You are currently browsing all posts tagged with 'abuse'

child abuse?

  • Posted on September 14, 2010 at 4:32 pm

if you were abused as a child by your parents sexually physically and mentally,and as an adult you still loved them forgave them and remained to be a loyal and loving daughter/son…but they continued with their mental abuse,and you woke up one day and realized that it really was them that was the ”root” of your problems and as a result your life sufferd great consequences,
and you tried EVERYTHING to resolve this with them,and they remained ignorant and abusive,judgemental etc
would you finally just cut those ties,so that you could finally move on and have positve healthy people around you??
im not talking about parents who you simply didnt like how you were raised bla bla bla,I am talking real abuse sexual abuse,alcoholism,drug addictions,abandonment had 4 parents cos of divorce(step parents) all abusive..and still abusive and i finally understand why i thought i was worthless all my life
and the funniest thing(i can laugh now) is they have judged me for getting involved in unhealthy relationships with men!!! lmao
I have forgiven them,its not about that,
its about severing all ties
trish m i love what you said
”let the dead bury the dead”
thats stuck in my head,it’s perfect!!

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Can someone please recommend a good substance abuse treatment?

  • Posted on August 31, 2010 at 5:21 am

My teenage daughter has gotten herself hooked on heroin. I just really want her to go back to the way she once was, when she was still not addicted to that drug. I have been trying to persuade and convince her to undergo drug treatment, and I think she’s now ready. What should I do?

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What will happen to a child taken from her mother due to drug abuse?

  • Posted on August 29, 2010 at 10:22 am

Someone I know used drugs before, during, and after her pregnancy. Her daughter was born with a drug addiction and is still in the hospital (3 weeks). If reported, I assume the child will be taken away, but will the family be able to take custody of the child legally? Or does the child HAVE to go into a foster care setting? I don’t know how this works, and would like to possibly care for this child, but if I take the legal route I don’t want the baby to go to strangers. Does anyone know how this works?

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Should I leave or stay? Is this abuse?

  • Posted on August 25, 2010 at 8:17 am

I desperately need advice. Ive been living w my boyfriend for 4 years & have a 1 year old daughter. hes a good suporter and dad We love each other but Im scared of him sometimes. We argue a lot & one major issue is him going 2detroit to buy pot. hes been addicted to worse drugs before I knew him & im worried that hes going 2 empty our bank account on a drug binge one day (he did last year) Last week he promised 2stop going 2detroit & only smoke pot couple x a week for stress relief. Yesterday I saw that our atm card was used in detroit, so I asked him. He freaked out since i caught him. he started choking me & hitting me & now i have a lump on my head. Im scared 2 leave bcause we have a daughter. i dont have any money & Im scared of ruining my daughters life. i only want whats best for her but ive never been on my own let alone a single mom. i dont have a job but go 2 college. Should i keep my family 2gether 4 her sake or leave? hes a good dad but has major issues with anger towards me
He stopped smoking pot & did not do any drugs for years. this whole pot thing recently started happening again. I didnt know things were going to be like this when we had our baby.

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Alcohol Abuse Child care Issue?

  • Posted on August 19, 2010 at 4:33 pm

Ok I have a 12 year old girl, and My wife (her step mother) and I had found out last minute that we were to go to a function. my dad and Alchie said he would watch her. when we came back 4 hrs later he was TRASHED he could not see straight and he did not know where he was/what he was doing

Much to my disappointment and my wife’s Shock

I have not said anything to him, he stayed the night because he could not drive. Or make it down the 3 flights of steers and left this am about 9 ish back to his mothers house…

He does not admit he has a prob or that he needs help.

I have already cut all unsupervised access to my daughter by my dad, He is removed from the authorized pickup list at my daughters school, He has 1 OUI/DWI . Probably not necessary but at this point I’m securing her as much as i can..

