Innocent Minds:

Child Psychology Behind Those With Addicted Parents

Amari L. Loretto

Jemez Pueblo

Photo by Amari L. Loretto, 2021

Sharing One Skin

by Jeanette Armstrong

In the article, "Sharing One Skin," Jeanette Armstrong goes over many different viewpoints on community. She discusses her home life, describing what it's been like for her growing up within her home community, the Okanagan, in the part of British Columbia. She describes her mother as being a “river indian,” as she is from Kettle Falls which is near Inchelium, and her fathers people being “mountain people,” with him being from the Okanagan Valley in the northern area of British Columbia. Knowing where her parents come from plays a large role in knowing her own identity and understanding her responsibilities of holding up their traditions and cultures. She tells her readers about the four capacities everyone holds within themselves. Armstrong knows these capacities as being the physical, emotional, spiritual, and thinking-intellectual self. The physical self is how we survive within our own skin as well as beyond it. The emotional self is what connects our thinking to everyone else around us. Spiritual self is both the larger being as well as the individual self within. Thinking-intellectual self refers to any analytical thought we as humans have. For her, these four elements hold a great significance in defining a person because we all interact with them in different ways. Community is also an extremely important thing to Armstrong. She wants readers to know that a community can vary and does not only mean one type. Community is something that helps a person understand who they are and where they come from.

Armstrong, Jeanette. 1996 “Sharing One Skin: The Okanagan Community,” in Jerry Mander and Edward Goldsmith (eds), The Case Against the Global Economy, San Francisco, CA: Sierra Club Books, 1996. Pp. 460-470.

Photo/Painting by Amari L. Loretto, 2020

Native American Identity

By Perry G. Horse

This article mainly focuses on different struggles found and experienced being a Native American in the United States. There are many tribes that are found within the US and it is very well known that many of them have resided within the states for ages. However, as the times progress, it is clear that the ways of life for so many of them have been affected by problems in one way or another. The author goes over how Native Americans have become “more like white people.” They dwell on the preferences of being referred to as an American Indian or a Native American, terms that have been used throughout time and have also changed as time passes. Knowing this, the author notes that words can carry great meanings and can form connections. The topic of white privilege and oppression is also discussed. Horse acknowledges how race is now tied to the history of Native Americans, as he said words have connections. Just being Native American requires paperwork that was made specifically for Natives, such as the Certificate of Indian Blood. It was created only for Native Americans because the federal government wanted to recognize the tribes of the United states. The author questions why these types of documents were ever created. The author understands that there is no standard description for Natives, as there are multiple tribes throughout the US that all practice different religions.

Horse, Perry G., “Native American Identity,” in New Directions for Student Services, Wiley Periodicals inc., Spring, 2005. Pp. 61-68

Facts of Childhood Trauma: Part 1

by Daniel Wrzesinski

In the article, the Facts of Childhood Trauma: Part 1, tells readers about the different types of childhood trauma. Childhood trauma is something that recognizes the emotional and psychological abuse one had endured in some childhood event, whether it be from mental illness, substance abuse, obesity, etc. There are many negatives that could have surrounded someone growing up. These types of things can have long lasting effects on how someone sees themselves as well as how they see others. Childhood trauma is something that can actually go unrecognized or unacknowledged by someone who has experienced something of the sort, however it is a major link to difficulties later on in life. Untreated or unresolved trauma can cause serious mental illnesses, low self esteem, depression and many more types of harsh mindsets in a person. There are four major categories when it comes to trauma, such as neglect, psychical abuse, psychological and emotional abuse, and even child sexual abuse. Neglect is when a parent or guardian is unable or fails to provide for the child's needs, from physical to emotional. Physical abuse is when the adult or guardian uses physical aggression towards a child. Child sexual abuse is when an adult or an older person uses a child for sexual stimulation. Emotional abuse is harder to identify because there are many forms of this abuse. It is when a child is under fire for nearly everything, including self-image, name-calling, destruction of the child’s property, humiliation, etc. School bullying is also a form of trauma. When a child is bullied in school, it harms their mindset of being able to succeed as well as their self-image. Bullying is something that a person can carry with them throughout their lives. A child may withdraw from their usual activities as a result of ongoing abuse or trauma. When seen, it should be reported so that the child is able to be safely removed from the environment.

