Tag Archives: parent

Dangers of Fentanyl and Substance Use in the Digital Age

August 5, 2024 Mary Knutson

Children with computers, tablets, cell phones and head phones — We are the digital age.

Fentanyl and substance abuse impacts every community in some way. There are increased dangers for young people in the digital age.

Risks of Internet Use

Ease of access has made it possible for anyone young or old to purchase the drugs. It is easily accessible through online platforms because drug dealers bypass dark web restrictions and sell drugs online. The internet has transformed how substances are bought and sold because it can be anonymous and convenient for buyers and sellers.

Risks of Social Media

Social media platforms are gateways for young people to access illegal drugs like fentanyl. Drug traffickers advertise on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. Typically, the advertising disappears in 24 hours via stories and posts, accompanied by code words and emojis. Prospective buyers contact the dealers through the post, and the conversations move to encrypted apps like Signal or Telegram. Payment is made via Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, and Remity.

Challenges for Parents or Guardians

Sadly, online drug dealing leads to substance use among youth, causing addiction and overdose. That is why the organization, SUPE, Substance Use Prevention Education, was founded to combat this dangerous trend. Fortunately, SUPE has reliable information and resources and even a video to help young people make informed choices and to help protect them from online drug dealers. It also has vital information for parents to protect their children from fentanyl.

Risks of Living in a Drug Culture

We live in a culture that glamorizes drug use. And young people are easily influenced. The consequences of fentanyl use among our youth are devastating. Its potency increases the risk of overdose, which can be fatal even with minimal exposure. Many young people experimenting with drugs may not be aware that fentanyl can be present in substances such as counterfeit pills. This lack of awareness and education about the dangers of fentanyl further compounds the problem, which is why SUPE provides free resources to empower families.

Moving from Addiction to Recovery

When young people become addicted to drugs, the people around them suffer, struggle to cope, and find support. If you are struggling and need help, there are practical resources and tips to help with addiction and coping that can be found on healthvista.net.

Educate yourself and learn about the signs and symptoms of drug use and addiction. This helps you understand what the person is going through.
Communicate as calmly as possible. Express concerns without confronting others. Avoid casting judgment, arguing, and pointing the finger. Listen actively and allow the person to talk while showing empathy and understanding.
Offer support, but also encourage professional help. Seek guidance from a healthcare professional, counselor, or addiction specialist. Let the person know you are there to help them on their recovery journey.
Find more treatment options through SAMHSA‘s treatment locator or Addicted.org‘s extensive directory listings of treatment centers. Other local resources may also be offered by local healthcare providers.

Both parents and young people who are going through have a lot of stress, anger, sadness, and resentment. Supporting someone with a substance use disorder is emotionally challenging, but your care and concern can make a significant difference.

Learn ways to cope and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Seek support for yourself; for example, attend support groups or speak with a counselor.
Take care of yourself and prioritize your mental and physical health.

Now you know more about the significant dangers in the digital age and can be more watchful. Easy access to fentanyl impacts communities in a big way. Prevention of fentanyl addiction and ready access to treatment (if needed) are vital for your family and community’s health!

Blog # 31 posted August 5, 2024 by Guest Contributor Marcel Gemme, the CEO/Founder of SUPE

Health

Caring for an Elderly Parent or Loved One: Knowing When to Move Home

January 17, 2022 Mary Knutson

Caring for an aging senior can be a struggle, even if you live nearby. Caring for an elderly parent or loved one from a distance can seem nearly impossible. If your family member needs more care than you can give on occasional visits, it could be time to consider moving closer, or moving home so that you can provide the level of care they need.

Knowing When It’s Time to Move Closer

If you are making several drives lasting longer than an hour multiple times each week to check in on or provide care to an aging family member, it may be time to think about moving. Long drives are taxing and can also be costly when tolls and fuel prices are factored in. Rather than spending hours behind the wheel of a car or on some other form of transportation, you could be passing that time with your loved one either providing much-needed care or just spending quality time together. Research shows that spending time with senior family members helps their overall well-being.

Living near an aging relative allows you to spend more time with that person and could also allow you to save some money. Recurring travel expenses can really add up. But, so can paying caregivers to help them while you are away. If you live a long distance from your senior loved one in need of care, you may be paying others to provide the care you would prefer to do yourself (if you didn’t have to travel).

Knowing When to Review a Senior’s Living Options

For some people with disabilities, it can become dangerous to remain in their current home. Stairs are one of the main obstacles to older people maintaining their independence in their own houses. Even when someone lives with them, it can be difficult or even impossible to deal with going up and down stairs safely. There are options to make steps easier for aging people, but they don’t always work for every home.

Stairs are not the only factor to consider when evaluating whether it’s time to move your older loved one from their current house. Other factors include bathroom accessibility and the cost of repairs that would be needed to make the home accessible for people with disabilities if and when that is needed.

Sometimes, it makes sense for an elderly loved one to move into your home, or the home of another relative. Or, you could consider the assisted living facilities in your area.