I grew up in a dysfunctional home. I Survived an Abusive childhood and will Never subject my daughter to what I went through , By 10th grade I had been to more AA meets than
most recovering alcoholics have been to in 3 years, I had to make sure he went. 3 nights a weekend 2 on Sat and 2 on Sunday… (I never went with the “Cool kids” to drink because I knew the road they were heading down and i didn’t want that ride… )
I’ve read the “Big Blue Book” 3 times and can recite any of the hit rock bottom stories..

To put it mildly I don’t drink.

I need to protect my daughter from the affects of alcoholism. She has already had a rough life. He mother broke it off with me and marred/divorced a deadbeat and my daughter was being taken for the emotional ride.

What do i do..

Other than know the i cant do anything does not help. the Serenity prayer just doesn’t work for me

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Binge eating will result in drug abuse once again.?

  • Posted on July 28, 2010 at 12:17 am

My daughter is a recovering addict. The VERY nasty and uncontrollable food demon is taking over again. She attends both NA and OA. She has no time to work the OA program due to the fact that the binge eating is already putting weight on her. She is starting to isolate and get less joy from life due to the weight gain. She called me today that she just knows she’ll start using again, if she cannot overcome this need to eat and weight gain. OA does NOT believe in diet drugs, but they’re not drug addicts who just revert to eating when they are abstinent from their drug of choice. She wants to try a prescription diet drug to get her past this bump in the road. She feels that this would carry her long enough to get further into the OA program, see her therapist more, continue with her NA program and generally strengthen her psyche. She’s not a kid…she’s in her mid 30s. Is there someone out there who has a very constructive bit of advice for me? Thanks.

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Leon and Michelle: Two Real Stories of Mental Illness and Substance Abuse

  • Posted on January 11, 2010 at 12:08 am

Leon

“Leon” thinks his drinking first got out of control in 1978 – the year his first wife left for good with their four children. Over the next 25 years, his life was littered with brushes with the law, hospitalizations, incarcerations, and another failed marriage.

Leon, who suffers from bipolar disorder, says his illness could cause him to spend $1,000 an hour in a manic fit to being so depressed he couldn’t leave his home for weeks. Alcohol helped him feel better for a while, but he didn’t like who he had become.

After several tries at becoming sober on his own, Leon was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. The people who worked with him made two things very clear. “I had to stop drinking, and I had to take medication for my bipolar disorder,” Leon said.

After being sober for four months, he made amends with his former wife and their daughter. Leon’s mood swings have stabilized, he recently celebrated his third anniversary of continuous sobriety and he has gone back to school to become a licensed drug counselor.

Michelle

After overcoming a journey of painful addiction, “Michelle” brought her child to the mountains in search of hope. There she found knowledge, hope, and compassion.

Michelle, mother of five, ranging in age from eight to 23, came to a local mental health center two years ago with her son “Bruce.” Her youngest, a first-grader, was having behavioral problems in school, making it necessary for her to take over sixty days off work to help deal with her son’s challenges. This led to problems with her job. Disciplinary methods and short-term answers did not help in managing her son’s behavior.

Michelle brought together twenty concerned friends from school, daycare, and people whom she knew cared about her son in an effort to generate ideas of how to help Bruce. A number of options were discussed. Bruce was lucky to have so many believers who could see his potential. As by chance, someone in the group knew about a local mental health center and that is how Bruce’s story of renewal began and continues.

Michelle accompanied her son Bruce to the local mental health center in September of 2004. In her words, the organization and the people at who volunteered there were a “blessing.” When asked to elaborate, she is eager to tell of their patience and insight in helping to deal with Bruce. As she feared losing her son to a series of transfers to other organizations, the local mental health center gave constancy and stability that helped bring the entire family closer.

His progress in managing his behavior and feelings pleased Michelle tremendously. As the behaviors and emotions started to calm, a new boy began to emerge, and so his potential became clearer.

