Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms for marijuana are protracted over weeks and are similar to those experienced by people who quit cigarettes, alcohol and other drugs. Recent research found that nearly two-thirds of marijuana users experience a pronounced withdrawal syndrome. Symptoms include anxiety, irritability, depression, mood swings and sleep problems, and for some, bizarre and colorful dreams.

As a result, the acute symptoms of marijuana withdrawal cause significant distress and can last up to two weeks. Long-term symptoms, which include anxiety, anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure), fatigue, memory problems and boredom can last for several months. As a result early recovery is like roller-coaster ride and marred by frequent relapse.

When I first quit smoking weed I felt depressed and agitated for about a week. Then I was just bored and restless most of the         time. I made myself do some positive things, but life just seemed “blah”, like watching black and white television. So I smoked         some weed, and for a few hours, the color came back on and life became interesting again.

Restlessness, boredom and just feeling “blah” are normal in the early stages of recovery. It takes a little time for the brain to recover and for the color to come back on—but it does come back.  However, restlessness and boredom are significant relapse triggers.

What to Do

• Commit to a recovery program. In early recovery you wont always “feel” like gong to a 12-step meeting or support group —go anyway. In early recovery, good feelings follow right actions.

• Be accountable. Talk with trusted others about your recovery on a regular basis. This can be 1 or two supportive friends, clergy or 12-step sponsor. Make plans to meet regularly or have regular telephone contact.

• Establish daily discipline and routines. Decide what time you will rise and go to bed each day. Schedule your daytime activities, family times, sleep times, recreation and quiet times, as well as your daily 12 step meetings.
• If you still can’t quit, get into a treatment program. Your family doctor can direct you.

Recovery from marijuana dependence is a difficult process. It takes time to feel better. Establishing daily discipline and accountability will help you stay on track. Remember the good feelings derived from recovery are not instant. But unlike the temporary highs of addiction, the rewards can last a lifetime.

Written by Dr. Drew Edwards. All rights reserved

Anorexia Nervosa is a chronic, potentially life-threatening eating disorder. It is characterized by deliberate restriction of calories to the point of starvation. Anorexia usually begins at during puberty. Over a lifetime it will affect 1-2 percent of females in the US. Anorexia is most common among adolescent girls and young women, athletes, actors, dancers, models and media personalities.

Teens with anorexia are obsessed with their body weight and shape, fat distribution, dress size, food and calories, and have a pathologically distorted body image. In short they look in their mirror and see a fat girl when we see a sickly emaciated child. Symptoms include:

• restriction of calories to maintain a body weight that is less than 85 percent of the individual’s normal healthy weight. For example if a14 year-old girl’s normal, healthy body weight were 100 pounds, her anorexic weight would be an emaciated 85 pounds or less.
• obsessive preoccupation with body weight and intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
• grossly distorted body image resulting in severe psychological and emotional impact on how one sees and values herself
• absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles (amenorrhea)

Types of anorexia

There are two types of anorexia nervosa, the restricting type and the binge-eating/purging type. Binge eating and purging behavior is defined as self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas and excessive exercise. In both types the symptoms are driven by fear of weight gain. Restrictive types do not binge or purge.

Causes of anorexia

Anorexia is a poorly understood, multifaceted disease; the exact cause or causes are unknown and are likely caused by several factors including genetics, personality type, family environment and brain biochemistry.

Scientists have found that the neurotransmitters (brain chemical messengers) serotonin and norepinephrine are frequently decreased in patients with anorexia in much the same way as individuals with depression.

Common personality traits among those with anorexia include low self-esteem, obsessive tendencies and perfectionism. Those with anorexia tend to be very driven to succeed in academics and sports, while never satisfied with themselves or their performance. This hidden low self-esteem is pathologically tied to their appearance and body image.

 

ADHD is characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity, and activity. Until recently it was believed that children eventually outgrew ADHD, as hyperactivity generally wanes during the teen years. However, it is now known that ADHD persists from childhood through adolescence and often into adulthood.

The current body of scientific literature now views the disorder as existing on a spectrum that includes specific subtypes, symptoms and varying degrees of severity.

Three types of ADHD have been established according to which symptoms are strongest or most predominant in the individual.

Predominantly Inattentive Type: These children have tremendous difficulty organizing or finishing task, paying attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. The child is easily distracted and forgets details of daily routines.

Specific Symptoms of Inattention Include:

• Poor attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
• Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks or play activities.
• Appearing not to listen when spoken to directly.
• Frequent failure to follow instructions and finish schoolwork or chores.
• Difficulty organizing activities.
• Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn’t want to do things that demand sustained mental effort such as reading and general homework
• Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
• Is often easily distracted.
• Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: The child fidgets and talks a lot. It is hard to sit still for long periods of time. Younger children may run, jump or climb constantly. The child appears restless and impulsive.

Specific Symptoms of Hyperactivity Include:

• Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
• Difficulty remaining seated in class or during other structured environments.
• Climbs and runs when and where it is not appropriate.
• Often have trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.
• High energy; is “on the go” constantly.
• Talks excessively.
• Impulsive behavior
• Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
• Often has trouble waiting one’s turn.
• Often interrupts or butts into conversations or games.
• Some symptoms are present before age 7.
• Impairment is present in at least two different environments (e.g. at school and at home).

Combined Type: Symptoms of the above both types are evident.

If you are concerned about your child, talk with your pediatrician. He or she can evaluate your child and assist you in finding the best treatment in your area. Remember, ADHD is an illness. Your child does not want to be unfocused or inattentive any more than he or she would want strep throat. The good news is that ADHD is highly treatable, so the sooner you get help the better. Having a child with ADHD is hard on parents and on families so don’t go it alone. Talk with trusted friends, family members or your pastor. Pray for healing, patience and guidance and never forget that God loves your child even more than you do.

Written by Dr. Drew Edwards. All rights reserved.

“I have a child who…appears to be suffering from depression.”

Depression can be triggered initially by almost anything: break up with a girlfriend/boyfriend, guilt over doing wrong, feeling left out by friends, making bad grades. If gone untreated or unchecked, depression can become a very real physiological condition that may require medication.

Depression may appear similar to apathy: depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain that produces very definite behavioral manifestations: changes in personality, listlessness, loss of appetite, life seems to have no meaning, talk of suicide. Be engaged in your child’s life; find out what is the root of the depression.