Addiction
What is Addiction?
An addiction is an urge to do something that is hard to control or stop. If you vape or use cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs like marijuana (weed), you could become addicted to them. They can really hurt you and could even kill you.
People also can become addicted to technology if it is causing problems in other areas of their life such as ruining relationships or it starts taking all of their time and attention.
(kidshealth.org)
Videos
How Addiction Starts
Kiwi, the bird, tastes a golden nugget. It is delicious!
What is Addiction
Learn more about addiction and what can be done to stop the cycle
Signs of Addiction
Signs that you or someone you know may have an addiction include:
Psychological signals:
use of drugs or alcohol as a way to forget problems or to relax
withdrawal or keeping secrets from family and friends
loss of interest in activities that used to be important
problems with schoolwork, such as slipping grades or absences
changes in friendships, such as hanging out only with friends who use drugs
spending a lot of time figuring out how to get drugs
stealing or selling belongings to be able to afford drugs
failed attempts to stop the addictive behavior
anxiety, anger, or depression
mood swings
Physical signals:
isolation
changes in sleeping habits
feeling shaky or sick when trying to stop
needing to take more of the substance to get the same effect
changes in eating habits, including weight loss or gain
Getting Help
If you think that you or someone you care about is addicted to drugs or alcohol, recognizing the problem is the first step in getting help.
Many people think they can kick the problem on their own, but that rarely works. Find someone you trust to talk to. It may help to talk to a friend or someone your own age at first, but a supportive and understanding adult is your best option for getting help. If you can't talk to your parents, you might want to approach a school counselor, relative, doctor, favorite teacher, or religious leader.
Unfortunately, overcoming addiction is not easy. Quitting drugs or drinking is probably going to be one of the hardest things you or your friend have ever done. It's not a sign of weakness if you need professional help from a trained drug counselor or therapist. Most people who try to kick a drug or alcohol problem need professional assistance or a treatment program to do so. (kidshealth.org)
Ways to Say No
I can't stay. I've got to help (insert name) with something.
No thanks! I could be suspended from the team.
No thanks! My parents always seem to find out about these things.
I don't want to...thanks anyway.
I have plans later and don't want to be messed up.
That makes me feel sick!
That stuff is so bad for you. Do you know what it can do?
Sorry...I'm just not into that.
Forget it. There is no way I'm doing it.
My life is way too important to do that stuff!
I'm not trying to mess up my mind or body with that stuff.
Nope. Sorry...not for me!
I don't like how I feel doing that. No thanks.
Signs of Screen Addiction
Have trouble stopping using your device
Loss of interest in other activities
Thinking about playing video games all of the time even when not playing
Constantly checking your phone when you are having a conversation with someone
Having fights with your parents over using your device
Becoming frustrated when asked to put your device away
Lying to your parents or being sneaky about how much you are on your phone or computer
Being on your screen is the only thing that seems to make you feel happy
(Adapted from: todaysparent.com)
Healthy Screen Habits
1. Keep balanced – don’t let screen time take all of your down time.
2. Make time to get outside every day and be physically active.
3. Spend time with your friends that doesn’t involve screen time.
4. Enjoy screen-free time like having dinner with your family.
5. Minimize multi-tasking. Trying to do two things at once actually decreases your productivity.
6. Park or charge your phone outside of your bedroom when you go to bed.
7. Allow yourself to have a digital detox when you can spend a day completely away from screens. You will notice a difference in how you feel!