For the first time ever, Bruce will be realizing one of his dreams: to play on a baseball team. As her child’s and her family’s lives are becoming more grounded, Michelle was also able to reflect on her own personal growth. She has decided that she would like to become a Drug and Alcohol Counselor. Her other son Tony, age 10, is also being helped by a local mental health organization program and is excelling as well. He is currently taking karate, competing, and bringing home trophies. Clearly, this family has been to the mountains and crossed over to the other side.

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Determinants of Physical Spousal Abuse of Women During Pregnancy in Nigerian

  • Posted on January 5, 2010 at 10:20 pm

Introduction

          Physical spousal abuse towards pregnant women cuts across societies and classes in developed and developing countries of the world. It is a gross violation of human rights and has many far-reaching consequences for a woman and her fetus including serious social and health problems (Neuberger, 1992; Gazmararian, 1996; Valladares, 2002; American Medical Association, 1992).

          Although the literature on this issue has grown in recent years, studies in developing countries and those using population-based data are scarce. In addition, previous studies vary greatly with respect to the definition of physical spousal abuse, sample size and composition, and reference periods (Vallandares, 2002; and Gazmararian, 1995).

          It is clear from the research that physical spousal abuse toward women during pregnancy is an issue that cuts across countries; however, prevalence varies from country to country, and even within countries. According to the majority of clinic-based studies in the United States of America, prevalence of spousal abuse during pregnancy ranges from 4% to 8% (Gazmararian, 1996; Gazmararian, 1995; Muhajarine & D’Arcy, 1999 and Stewart & Cecutti, 1993). An analysis of 1996-1998 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data from sixteen U.S. states estimated that the overall prevalence of physical spousal abuse during pregnancy was 5% (Saltzman, 2003); the highest prevalence was in Oklahoma (7%) and the lowest in Maine (4%). Separate studies in North and South Carolina found the prevalence in those states to be 6% and 11%, respectively (Martin, 2001; and Cokkindes, 1999).

          According to a review of six studies from India, China, Pakistan and Ethiopia, the prevalence of physical spousal abuse during pregnancy ranged from 4% to 28% (Nasir and Hyder, 2003). Four of these studies were hospital-based and found prevalence of 4-22% (Leung, Leung and Lam, 1999; Purmar, 1999; Fikree & Bhatti, 1999; and Faruqi, 1996); the other two were population-based, covering both urban and rural areas, and reported prevalence of 10-28% (Nasir & Hyder, 2003; Deyessa, 1998; and International Clinical Epidemiologists Network, 2000). A multi country, population-based study conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) from which the data for the current study are drawn, shows that the rate of physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy in ten developing countries ranged from 3% to 28% (Garcia-Moreno, 2005).

          Eighteen percent of economically disadvantaged currently married women living with their husbands in six villages in Bangladesh experienced physical spousal abuse during at least one pregnancy; for 3%, the abuse got worse during pregnancy (Bates, 2004).

          Although, some abused women first experience physical abuse during pregnancy, most do not.   A Brisbane study of antenatal patients found that 18% of ever abused women were first abused during a pregnancy (Taft, 2001). According to studies in Turkey (Karaoglu, 2006) and Canada, (Stewart & Cecutt, 1993), however, about 86% of ever-abused women were abused for the first time when they were not pregnant. In addition, an analysis of nationally representative longitudinal U.S. data suggests that pregnant women are not at greater risk of victimization than non pregnant women (Jasinki, 2001). Furthermore, the WHO multi country study found that in most of the developing countries studied, the onset of physical abuse did not overlap with pregnancy (Garcia-Moreno, 2005).

