preventing high risk for addiction problems for ADHD, Bipolar kids
Hi Everyone,
My daughter has had Bipolar Disorder and ADHD since she was 2+.
She has always attended out of district therapeutic schools, since Kindergarten. Neither she nor her numerous (at least 250 students, probably more) fellow classmates over the past 12 years have received ANY substance prevention education in any of their therapeutic school settings. My daughter has little social/emotional awareness compared to typical peers her age, and her understanding of the world is at about a 5-7 year old's. She attends a school for the first time where there have been fellow students who use drugs, smoke, and drink.
She has attended about seven therapeutic schools, from residential schools, to therapeutic day schools, to her current day school at a collaborative high school. I have repeatedly asked for the schools to include this, and yet, nothing has changed. , My daughter remains at high risk for developing a substance addiction, because of her diagnostic make up. (She has managed to pick up another type of rather addictive behavior though, as a result of her inclusion summer camp experience, (ironically enough)-after observing a fellow camper cutting herself repeatedly. Ever since, she began to cut in earnest.
Now that school has begun, I want to raise some awareness of a growing problem that affects children and teens with ADHD and Bipolar Disorder.
I have found, in reading numerous studies done over the past 8-10 years from MGH, and (other hospitals, and universities out of state) that there is a direct correlation between prevention education and the development of substance abuse problems & risk for addiction for teens with Bipolar Disorder and ADHD. Most depressingly, these studies commonly found the high risk for addiction for children and teens with ADHD and/or Bipolar Disorder is not related to family dynamics or environment.
It seems to be connected directly and squarely to prevention education.
Children with either or both (severe) ADHD, and Bipolar Disorder comprise an enormous percentage of therapeutic school populations (not to mention public schools)!.
Thoughts suggestions and comments on this issue welcome! Please also feel free to email me directly, if you prefer.
Thanks everyone for reading this long post!
Jenny
50-something
married, & mother of C
wk FT/school FT/crazed most of the time!
Mom (& legal guardian) to C: 19 y.o. attends therapeutic day school
C: Early Onset Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Anxiety (panic attacks), LDs & mid-brain abnormalities.
(Mid-brain abnormalities affect abilities in learning, sensory, executive functioning, & social/emotional delays. (Understanding of the world average age equivalent= 5-8, but varies by mood/day/hour!)
I am very excited to hear that your research shows that education makes the biggest difference! My dd has the genetic predisposition for alcoholism and addiction from both her father and me. I have had not told her I am alcoholic (YET) as she has had to digest her father abandoning her over his addictions. I have told her that I used to drink and it does not agree with me and makes me sick so I don't drink anymore. When the topic comes up, I have many casual conversations with my daughter about the temptations she will face in this area as she grows older and about how it can change a person's life. We have talked a lot about choices and how to turn away from bad choices even when it looks like the popular thing to do.
She has PDD and a Nonverbal Learning Disability that don;t exactly put her in the popular crowd at school. this has helped her to grow in some ways: she has learned to be okay with being on her own if need be, she has learned that the "popular kids" aren;t always the nicest ones, and she has learned that she can succeed in school despite the number of friends she does or does not have.
I think that casual but frank conversations are healthy , as regarding sex, when the child can handle the information, bit by bit. If education is the key , I am THRILLED as I have already started educating her. I have done many wrong things , but this one seems to be on track. I am sure there are some good pieces of literature out there to supplement education as well.
Thanks for bringing up this topic as it is a huge area of concern for me with my dd who has fragile self-esteem at times and struggles with depression.
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Carol-48-Anxiety Disorder- Klonopin, Topomax, Risperdal; 23 Years Sober/12 Steps
Cassie-10-PDD-nos, Anxiety, Depression,( ADHD?)
-30mg Celexa, .25 mg Risperdal am, 1/2 .25 mg Risperdal 3pm, 25 mg Seraquel pm
Have you tried talking to your daughter? I know teens can be difficult and she might reject your advices no matter how well intended you are, but if the school doesn't run any drug addiction awareness program it is your duty to inform her. If she doesn't want to hear you ask someone close to you to talk to her, or take her to visit some drug rehab centers Washington and see for herself the results drugs can have on you, it may b harsh but it should open her eyes.
Key point to consider is for those untreated bipolar, untreated bipolar consequences would be high risk of alcohol and substance abuse. Teenagers would somewhat abuse these substances as "self-medication," attempting to take over sleep disturbances and even mood swings. Teens who have no bipolar symptoms prior to adulthood and who suddenly develop the disorder after adulthood are at specifically on a high risk for substance abuse.
This is just some additional information that I could share for you. Patience and understanding is a must to give to those who has bipolar or adhd son/daughter. Don't lose hope and combine it with prayers.