TRIGGER WARNING: This post contains information about abuse and drug use, which may be triggering to some.
I grew up in a broken household, surrounded by the lifestyle of dysfunction that comes from 50/50 custody. I knew I was different in more ways than one. I was born with a birth defect and diagnosed with dyslexia and attention deficit disorder at a young age.
I was completely uncomfortable with who I was and never felt like I belonged. I was molested by a family friend between the ages of 8 and 12. I was constantly bullied and needed a way to self-medicate from my internal agony.
Video games, music, food, and clothes became my obsession as a way to erase the pain from the outside world|Video games, music, food, and clothes became my obsession as a way to erase the pain from the outside world
I got hooked on heroin when I ran out of painkillers|I got hooked on heroin when I ran out of painkillers
I shot heroin for the first time at age 15 and did not stop until I became clean at 24. I thought I had found sanctuary with my sanity, but it was a completely different realm of satisfaction, and I never wanted it to stop.
I got arrested for the first time at age 15, which is when the criminal behavior started. I would ditch school and spend all day in detention. I ended up getting expelled in my junior year and was only allowed back for the last semester to walk with my class.
I passed drug tests using fake urine, and passed high school with a couple of C's and mostly D's. The time I spent expelled allowed me ample time to continue using and committing crimes.
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I shot heroin for the first time at age 15 and did not stop until I became clean at 24. I thought I had found sanctuary with my sanity, but it was a completely different realm of satisfaction, and I never wanted it to stop.
I got arrested for the first time at age 15, which is when the criminal behavior started. I would ditch school and spend all day in detention. I ended up getting expelled in my junior year and was only allowed back for the last semester to walk with my class.
I passed drug tests using fake urine, and passed high school with a couple of C's and mostly D's. The time I spent expelled allowed me ample time to continue using and committing crimes.
Now, as an adult, I have found purpose with all I experienced|Now, as an adult, I have found purpose with all I experienced
After looking back at my story and what I went through, I’ve found it to be my purpose to help others in recovery and to educate parents on my experience so they can be aware of the possibilities. It helps to arm yourself with the knowledge of what to look out for. Parenting is all about awareness.
When I was a kid, I had no structure, no rules, and no boundaries. My parents tried to enforce the rules, but I never listened. I would sneak out, and my dad had no idea.
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After looking back at my story and what I went through, I’ve found it to be my purpose to help others in recovery and to educate parents on my experience so they can be aware of the possibilities. It helps to arm yourself with the knowledge of what to look out for. Parenting is all about awareness.
When I was a kid, I had no structure, no rules, and no boundaries. My parents tried to enforce the rules, but I never listened. I would sneak out, and my dad had no idea.
Now I tell parents how important it is to learn the signs that their teen is struggling|Now I tell parents how important it is to learn the signs that their teen is struggling
Nowadays, with Snapchat and Instagram and texting, there’s even more of a lack of awareness of whom our kids are talking to and what they’re doing. Today, there is an Emoji drug code, where pills and hard drugs are sold via social media, hiding behind various emojis.
Parents should learn these codes and check in on their kids with more rigor. Keep in mind that just because your child uses emojis doesn’t mean they are using or are addicted to drugs.
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Nowadays, with Snapchat and Instagram and texting, there’s even more of a lack of awareness of whom our kids are talking to and what they’re doing. Today, there is an Emoji drug code, where pills and hard drugs are sold via social media, hiding behind various emojis.
Parents should learn these codes and check in on their kids with more rigor. Keep in mind that just because your child uses emojis doesn’t mean they are using or are addicted to drugs.
There are other signs to watch out for as well|There are other signs to watch out for as well
Some of the warning signs include if your kid loses interest in sports or other activities they used to love.
Physical warning signs of drug use include weight loss, fatigue, skin color, and dilated pupils.
Are they sleeping in later and staying up later?
Are they running out of money quickly and always asking for more?
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Some of the warning signs include if your kid loses interest in sports or other activities they used to love.
Physical warning signs of drug use include weight loss, fatigue, skin color, and dilated pupils.
Are they sleeping in later and staying up later?
Are they running out of money quickly and always asking for more?
It is critical for parents to talk to their kids|It is critical for parents to talk to their kids
Educate them, even before you think they are old enough to have a problem. Being an outcast was also a big part of my drug use. Parents should inquire if they’re undergoing any social trauma.
Instead of treating these traumas with drugs, treat them with therapy and mental health counseling. Dual diagnosis and treatment are so important.
Treating the underlying mental health issues and the desire to self-medicate will help kids stay clean.
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If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, the National Sexual Assault Hotline provides confidential 24/7 support. Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat online at RAINN.
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Educate them, even before you think they are old enough to have a problem. Being an outcast was also a big part of my drug use. Parents should inquire if they’re undergoing any social trauma.
Instead of treating these traumas with drugs, treat them with therapy and mental health counseling. Dual diagnosis and treatment are so important.
Treating the underlying mental health issues and the desire to self-medicate will help kids stay clean.
—
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, the National Sexual Assault Hotline provides confidential 24/7 support. Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat online at RAINN.