          The research results vary on whether abuse toward women increases, decreases, or remains the same during pregnancy. There is evidence that pregnancy can be a time of respite for some previously abused women (Jasinki, 2001; Bermon, 1991; Campbell, 1998; Campbell, 1995; Castro, Peek-Asa & Ruiz, 2003; Martin, 1996; and Hedin, 2000), perhaps because of stigma associated with physically injuring a pregnant women, (Karaoglu, 2006;  Jasinki, 2001; Borenson, 1991 and Campbell, 1998). If this is the case, partners abuse, only to replace it with emotional abuse, such as insults, threats and humiliation (Karaoglu, 2006 and Martin, 2004). The WHO multi-country study reports that the majority of women who suffered from abuse before and during pregnancy in all sites reported that during the last pregnancy in which they were abused, the abuse was the same or somewhat less severe or frequent than before the pregnancy (Stewart & Cecutte, 1993; Borenson, 1991; Campbell, 1992 and Taggart, 1996). In constrast, other studies have found an escalation of abuse during pregnancy (Garcia-Moreno, 2005). For example, 64% of Canadian women who were abused during pregnancy reported that their abuse increased during pregnancy (Stewart & Cecutti, 1993).

          In recent research, women who were abused during pregnancy had a history of abuse (Glander, 1998; Horrigan, Schroeder, & Schaffer, 2000; and Jasinki, 2004). Five studies found that a past history of abuse (i.e. abuse before pregnancy) is one of the strongest predictors of abuse during pregnancy (Stewart & Cecutti, 1993; Castro, Peek-Asa & Ruiz, 2003; Martin, 2004; McFarlance, 1992 and Su-fang, 2004). In addition, multiple social, economic, cultural biological, and environmental factors contribute to abuse toward women during pregnancy.

          Low socio-economic status has consistently been identified as a risk factor for violence during pregnancy (Gazmararian, 1995; Purmar, 1999; Karuoglu, 2006; Su-fang, 2004; and Goodwin, 2000). Economically, disadvantaged women, both in the United States and in developing countries, have the highest rates of reported abuse during pregnancy (Campbell, 2004); although women from higher income groups experience abuse, they may be less likely than others to disclose their abuse (International Clinical Epidemiologists Network, 2000). Urban residence is a predictor of violence during pregnancy (Karaoglu, 2006; and Su-fang, 2004). In both developing and developed countries, women’s low level of education is associated with physical abuse during pregnancy, (Muhajarin, 1999; Purmar, 1999; Farugi, 1996; Karaoglu, 2006 and Bohn, 2004), male partners’ low level of education is also a contributing factor (Leung, Leung & Lam, 1999; Faruqi, 1996 and International Clinical Epidemiologists Network, 2000). Finally, young pregnant women are more likely than those who are older to be abused (Muhajarine, 1999; Stewart & Cecutti, 1993; Hedin, 1999 and O’Camp, 1994).

          Poor spousal communication is one of the factors associated with marital violence (Berns, Jacobson & Gottman, 1999 and Gordis, Margolin & Vickerman, 2005). Studies exploring the relationship between couple communication or interaction and physical violence during pregnancy are not numerous; however, according to at least two studies, poor couple communication is related to violence during pregnancy in India and China (Purmar, 1999; Sun-fang, 2004).

          In Nigeria, most research work on physical spousal abuse has been based on prevalence and patterns; scarcely do we have studies linking physical spousal abuse to women during pregnancy. It is against this background that this study becomes relevant in filling such missing gaps in our knowledge in the issue of physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy in Lagos metropolis area of Lagos State, Nigeria.

Purpose of Study

        The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship of the factors positively associated with physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria.

          To achieve the purpose of this study, the following research questions were answered:

1.           To what extent would factors positively associated with physical spousal abuse influence women during pregnancy?

2.           What is the relative contribution of each of these factors (dowry demand, involvement spousal communication, past history of abuse religion, husband’s level of education and age at marriage) to the prediction of physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy?

3.           There is no significant relationship between the determinants factors and physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy.

Methodology

Research Design

        This study employed an ex-post-facto design. This design does not involve the manipulation of any variable. The event has already occurred and the researcher only investigated what was already there.

Participants

          The participants for this study consists of all married women in Lagos metropolis whose ages ranged between 21 years – 49 years, and are currently pregnant. A total of two hundred and fifty were randomly drawn from pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos Maternity Hospital and Ikoyi Specialist Hospital, all in Lagos Metropolis. The choice of Lagos area for the study was chosen because it is an area where support services for abused women are currently available or could be established, the populations are broadly representative of socio-economic strata and not perceived as having high levels of domestic violence.

