Juveniles and drugs

"Although recent trends in youth drug use have shown the first significant downturn in usage level, they remain at high levels, and it has been shown that the earlier drug use is initiated, the more likely a person is to develop drug problems later in life.

"Youth substance abuse can lead to many other problems, including the development of delinquent behavior, antisocial attitudes and health-related issues.  These problems not only affect the child, but can also influence the child's family, community and ultimately society.

"Recent trends in youth drug use have shown a significant downturn in usage levels.  However, reducing youth drug use remains a key component of the President's National Drug Control Strategy because studies have demonstrated that the earlier drug use is initiated, the more likely a person is to develop drug problems later in life.

"According to the 2008 Monitoring the Future study, 19.6 percent of eighth graders, 34.1 percent of 10th graders and 47.4 percent of 12th graders reported using any illicit drug within their lifetimes....

"Persistent substance abuse by young people often leads to academic difficulties, health-related problems (including mental health), poor peer relationships and involvement with the juvenile justice system.  Additionally, there are consequences for family members, the community and entire society.

"Mental health problems, including depression, developmental lags, apathy, withdrawal and other psychosocial dysfunctions, are frequently linked to substance abuse among adolescents.  Substance-abusing youth are at higher risk than nonusers for mental health problems, including depression, conduct problems, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide and suicide.  Marijuana use, which is prevalent among youth, has been shown to interfere with short-term memory, learning and psychomotor skills.  Motivation and psychosexual/emotional development also may be influenced." - Elite Continuing Education

Juveniles playing /experimenting with illicit drugs does impact their live.  The increase of usage the more problems in their lives and emotions, the correlations are being found true in studies.

Renee Madison, MA, LPC, CSAT is a counselor in Colorado.  She can be reached for appointments at 303-257-7623 or 970-324-6928

Domestic violence study

"In the first major global review of violence against women, a series of reports released Thursday found that about a third of women have been physically or sexually assaulted by a former or current partner
"The head of the World Health Organization [WHO], Dr. Margaret Chan, called it 'a global health problem of epidemic proportions,' and other experts said screening for domestic violence should be added to all levels of health care.
"Among the findings: 40 percent of women killed worldwide were slain by an intimate partner, and being assaulted by a partner was the most common kind of violence experienced by women.
"Researchers used a broad definition of domestic violence, and in cases where country data was incomplete, estimates were used to fill in the gaps.  WHO defined physical violence as being slapped, pushed, punched, choked or attacked with weapon.  Sexual violence was defined as being physically forced to have sex for fear of what the partner might do and being compelled to do something sexual that was humiliating or degrading.

"The report also examined rates of sexual violence against women by someone other than a partner and found about 7 percent of women worldwide has previously been a victim.

"In conjunction with the report, WHO issued guidelines for authorities to spot problems earlier and said all health workers should be trained to recognize when women may be at risk and how to respond appropriately.

"Globally, the WHO review found 30 percent of women are affected by domestic or sexual violence by a partner.  The report was based largely on studies from 1983 to 2010.  According to the United Nations, more than 600 million women live in countries where domestic violence is not considered a crime.

"The rate of domestic violence against women was highest in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where 37 percent of women experience physical or sexual violence from a partner at some point in their lifetimes.  The rate was 30 percent in Latin America and 23 percent in North America and 23 percent in North America.  In Europe and Asia, it was 25 percent.

"Some experts and screening for domestic violence should be added to all levels of health care, such as obstetric clinics.  'It's unlikely that someone would walk into an ER and disclose they've been assaulted,' said Sheila Sprague of McMaster University in Canada, who has researched domestic violence in women at orthopedic clinics.  She was not connected to the WHO report." - Maria Cheng in The Associated Press

It is sad that this still goes on in this day and age.  The age where so many modern conveniences are available to all like cell phones that in relationships women are still minimized and fear is in the home with their partner/spouse.  The article doesn't even mention how the children in the home are abused and live in fear because of what they see their mothers go through.

Renee Madison, MA, LPC, CSAT is a counselor in Colorado.  She can be reached for appointments at 303-257-7623 or 970-324-6928