DANIEL WRZESIŃSKI. The Facts of Child Trauma: Part 1. Manistee News Advocate, The (MI), [s. l.], 19 out. 2011.

Photo by Amari L. Loretto, 2020

Drinking and Drug-Use Dreams in Recovery Tied to More Severe Addiction History

by States New Service

Drinking and Drug-Use Dreams in Recovery Tied to More Severe Addiction History is an article that discusses the harsh reality that comes with addicts trying to recover from addiction. People will turn to substances and will begin to rely on drugs for a number of reasons. There are some people that will simply try drugs and become addicted. There could be others that feel the need to use drugs to be able to feel something, almost as a distraction. Others may simply be trying to avoid their responsibilities and just want to go off and party and have their own kind of “fun.” However when people are trying to pull themselves away from their harmful mindsets, they find it much harder than they thought. Drugs can become a liability to a person and it is the only way they know how to deal with hard emotions. It has been noted that recovering addicts will often experience dreams in which they are still using substances. They find themselves feeling overwhelming sadness and irritability in their dreams. It is unknown why they actually have these types of dreams. It could be that their minds are so used to feeling that familiar rush they get when using drugs that it is trying to recall the same emotions and feelings. The frequency of these dreams lessens the longer someone is in recovery to the point that they may not experience it at all after some time. It is the body's way of adapting to the new change and it is it’s way of healing. The recovery process is a difficult time and some may unfortunately not make it to full sobriety. Those that do are able to move on to positive things in life and are able to feel comfortable with themselves and are able to have a second chance.

"DRINKING AND DRUG-USE DREAMS IN RECOVERY TIED TO MORE SEVERE ADDICTION HISTORY." States News Service, 11 Feb. 2019. Gale OneFile: High School Edition

Photo by Amari L. Loretto, 2020

Lessons from the Child of an Addict

by Emily Smith

TedTalk - YouTube Video

In the Ted talk, Lessons from the Child of an Addict, Emily Smith describes what her life is like while having a prescription drug addiction. She tells of how her mother’s mother was also a prescription drug addict, her fathers parents were alcoholics, their parents being alcoholics as well and had passed away at a young age. Emily says she fears for her future, having seen how the line of substance abuse had been present in her family her entire life as well as before she was born. After she and her parents moved from California to Pennsylvania for her fathers career, her mother felt relieved to think she had broken the cycle of addiction that had been present for so long. However, her mother soon became an addict herself. At ten years old, Emily experienced a life-threatening situation when her normally functioning addict mother snapped and attempted to go after Emily and her father with a knife. A functioning addict is someone who is able to perform tasks at a sufficient level while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Functioning addicts can be labeled as a harder drug addict, as they are the ones who soon become nearly immune to the high of drugs. After time, they move on to harsher substances to reach any sort of high. At twelve years old, Emily’s mother moved out of their home and cut off contact with Emily and her father. As a coping mechanism, Emily focused on art in high school to be able to focus on something else besides the issues at home. She and her father built a new life to move on. She began to question herself, as she felt she had no role model in life and felt lost. She questioned what she had to offer and what she could do to better herself. Emily began looking into addiction soon after and learned about how addiction can be passed down through genetics. She states that there is a 50% chance that children with addicted parents will become addicts themselves at some point in their lives. Adding in the environment in which a child grows up in as well as their heritage can boost their chances of becoming an addict. Emily believes it is up to the child or teenager to understand their risks of becoming an addict and that it is up to them to know when to avoid situations that could ultimately harm them in the long run. Emily wants people who have stories similar to hers and wants to help attempt to break the cycle of addiction within society.

Smith, Emily. “Lessons from the Child of an Addict.” YouTube, TEDx Talks, 7 December 2016.