Knowing What Tasks to Hire Out

If your loved one is able to stay at home, keep in mind that there are only so many tasks one caregiver can complete. You should enlist help when it comes to taking on the maintenance of your family member’s home. Connecting with local contractors is a smart idea so that you have a go-to contact when something needs fixing. One chore that most people are happy to delegate is yard work. You can search for online lists of service providers or online directories like Yelp, Google My Business. Or use a review site like Angi.

Sometimes there are community program for neighbors helping neighbors that could be used. You can ask some neighbors who does their lawn care. If they do a good job, get the contact information you would need to arrange the help. Or, ask if some young people in your neighborhood are looking to do yard work. That may cost less than a lawn service would charge.

Making changes to your life and in the life of your senior loved one can be overwhelming. Coping and Relaxation techniques can help deal with the transitions needed for safety and health of your loved one Take time to carefully consider what options will work best for you and your family before making important decisions about when to move. Remember that it may take time and patience for everyone involved to adjust to their loss of independence and transition into their new living situation.

For more informative articles like this one, be sure to check out other posts from Health Vista.

Blog Post #29 added 1-17-22 by guest contributor Millie Jones of seniorwellness.info

Edited by Mary Knutson of Health Vista, Inc.

Uncategorized

Parenting Advice for Every Age: Tips for Raising Amazing Kids

January 27, 2021 Mary Knutson

Photo via Rawpixel

Raising Amazing Kids

Raising children from newborns to adults is an incredible journey. But it’s also very difficult. All parents want to raise happy, healthy kids that enjoy success in school and thrive as adults. But what is the best way to set your children up for success? While there is no perfect parenting strategy, there are actions you can take to encourage the development of healthy habits and ensure your children feel supported through every life stage. Here are some great resources to help you along your parenting path!

Encourage Healthy Habits

A healthy home environment will encourage your kids to get enough sleep, eat healthy, exercise, and avoid risky behaviors.

Best Ways to Help Children Fall Asleep at Nap Time

9 Ways to Encourage Indoor Kids to Play Outside

How to Build Healthy Eating Habits in Kids

Be Mindful of the “Whatever It Takes” Veggie Approach

4 Parent-Tested Systems You Can Use To Limit Screen Time

Clearing Bad Energy from Your Home

Get Involved

Children are less likely to develop bad habits and engage in dangerous behaviors when their parents take an active interest in their lives.

An Age-by-Age Guide to Bonding With Your Child & Teenager

7 Educational and Entertaining Activities for Young Kids

Practice Active Listening with Your Children

Make Holding Family Meetings a Priority

11 Ways Parents Can Get Involved in Schools

Teach Key Life Skills

Teach your children to cook, clean up after themselves, budget their money, and make plans for the future. These life skills will come in very useful when your kids become adults!

How to Teach Your Kids to Cook

12 Ways To Raise Financially Confident Kids At Every Age

The Benefits of Kids Doing Chores

The Age-by-Age Guide to Teaching Kids Time Management

How to Teach Kids Social Responsibility in a Connected World

Find Information and Resources

Visit Health Vista to explore a collection of clear and practical health information and quality educational resources to heal the body and mind. If your child has emotional or behavioral problems, consider reading about the use of a coping plan at https://healthvista.net/a-great-way-to-plan-ahead-use-a-coping-plan/. It is also possible that the music that your child listens to could be making it harder for them to cope. You can find some examples of inspirational music at https://healthvista.net/inspirational-music-for-teens/.

Be Kind to Yourself

Parenting is a learning process. If you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, you’re not alone! Since every family and every child is unique, it can be hard to know what’s best for you and your children. As long as you love your child unconditionally, praise their good behavior, and spend as much time together as possible, you’re bound to raise amazing kids.

Blog Post # 24 added 1-27-21. Written by Guest Contributor Kristin Louis. Visit her website at https://parentingwithkris.com/

Recovery

How to Explain Addiction to Children

February 20, 2018 Mary Knutson

Protecting and Educating Kids About the Dangers of Drugs

Parents want their children to be unaffected by addiction issues. So, addiction may not be a hot topic within your family. However, at some point, all children will probably face peer pressure or witness someone who is struggling with a substance abuse disorder. As your child grows, you can help her understand and develop skills that prevent her from going down the path of addiction.

Avoid Assumptions

Don’t assume that your child knows about addiction and related issues. According to kidshealth.org, opening up to your child about the dangers of substance abuse makes it more likely she’ll come to you for help when she faces a problem or encounters peer pressure.

Don’t assume your child already knows the dangers of drug and alcohol use and abuse, or that she could never fall victim. Though schools may teach students about dealing with peer pressure, it’s up to you to guide her in the right direction. You can do so by modeling behavior and keeping the lines of communication open. It’s also essential to understand the signs of addiction and substance use, and to watch your children closely for changes.

Discuss Family Addiction Problems Openly

If you or your partner is facing an addiction, start a conversation that validates your child’s feelings. Let her know she will always be loved and discuss what steps are being taken for recovery. Customize your discussion for her age group. If a child does not understand what addiction is, you could say that strong cravings can happen over and over throughout the day and night. It is very hard to resist the urge to do what it says. You could compare it to having an annoying song in your head that keeps coming back over and over again.

