Saturday, January 4, 2014

Study Finds 1 in 3 Bipolar Teens Become Substance Abusers

By  Senior News Editor
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D.

PsychCentral~As published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, researchers found that approximately one in three teens with bipolar disorder developed substance abuse.


The new study also identified several risk factors that predicted who among these teens was most likely to develop substance abuse.

Researchers studied teens who became substance abusers for the first time, during four years of follow-up.

Using data from the Course and Outcome of Bipolar Youth (COBY) study, a group of researchers led by Dr. Benjamin Goldstein examined 167 kids, ages 12-17 years.

Participants in the study were interviewed an average of seven times over the course of four years in order to examine their symptoms, functioning, stressors, and treatment. Investigators then documented the frequency and possible predictors of first-onset substance abuse.

Researchers found that 32 percent of adolescents in COBY developed abuse or dependence of alcohol or drugs, on average 2.7 years from the start of the study.

Repeated experimentation with alcohol at the start of the study was the single strongest predictor of later substance abuse, although experimentation with cannabis also predicted later substance abuse.
Five other factors present at the start of the study also predicted later substance abuse: oppositional defiant disorder, panic disorder, family history of substance abuse, low family cohesiveness, and absence of antidepressant treatment.

Among teens with three or more risk factors, 54.7 percent went on to develop substance abuse, compared to 14.1 percent of teens with 0-2 risk factors.

The COBY study, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, is the largest longitudinal study of children and adolescents with bipolar disorder.
The three-site study enrolled participants at Brown University, UCLA, and the University of Pittsburgh. COBY is continuing to follow these adolescents into their 20s and 30s.

According to Goldstein, the risk associated with experimental substance use “in the case of adolescents with bipolar disorder, even so-called recreational substance use is playing with fire.”
He concluded “we appear to have this window of two to three years during which we can attempt to prevent substance abuse in these youth. This study provides some clues regarding the types of preventive strategies that may be useful.”

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Healthy New Year’s Resolutions for Teens

How will your life look different in 2014?


Livefree~While "now" is always the best time to make healthy changes to your lifestyle, the new year provides a regular opportunity to evaluate your current habits and start working toward a healthier tomorrow. The earlier you settle into the right habits, the easier it will be, and the more effective they will be as you age. Teens, this is the year to start taking your health seriously! Consider these resolutions to get on the right track.
Start meeting your nutritional needs.
Healthy eating habits aren't just for those trying to lose weight or lower their cholesterol – when you are skipping fruits and veggies in exchange for greasy fast food selections, you'll feel sluggish, your immune system will suffer, and you'll set yourself up for an unhealthy future.
Be nice to your lungs.
If you've started smoking, now is the time to quit. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to break the addiction. Don't smoke? Remember that secondhand smoke can be just as dangerous. Don't breathe in your friends' bad habits!
Protect your brain.
There's a reason why the legal age for alcohol is 21. If you're a teen, your brain is still developing, and alcohol can leave lasting damages. Recreational drug use poses an even greater risk. Find other ways to enjoy your weekends.
Give your body the time it needs to recharge.
If you're sacrificing sleep for extra study time or time in front of the computer or television, you aren't doing yourself any favors. Sleep deprivation can lead to a compromised memory, a weakened immune system, or a vulnerability to depression and anxiety. Make it a priority to get eight or nine hours of sleep each night.
If your New Year's resolutions include an end to underage drinking or recreational drug use, LiveFree! can provide the support you need. Learn more about our commitment to preventing and treating substance abuse in our community.