Photo: Ideas.Ted.Com, "TedTalk Stage," 17 December 2018

The Science Behind How Parents Effect Child Development

by Yuko Munakata

TedTalk - YouTube Video

“Trying to predict how a child will turn out based on choices made by the parents is like trying to predict a hurricane from the flap of a butterfly's wings,” Says Yuko Munakata, a psychology professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. In her Ted Talk, she talks about how it is believed that if a child is not succeeding, in school or any activities, the parents are the ones in the wrong. This leads her to question if that is the case. She wonders if the parent’s guidance is enough to influence a child’s development in the wrong way, as children make their own decisions as they grow older. After conducting research into the question, Yuko discovers the parents can only do so much for their child. With outside influences, it is easy for a child to become their own person, despite the teachings of their parents. Certain genes can be passed down to children, which may or may not influence the way a child thinks. Even if people share similar experiences, their feelings on the matter may be completely different from one another. She also discovered that during the 1970’s, the term parenting came into play. Before that period, parents weren’t viewed as “shapers” of their children, and were more like caretakers. As time has evolved, so has parenting styles. In today’s society, it is clear that things are ever-changing. The way children learn changes everyday.

Munakata, Yuko. “The Science Behind How Parents Affect Child Development.” YouTube, TEDx Talks, 2 June 2021

Photo/Painting by Amari L. Loretto, 2020

Children Living With Parents Who Have a Substance Use Disorder

By Lipari, R.N. and Van Horn, S.L.

The article, “Children Living With Parents Who Have a Substance Abuse Disorder,” gives statistics based on the results of different surveys given by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. It has found the clear differences in children who have a parent with a SUD and those without. Children who have a family member with an SUD have had a more difficult time in school and other activities. It is something that impacts the way they behave around others and how they perceive themselves. In 2017, a study was conducted which found that 12% of youth under 18 years old lived with an adult who struggled with substance abuse. This administration also combined data from 2009 and 2014 to discover 1 in 8 children deal or have dealt with substance abuse in their families. 2.1 million (2.9%) of children lived in a household where an adult, in the past year, had an illicit drug use disorder. All in all, these findings are equivalent to 8.7 million children annually living in the same household as someone with a substance abuse disorder. That puts 8.7 million children at risk for becoming users themselves. It was also found that 20.2 million adults struggle with a substance disorder.

Lipari, R.N. and Van Horn, S.L. “Children living with parents who have a substance use disorder.” The CBHSQ Report: August 24, 2017. Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, MD.

Photo by Amari L. Loretto, 2021

Alcohol and Dug Abuse Among Native Americans

By Michael Kaliszewski

“Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among Native Americans'' is also an article that gives statistics. This article was last updated on October 18, 2021, and gives a more updated version of drug use statistics in Native American communities within the United States. Native Americans and Alaskan Natives only make up about 1.7% of the United States population, however they experience a higher rate of substance abuse in their communities more than any other ethnic group. Michael Kaliszewski, a freelance science writer for the American Addiction Centers website, discovered that substance use disorders (SUD) are highly influenced by historical trauma, racism, poverty, and violence (domestic abuse, sexual abuse, etc.) The National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 25% of Native Americans reported drinking within the past month. Native Americans are 17.4% more likely to report drug use within the past month and are 28.5% more likely to report on a yearly basis than any other ethic group. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found 13% of Native Americans need substance abuse treatment, however, only 3.5% actually recieve help. The rates of methamphetamine abuse in these communities have also risen at 3x the rate of any other group. Native Americans are also at risk for health problems due to mental illness and suicide, obesity, teenage pregnancy, cancer, etc. Ultimately, 1 in 5 Native Americans (ages 18-25) have a substance abuse disorder, while Native adolescents (12-17 years old) may develop a substance abuse order when they get older.

Michael Kaliszewski, “Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among Native Americans.” American Addiction Centers, 18 October 2021, Powell Pl Brentwood, TN.

Photo by Amari L. Loretto, 2020

Drug Trafficking Statistics in the United States

By Lauren Villa

“Drug Trafficking statistics in the United States,” is an article written by Lauren Villa and covers how drug and alcohol abuse is on the rise in the United States. There are some instances where some users have a difficult time finding or having access to drugs. However, for those who do, it is noted that synthetic opioids are quickly becoming one of the highest factors in overdose deaths, with heroin and morphine coming in close. Fentanyl is even more lethal than heroin by at least 40% and about 100% more potent than morphine. These drugs, such as fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl, are trafficked to the U.S. from Mexico and China. Mexico is noted to be a main cause in drug trafficking to the U.S., as they are the closest neighboring country and have been growing opium poppy, a flowering type of plant species that morphine and codeine are created from. Within 2010 to 2015, the rates of seizures and overdoses related to fentanyl along the border of the United States and Mexico have doubled. The D.E.A. (Drug Enforcement Administration) has said Mexico also trafficks other drugs to the U.S., such as cocaine, meth, and marijuana. It was also discovered that Africa is used as a prime transit shipping point from Asia and South America. Within these shipments, it is becoming difficult for law enforcement to be able to catch the smuggling, as there are many different ways to disguise drugs. For example, some grind down the powders and sell them as sugar. Another threat to the users and public safety is how rapidly new drugs are created, some being even more lethal than morphine.

