Real World Mom

One of our worst nightmares as a parent is to imagine our kids consuming drugs or alcohol. As uncomfortable as it may be to even think about, my mantra is, “Knowledge is power,” so the more informed we are, the better the chance we have to avoid that situation–or, God forbid, deal with it should it arise.

I came across a good article on Yahoo Health on this subject, and thought it was worth blogging about. “Teen Alcohol and Drug Abuse” offers insight on why teens try drugs and alcohol, what substances they may use, the signs of use, how to try to prevent kids from experimenting, some information on different types of illegal drugs and what to do if you think your child may be experimenting with these substances or have a substance abuse problem.

There are additional links from the story on how addictions develop, things that may increase the risk of substance abuse and information about treatment.

As much as the whole idea of drugs and alcohol may instill a feeling of sheer panic, it’s better to have the facts before a problem arises.

According to an article from the AP, the FDA issued a warning that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines may be too risky for children under two years of age. They are also in the process of determining if that restriction should be placed on children up to six years old. That decision is expected by spring.

Here’s the full story: “FDA: Cold Medicines Too Risky For Tots”

See the full AP article here: “Court Declines Experimental Drug Case”

Earlier today, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to review a ruling which stated that terminally ill patients had no Constitutional right to be treated with experimental drugs.

My anger is not so much a result of the Supreme Court’s negligence to right this wrong, but more at the totally absurd theory that someone who is dying can be denied the option to do everything possible to save their own life!

A patient goes through the FDA’s approved treatments (if any) to no avail. This patient then becomes aware of experimental treatment options. Having nothing left to lose, they volunteer for the research program. However, the study is only permitted a certain number of participants, and the person is turned down.

Short of ‘divine intervention’, this person is going to die, while the unapproved treatment that could potentially help them remains forbidden to them. It may even be approved years later, but that will be too late for too many people.

I don’t appreciate the government–or anyone else for that matter–dictating to me what is best for my body or my health. Of course it’s beneficial to have the input and advice from experts when it concerns things we don’t fully understand, but the ultimate choice should belong to the individual, not ‘Big Brother’!!

…one more thing to worry about!

Having Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) myself, I found this article to be both enlightening and troublesome!

According to a new study published by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, people who suffer from long-term anxiety have an increased likelihood of suffering a heart attack. The study states that anxiety cannot be used as a risk factor as yet, but should be considered a marker for risk of heart disease.

Read the whole story here: “Study: Anxiety May be Bad For Your Heart“

I always knew there was ‘something’ going on with my second of three sons (who I’ll refer to in this blog as “M”). There was no doubt in my mind he was a bright child, but there was just something a little different.

When he began school, I was constantly hearing from the teachers how he was behind in this, not quite grasping that, and I was always given the same reason: he just hasn’t matured enough yet. After discussing my concerns with my son’s pediatrician, the doctor suggested I request the school to do an evaluation on “M”. It took some diligence, but the school finally agreed to perform the testing. “M” was in second grade.

After a long wait, I was given the results. I was basically told that “M” did not have the math or reading skills for his grade level, and they were going to give him some extra help in math. Believing that these professionals knew what they were doing, and wanted to do what was best for my son, I agreed to that and hoped it would help.

In the middle of “M”‘s third grade year, we moved to a different town and “M” changed schools. To this day, I am so grateful for that!

At the end of that school year, I was invited to a meeting with the school’s learning disability teacher. He explained to me that they had done some testing on “M”, and found that he was below grade level in reading and math. (No surprise there!) The teacher proposed placing “M” in special education classes for fourth grade. I think I did surprise the teacher when I all but hugged him as I thanked him for helping my son!!

All that time, I knew there was a problem, but either no one listened or no one took me seriously. And the one who was paying for it was my child!

Not far into “M”‘s fourth grade year, his teacher approached me, and very kindly asked if “M” had ever been tested for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). That was the beginning of a new life for “M”.

Shortly after that, “M” was diagnosed with ADHD, without hyperactivity. While the evaluation process was going on, “M”‘s doctor recommended some books for me to read, so that I’d be able to better understand ADHD and the available treatments. (I wonder now, looking back, if the doctor had a suspicion himself in the early stages.)

Initially, I was totally against medication. No way, no how was my child taking ‘drugs’! If I didn’t know it before this experience, I surely learned it then: Knowledge is power! I read everything I could get my hands on, talked to “M”‘s doctor thoroughly, researched ADHD and its treatment online (I met one of my dearest friends on an ADHD bulletin board!)–I felt like an expert myself by the time “M”‘s diagnosis came along.

One of the things that really stuck with me pertaining to the medication issue was something “M”‘s doctor said to me. “If we can’t reach them we can’t teach them.” The statement alone made sense, and then I saw it with my own eyes.

“M” began taking Adderall. It didn’t take long to get the dosage correct, and I can tell you, there was an immediate and drastic improvement in him! I stayed in close contact with his teacher, so he was being monitored at school as well as at home. It was a real team effort, and it helped to allay some of my anxiety.

He did better in school, was better able to focus on his work and listen to the teacher. I had the benefit of seeing that at homework time! He used to go into fits of rage when he got stuck on something; the worst was how often he’d call himself “stupid”…that used to break my heart. Even that stopped after a time.

One more kudo to that wonderful fourth grade teacher of his… During one of our meetings, she said to me (and I will never forget it), “M” may never know all that you went through for him, so he’ll probably never thank you. So, I’m thanking you for him.” To this day, it brings tears to my eyes. Not that I ever needed to hear anyone thank me for fighting for my son. His life improved because we finally had the answer to what had been holding him back all those years, and we were taking steps to work with it, rather than against it. Seeing “M” lead a happy, productive life is more than enough thanks for me!

“M” is now 18 years old. He graduated from high school last year, is a volunteer firefighter and is working full-time. I don’t think I could be any more proud of him.

If you’d like more information, here’s a link to an interesting article I came across on the National Institute of Mental Health website: ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER .

(My story is not meant to endorse or indicate that the use of medication in the treatment of ADHD is the best way to go. That is what worked in my son’s situation.)