          All the participants involved in the study can read, write and respond to questions.

Instrumentation

        Two major instruments were used in the study:

1.           Self-Reporting Questionnaire factors positively associated with physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy. Women answered questions about the age at marriage, dowry demand at marriage, past history, of abuse, couples religion, husband’s level of education, and spousal level of communication. It has 30 items rated on a 4 point Likert-type scale. The respondents indicated their degree of agreement with each item by ticking Strongly Agreed (4); Agreed (3); Disagreed (2) and Strongly Disagreed (1). It has 0.67 and 0.73 as the internal consistency and revalidation reliability respectively.

2.           Physical Spousal Abuse Inventory: Women answered questions on experience of physical assault perpetrated by one’s partner during any pregnancy was the dependent variable in the analyses. The questions on violence during pregnancy were modified versions of questions used by Campbell (1998) and those developed by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the PRAMS model in the United States (1999). Psychometric analysis was performed on the violence questions to ascertain the appropriateness of the behavioural items included. The items had good internal consistency, indicating that the instrument provided a reliable and valid measure of violence during pregnancy.

Procedure for Data Collection

        The participants for the study were administered the two questionnaires with the assistance of two research assistants and the hospital attendants in the three hospitals involved in the study. The collected questionnaires were scored and the data obtained from them were analysed to answer the research questions. On the whole, 250 copies of the questionnaires were distributed and returned fully filled, giving a return rate of 100%.

Data Analysis

          The data collected were analysed using multiple regression analysis and chi-square (x2) statistics to establish the relationship of the factors tested and physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy.

Results:

1.      Using a combination of the independent variables to predict physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy.


Table I: Summary of Regression Analysis of Sample Data

Multiple R            =        0. 462

Multiple R-Square        =        0.213

Adjusted R-Square       =        0.197

Standard Error of Estimate = 3.06

Analysis of Variance

Sources of Variation

df

SS

Ms

F-ratio

Regression

4

617.444

123.48886

13.229*

Residual

245

2277.5997

9.3344

Total

249

-

-

* Significant at 0.05 level of confidence 

          Table I shows that the combination of the six independent variables (dowry demand involvement, spousal communication, past history of abuse, religion, husband’s level of education and age at marriage) in predicting physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy gave a co-efficient of multiple regression (R) of 0.462 and a multiple R-Square (R2) of 0.213. The result shows that 21.3% of the variance in the prediction of physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy is accounted for by the independent variables. The table also indicates that, the analysis of variance of the multiple regression data gave an F-ratio of 13.229 significant at 0.05 level of confidence.

2. Relative Contribution of Independent Variables to the Prediction of Physical Spousal Abuse of Women during pregnancy       

Variables

B

SEB

Beta

T-ratio

Sign. – T

Remark

1

Dowry Demand Involvement

0.103

0.045

0.146

2.284

0.0162

Sig.

2

Spousal Communication

-0.811

0.378

-0.135

-2.146

0.0146

Sig.

3

Past History of Abuse

-.0979

0.404

0.143

-2.425

0.0161

Sig.

4

Religion

-0.113

0.399

0.017

-0.283

0.7771

NS

5

Husband’s level of Education

0.194

0.401

0.028

0.484

0.6287

NS

6

Age at Marriage

-1.014

0.411

0.142

-2.461

0.0145

Sig.

7

Constant

40.904

7.634

-

5.358

-

0.000

          Table 2 shows for each independent variable, the standardised regression weight (B), the Standard Error Estimate (SEB), the Beta, the T-ratio, and the level at which the T-ratio, and the level at which the T-ratio is significant. As indicated in the table the T-ratio is associated with four variables (dowry demand involvement, spousal communication, past history of abuse, and age at marriage) were significant at 0.05 level of confidence while religion and husband’s level of education were not significantly associated with the dependent variable.   

