Pubdate: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 Source: Telegraph, The (Nashua, NH) Copyright: 2006 Telegraph Publishing Company Contact: http://www.nashuatelegraph.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/885 Author: Barry Timmerman Note: Barry Timmerman is coordinator of substance abuse services at The Youth Council in Nashua. He has been a substance abuse professional for 18 years. Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) DRUG USE HIJACKS YOUR KIDS' BRAINS There is terrorist activity going on in Nashua, and it's aimed at our teens. Hijackings are occurring every day. These activities are happening in the brains of our teens. Our teens are having their neuroreceptor sites hijacked by psychoactive substances. This may sound like an updated version of the infamous H.G. Wells broadcast of "The War of the Worlds," but rest assured, what I'm describing is for real. Teens are much more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol and other drugs. Their brains and other anatomical systems are still in the process of development. Their sensitivity to alcohol and other drugs is more acute as a result. This means the addictive process happens faster and with less frequency of use and quantity of use than in adults. Let's look at brain function to understand more clearly what goes on and why addiction is called a disease of the brain. There is an area of our brains called the cerebral cortex. This is where we make decisions. This part of the brain is in the frontal lobe. Closer to the top of the spinal chord lies the part of the brain that contains our survival mechanisms. This is our primitive brain. This is also our reward system. Much of our survival depends on this part of the brain. When we feel hungry, this part of the brain activates drives that compel us to feed. When we're threatened, drives are activated to defend us, either by fighting or fleeing. Our sex drive is here, as well, ensuring procreation of our race. Our "thinking" brain works in conjunction with our "primitive" brain to balance things out. Not all perceived threats require fighting or running away. When we're hungry, we decide when, what and how much we eat. We control our impulses through reasoning and decision-making. Because teen brains are still developing, this "balance" is still being worked out. This is the reason why we send kids to school, teach them at home and in the community, in many ways and in many arenas. Until they've internalized the ability to self-regulate, external cues are in place to co-facilitate the process of maturity. Add drugs, and all bets are off. Drugs alter the function of the brain chemically, putting the primitive brain in charge. The reward system becomes totally tuned to satisfy cravings. These cravings are triggered by sensory cues in the environment. This is known as euphoric recall. The reasoning part of the brain may think, "I shouldn't be doing this," but the altered reward system trumps the thought and intention with a more powerful drive to satisfy the craving that has been triggered. How many times have I heard a teen with substance-abuse problems say, "I'm in control, I can stop anytime I want." The sad fact is, by the time someone's brain has been altered, he or she is anything but in control. Awareness of this loss of control is minimal. It's like trying to see something in the middle of your back without a mirror. The good news is the alteration is usually temporary. The brain heals, and with time, regains the balance between the two systems. Prevention programs and treatment programs are needed to teach this information about the brain. Prevention education should begin early. How early, you ask? In pregnancy, is my answer. Lamaze classes should provide education about substance-abuse prevention, not only in terms of how drinking and drugging can harm the fetus, but also begin to teach parents-to-be the importance of educating their kids. Schools need to begin developmentally appropriate substance-abuse prevention programming from kindergarten on. Middle schools and high schools need to continue the process in every grade, not stop health class in the 10th or 11th grade. Look at the youth risk behavior survey rates of 12th-graders who are reporting the use of alcohol, marijuana or Ecstasy on a monthly and weekly basis. Yet most schools no longer require substance-abuse prevention or health class for seniors. The process should continue in college. Think about it. All those kids away from home are now expected to self-regulate their behavior. There also needs to be adequate student assistance program counselors and adequate treatment programs to which those in need can be referred. To borrow from an old saying, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." This takes on new meaning in light of the "let's get wasted" mentality that's prevalent in teen culture. We need to do a better job of teaching our kids how to keep their brains healthy. September is National Recovery Month. Throughout the state, there will be activities that bring focus to treatment programs that help people recover from addiction. Let's celebrate the success of those who have gotten their lives back and continue to advocate for adequate prevention and treatment resources. Until next time, stay safe out there. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake