by Dr. Drew Edwards on November 12, 2009
In short, yes. The best available scientific evidence shows that teens who smoke marijuana are 40 percent more likely to develop psychosis and/or schizophrenia when compared to teens who do not use this drug. This finding was recently reported in Lancet, one of the most prestigious medical journals in the world. The research shows a “dose dependent” relationship, meaning that the more one smokes, the more likely he or she is to develop serious mental illness.
Why? It’s not yet clear. Reports from Emergency Rooms in the US and United Kingdom are showing a dramatic increase of psychotic symptoms and schizophrenia in teens who smoke marijuana who have no history of schizophrenia or psychosis. Many suspect, as do I, that potency of cannabis may be to blame. Hydroponically grown cannabis, called “Crippy” is 5-8 times more potent in its THC content that marijuana in decades past. The developing brain simply cannot handle the powerful psychoactive affects of this drug. In addition marijuana stays in the brain for months, maybe longer, and users remain impaired, particularly in their thinking, problem solving ability and emotional health. Conclusion–marijuana NOT is a harmless drug.
Unfortunately the regular users will dismiss this evidence as yet another scare tactic, but hopefully these facts will cause others to consider that a healthy brain is infinitely more valuable than a temporary buzz.
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by Dr. Drew Edwards on November 11, 2009
National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity has defined sexual addiction as “engaging in persistent and escalating patterns of sexual behavior acted out despite increasing negative consequences to self and others”.
Signs and Symptoms of Internet Sexual Addiction include:
- Frequent use of the Internet to visit sexually oriented sites
- Binging—hours spent surfing the net or engaged in online sexual activity
- Preoccupied with thoughts of “getting online”, or of sexual behavior
- Sexual behavior interferes with work, school, family, hobbies, etc…
- Anxiety and irritability when unable to get online.
- Telling your self that you should cut down, or stop altogether
- Experiencing guilt, remorse and shame
- Become defensive when others suggest that you spend too much time on the Internet
- Spending money on internet porn
- Continued consumption of porn despite negative consequences
Pornography is not real. The more one uses porn to gratify themselves, the greater the chance that they will never find true intimacy and real love.
If you need help talk with a trusted friend, parent, or clergy. You cannot do it alone.
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by Dr. Drew Edwards on November 10, 2009
Some characteristics or family traits associated with anorexia include:
- excessive concern within the family with outward appearances, including body shape and weight
- parental focus on perfection and performance; harsh criticism for mistakes and inappropriate ways of dealing with conflict
- family history of sexual abuse
- strained relationship between husband and wife
- arbitrary role boundaries where children are encouraged to act more responsible than their age should permit and to take on roles or responsibilities for which they are psychologically ill-prepared
Medical complications
The physical complications associated with anorexia nervosa are potentially life-threatening. Damage to vital organs as a result of dehydration and malnutrition can result in:
- low blood pressure
- electrolyte imbalance
- cardiac arrhythmias
- thyroid gland deficiencies which can lead to cold intolerance and constipation
- appearance of fine baby-like body hair (lanugo)
- bloating or edema
- decrease in white blood cells, which leads to increased susceptibility to infection
- osteoporosis
- tooth erosion and decay from malnutrition and self-induced vomiting
- seizures related to fluid shifts due to excessive diarrhea or vomiting
The course and outcome of anorexia vary. Catching it in the early stages is associated with better treatment outcomes. Affirming our daughters true beauty and unconditional worth is both the best medicine and prevention.
If you think your daughter has anorexia talk with your child’s pediatrician, or your family doctor. They can assist you in finding a qualified mental health professional.
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by Dr. Drew Edwards on November 9, 2009
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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.
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by Dr. Drew Edwards on November 6, 2009
Having drunken sex is not only risky–it can also be humiliating and produce intense feelings of guilt and shame. Here is an excerpt from an American Council on Drug Education report on alcohol and sex in which a young woman recounts a drunken sexual encounter.
I was at a party at a friend’s apartment right before Thanksgiving. I got pretty tanked playing drinking games, and suddenly I was outside on this fire escape with a guy I’d met an hour earlier. I was doing something to him I’d rather not talk about. The next morning I woke up and couldn’t even remember his name. I felt disgusted. To make matters worse–either someone saw us, or he bragged to his friends about what happened, because after I got back from the break, a friend of mine told me I had a new nickname. I still haven’t lived it down, and I feel like I’m this big joke.”
Alcohol use increases the likelihood of unplanned and dangerous sexual liaisons for women resulting in heartbreak and regret.
Your first time was meant to be special with someone you love. If you are a virgin, don’t settle for sex when you really want love. If you have already had sex and regret it. Forgive yourself and move on. Don’t add to your regret by continuing to drink and hook up. You are worth more than that.
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