3.      There is no significant relationship between the determinant factors and physical           spousal abuse of women during pregnancy.


Table 3:    Cross-tabulation and chi-square (X2) analysis of determinant factors and physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy

Determinant Factors

Response of determinant factors

Total

X2 Cal.

X2 Crit.

df

Sig. Level

Remark

SD

D

A

SA

1

Dowry Demand Involvement

15

(7.5)

5

(2.5)

25

(12.5)

12

(6.0)

57

36.7

3.33

9

0.05

Sig.

2

Spousal Communication

14

(7.0)

3

(1.5)

40

(20.0)

32

(16.0)

89

3

Past History of Abuse

4

(2.0)

2

(1.0)

7

(3.5)

22

(11.0)

35

4

Religion

4

(2.0)

2

(1.0)

3

(1.5)

6

(3.0)

15

5

Husband’s level of Education

4

(2.0)

5

(2.5)

4

(2.0)

6

(3.0)

19

6

Age at Marriage

12

(6.0)

5

(2.5)

8

(4.0)

10

(5.0)

35

7

Total

53

22

87

88

250

X2 = 36.7, DF = 9, P <0.05 = Significant

          Table 3 above shows the cross-tabulation of the determinant factors and physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy. From the table above, the X2 calculated value (36.7) at 0.05 level of significance is greater than X2 critical value of 3.33. Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected and the alternative hypothesis, that state that there is a significant relationship between the detrimental factors and physical spousal abuse was accepted. By implication, this means that the determinant factors has it consequences, and has an association with spousal physical abuse of women during pregnancy.

Discussion of Findings

        The results obtained showed that a combination of dowry demand, spousal communication, past history of abuse, religion, husband’s level of education and age at marriage when taken together seemed to be effective in predicting physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy. The observed F-ratio of 13.229, significant at 0.05 level is an evidence that the effectiveness of a combination of the independent variables in the prediction of physical spousal abuse could not have occurred by chance. Furthermore, the coefficient of multiple correlation of 0.462 and a multiple R + square of 0.213 showed the magnitude of the relationship between physical spousal abuse and the combination of the independent variables. The results indicated that a relationship of the independent variables accounted for only 21.3% of the total variance in spousal physical abuse among pregnant women.

          The results in Table 2 revealed the contribution made by each independent variable to the prediction of spousal physical abuse of women during pregnancy. The t-ratio values associated with each independent variables showed that dowry demand, past history of abuse, age at marriage, spousal communication contributed significantly to the prediction whereas religion and husband’s level of education did not.

          Based on the above, dowry demand involvement, age at marriage, past history of abuse and spousal communication are the most important predictors of physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy. This results agree with the findings reported by Bern, Jacobson and Gottman (1999); Gordise, Margolin and Vickerman (2005); that poor couple communication is related to violence during pregnancy in India and China Su-fang (2004); and Purmar (1999). Martins (2001); Wiemann (2000) and Dunn (2000) focuses their report on abuse by past or current intimate partners. In contrasts, other studies have found an escalation of violence during pregnancy – Stewart & Cecutti (1993); Berenson (1991); Campbell (1992) and Taggart & Mattson (1996).

          In the view of Stewart and Cecutti (1993); Castor, Peek and Ruiz (2003), Martin (2004); McFarlance (1992) and Su-fang (2004) found that a past history of abuse (i.e. abuse before pregnancy) is one of the strongest predictors of abuse during pregnancy.

          Another finding from this study was that religion and the husband’s level of education was not a major predictor of spousal physical abuse was however, at variance of the work of Leung, Leung and Lam (1999); Faruqi (1990); and International Clinical Epidemiologists Network (2000) that, male partners’ low level of education is also a contributing factor. In addition, multiple social, economic, cultural, biological and environmental factors also contribute to violence toward women during pregnancy.