Acquire Knowledge

Because it’s not easy to explain addiction to a child, your best bet is to acquire as much information as you can. Be ready to answer any awkward questions that could come up. According to Psych Central, while it’s not a good idea to lie to your child, you may want to be careful to protect young children from the grittier details.

Be as straightforward as possible if your child has questions. If she asks about your own experience with drugs or other addictions, it is best to tell the truth. Real stories can help her learn about consequences. Telling the truth about your imperfections also establishes a safety net so your child is more likely to talk to you about her struggles. By sharing information with your child you also reassure her that in life we have choices. Some of her choices could lead to problems, but making the right decisions will likely lead down a healthier path.

Tell Your Child That It’s Not Her Fault

Personality disorders often develop in people with an addiction, spurring them to say irrational things or lash out and blame others. Although addiction is no one’s fault, the addicted person is still responsible for their own behavior, and is the only person who can make recovery successful. If an addict tells a child that she is the cause of the substance abuse, it is not true and it probably isn’t even how the addict really feels. Help your child understand that she shouldn’t carry a burden of guilt when loving someone with an addiction.

Find support

A support system is crucial in maintaining a sense of normalcy and stability in families. This may include a support group, friends, family and an accountability partner. Parents often face high levels of stress and need to make tough choices that will mold their child’s life. Parents need to seek support for themselves as well as for their children.

Addiction can affect everyone involved, especially a child who doesn’t fully grasp the concept of addiction. Offer support and protection to your child, repeating the fact that you love her. By talking openly about addiction, you can help her to grow up with the knowledge and confidence to just say no.

Blog by guest contributor, Jackie Cortez of ThePreventionCoalition.org posted for Healthvista February 20, 2018.

Revised for readability 5-25-20 by Mary Knutson

Image Courtesy of Unsplash

Recovery

3 Stress Relievers for Parents in Addiction Recovery

August 6, 2017 Mary Knutson

Being a parent is far from easy. Especially if you are a single parent who also is in addiction recovery. Parents are balancing meetings and therapy sessions with kids’ schedules and routines. They are making all the decisions and being the breadwinner, You face loads of stress each and every day.

Stress in Addiction Recovery

Stress takes its toll on parents in addiction recovery. You need to find ways to relieve your stress in healthy ways to avoid a relapse. Our X stress relievers will help.

Stick to a Daily Routine

While it may sound impossible to establish and stick to a daily routine, you need to make every effort to do so. A routine will help you keep track of where you need to be and when, and it will set a structured schedule for your children. Schedules and routines make children feel safe and secure. And, they help you relieve stress by knowing your responsibilities ahead of time. Daily routines also signify to your kids that you are reliable and accountable. This helps repair relationships with older children who may have been hurt emotionally by your addiction.

That’s not to say that your daily routine has to be rigid. You must allow for some flexibility because rigid schedules can be too demanding and often cause more stress. Kids also enjoy surprises every once in awhile. So, allow for special events on the weekend. Plan a special treat after dinner to reward academic or behavior improvements. Be ready to change your daily routine at certain times throughout the year. Expect change when school begins or ends, when kids start athletic or music lessons or programs, or when you join a support group.

Take Care of Yourself

Parents in addiction recovery often don’t prioritize their own health and well-being because they feel guilty for being an addict. They know they impacted their children with their previous self-destructive decisions and actions. However, stress takes a tremendous toll, especially on single parents’ health and must be managed if parents will be able to take care of their children properly.

Taking care of yourself should include eating healthy, getting plenty of sleep, and exercising regularly. You can include your children in healthy eating by looking for and experimenting with recipes you find online. Cooking together teaches your children a new skill and provides you with quality time that will reduce your stress level. You also can exercise with your children. You could play football, baseball, or basketball, go for a family walk or bike ride. Try taking a hike, kayaking or fishing.

Enjoy Yourself Safely

Being a parent in addiction recovery does not mean that you cannot enjoy a night with friends or a social gathering. It is a good idea to relieve some stress and have some fun. It does, however, mean that you need to be smart about your choices and have a plan in place for maintaining your sobriety in tempting situations. If you are invited to a party that will put your sobriety at risk, take your own water or sparkling cider with you. Invite a friend who will keep you in check and who will not mind staying sober for the night with you. If you are concerned about being pressured to drink, tell people that you are a designated driver or that you don’t drink because you need to be available for your children.

It’s also a good idea to plan for a party or other tempting social situation by getting support ahead of time. If you are comfortable enough to do so, tell the party host that you are in recovery and ask whether nonalcoholic beverages will be served. You also can attend an extra meeting prior to the event or alert your sponsor to the event and make sure she will be available if you need her at the spur of the moment.

Parents in addiction recovery must manage their stress levels in healthy ways to maintain sobriety. Sticking to a daily routine, prioritizing self-care, and enjoying yourself safely are three great ways to relieve stress without putting your sobriety in jeopardy.

Blog by guest contributor, Jackie Cortez of ThePreventionCoalition.org posted for Healthvista 8-5-17

Updated for readability by Mary Knutson 5-25-20