Lauren Villa, M. P. H. R. by: S. T. L. updated on J. 4. (2022, January 5). “Drug trafficking statistics in the United States”. DrugAbuse.com. Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://drugabuse.com/statistics-data/drug-trafficking/

Photo: “China Upholds Death Sentence For Canadian in Drug Smuggling Case,” News Wires, France 24, 10 August 2021

Global Drug Use Rising: While COVID-19 Has Far Reaching Impacts on Global Drug Markets

By Office on Drugs and Crime

The article, “Global Drug Use Rising; While COVID-19 has far reaching impact on global drug markets” is an article that gives statistics on how the global pandemic and rising cases of Covid 19 has actually somewhat helped lower the rates of drugs on the streets. Because of the many restrictions and fears of the virus, as well as supply and demand issues, prices of certain substances have gone up. However, there have been more negative impacts. Because of certain prices going up, some people have turned to substances which are more readily available than others, which could lead to new markets opening up. At the start of the pandemic, many people were put out of their jobs, leading them to have to find something new to do in order to earn money. This type of situation was noted to most likely impact the lower income people, as they were the most vulnerable under the circumstances and would do what they needed to to bring in money for themselves and/or their families. This stress could cause them to turn to substances themselves, only bringing the numbers up. Another downfall of the pandemic are the traffickers having to find new shipping routes, which could potentially put other people in harm's way.

UNODC World Drug Report 2020: Global Drug Use Rising; while covid-19 has far reaching impact on Global Drug Markets. United Nations : Office on Drugs and Crime. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://www.unodc.org/unodc/press/releases/2020/June/media-advisory---global-launch-of-the-2020-world-drug-report.html

Photo: "Marijuana Bundles seized by U.S Border Patrol,” Daniel Borunda, El Paso Times, 11 October 2016

Why the War on Drugs is a Huge Failure

By Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell

YouTube Video

“Why the war on drugs is a huge failure,” is a Youtube video that goes over the cause and effects of drugs around the world. About forty years ago, President Nixon had stated that drugs are “public enemy number one.” This led to the beginning of the “War on Drugs.” Now, we have seen in today's society how drugs have caused mass incarceration, corruption, violence in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, and political destabilization. Billions of dollars are wasted every year by society's usage as well as trying to end drug cartels. Although supply and demand affects a lot of different types of marketing, the situation with drug trafficking is different, as drugs never have a certain price and are constantly repriced. Regardless of price, people will consume them at any cost. Even if dealers are incarcerated and drugs are destroyed, this does not lower the amount of the end users. For example, when the chemicals used to create crystal meth were regulated and constantly observed to lower the amount created, this only pushed people to start small chains on their own all over the country in smaller towns and communities. Mexican cartels had taken over, causing them to become the leading seller of meth. The supply and demand was not reduced and only helped people find ways to make the drug more potent and helped dealers smuggle smarter. It is said that the war on drugs is actually what is causing the drug situation to worsen. Because of the war on drugs, the homicide rate is 25% higher. Mexico is also experiencing higher rates in current years. The video states white children are more likely to use drugs while black children are 10 times more likely to be arrested for drug offenses. In the 1980’s, Switzerland had once experienced high rates of health problems related to heroin usage. This led researchers to form a new strategy of creating a safe center where addicts would have access to high quality heroin, clean needles, injection rooms, beds, doctors, and social workers. This experiment led to a sharp decrease in crime. Because people are able to have safe access to their addiction, this makes it possible for them to focus on their outside lives and get jobs. Not only was this solution safer, it was much cheaper and effective.

Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell. “Why the War on Drugs is a huge failure” youtube. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJUXLqNHCaI.

Photo: “Invited the Sinaloa Drug Cartel Across the Border,” Michael B. Kelly. DOJ National Drug Threat Assessment, 1 October 2012.