          Although religion was not found to significantly predict physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy in the sample involved in this study, attention of social workers and counselling psychologists should be directed to religious teaching among couples as it could check violence among family members and the individuals in the society.

Conclusion

        In view of the fact that family history of spousal violence increases a daughter’s risk of such abuse and other factors as dowry demand, poor couple communication, and age at marriage have been found to be positively correlated to abuse, these factors should be widely communicated.

          Further research is needed to determine whether increased couple communication reduces the likelihood of violence or whether absence of violence can lead to increased couple communication.                                                                                                       

References

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College Student and ADHD Medication Abuse Facts to Ponder

  • Posted on January 2, 2010 at 4:20 pm

A study done in 2007 shows that misuse and abuse of medication prescribed by ADHD is fast becoming a nationwide problem. This study had participations of nearly 11000 4th year students from colleges all over the US. These students we promised that their identity will be concealed to ensure honest and open answer.

Results included the following:

- The percentage of students that have used the stimulants during their life time is about 6.9%. 4.1% reported that they have used such stimulants in the past year and 2.1% in the past month

- It was also found that there are twice as much as male than female students who abuse these stimulants. Compared to African American, Caucasians uses them at a significantly higher level.

- Sorority and fraternity members used at a rate of more than double than nonmembers.

- Use was higher among students with a GPA of B or below.

- A collage with a more competitive admission criteria have higher number of students that abuses stimulants compared to colleges with lower admission criteria.

Also of interest is the fact that non-medical use of stimulants is often associated with other substance use. Consider the following percentages of those who used stimulants versus those who didn’t:

- Use of cigarettes: 67% vs. 24%
- Frequent binge drinking: 69% vs. 21%
- Use of ecstasy: 19% vs. 1%
- Use of cocaine: 17% vs. 1%
- Driving after binge drinking: 35% vs. 9%
- Being the passenger of a drunk driver: 66% vs. 21%

What are the reasons for using stimulants? The most common motive is to enhance academic performance especially when studying outside of class. This does not mean that using stimulants is never used for recreational purposes, but the findings are not that significant.

There is also reason to believe that students who uses these stimulants have undiagnosed ADD but then again, what are the reasons for students who do not have ADD yet still feel the need to stimulate concentration? Many who claims they have no problem with paying attention confesses that they find later that it is becoming increasingly hard for them to pay attention.

What actually is this findings trying to convey to parents who are concerned about the possibility of their children being involved with abuse of stimulant?

Parents should be on the look out for the following symptoms in their children :

1. Is your child under a lot of academic pressure, either to get in, or to excel, at his particular university? You may notice that he seems obsessed with getting into a school, or once in, worries constantly about keeping up and doing well.

2. How are his grades? If he seems horribly stressed and yet his grades are not reflective of his efforts, check with him.

3. Has your daughter lost a good bit of weight? Is she irritable and does she complain of having no appetite? Is this normal for her?

4. Is there other substance abuse that you are aware of?

5. Is your child complaining of problems with attention?

6. Does your child seem depressed?

Whatever the answers you may find from as a result of these questions, you should not neglect them. Whether they prove that your child is engaging in abuse of stimulants or not, as parents you will find it valuable enough as they make you understand what your children is experiencing.

The most important findings of this study shows that college students should be educated more about stimulants abuse. We should be looking out for accurate information on ADD as well as methods of treatment. We should also learn about other factors that can contribute to attention difficulties and why it is important to seek professional help rather than prescribing one’s own medicine. It is then also important for us to be aware of other methods be it medical or non medical that can assist people with ADD.

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Should I report this woman for child abuse?

  • Posted on January 2, 2010 at 4:01 am

Today this woman was shouting at her daughter for smoking cannabis and having sex; the poor girl was only 15 and was scared to death; she closed her eyes in fear as her mother pulled her out of the car and slapped the poor girl across the back of her legs; the girl began to cry and rub her legs and her mom shouted at her and said “Get out of my face!”

This is cruelty in it’s worse form! Punished for having fun and enjoying sex.

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