigma of alcoholism and other dependenciesnn nwww.drugabuse.gov scientific information on the way drugs work in the bodyn nwww.health.howstuffworks.com information and articles on almost any substance and behaviour dependencyn n n