TresSugar

Anal Beer Bongs, Vodka-Soaked Tampons (Those Crazy Teens!)

TresSugar — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:30:00 -0700

What is going on with today's teens? I just read a study that said there's been a 76 percent rise in emergency room visits between 1998 -2005 among teens who are abusing ADHD drugs like Adderall. (They crush the meds, which may or may not have been prescribed to them, snort them, and can experience side effects that mimic cardiac arrest.)

And now, a news report says that not only are many teens abusing alcohol and drugs - they're delivering those substances to their systems in bizarre and harmful ways. In Phoenix, AZ, they're snorting vodka, and some teens are soaking vodka in their tampons, which, as one expert said, can damage their reproductive systems. (And I would rather not visualize what an anal beer bong is.)

This is just sad. I was a pretty innocent teen, and although there were some bad girls in junior high who brought alcohol to school, I don't think they were doing drugs.

The woman in the video who specializes in dealing with teen substance abuse says that drug use triples between sixth and eighth grade. Did you see this in your schools growing up?

Scientists Say Taking Adderall to Get Through Day May Be OK

CitizenSugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:30:38 -0800

College students and other concentration seekers know it's not hard to score a 'script for ADHD drugs. Fidgety, disorganized, forgetful. They know the symptoms and they work the system.

But while using Ritalin and Adderall to edge out competition in school and life is nothing new (though the science journal Nature disagrees), a vocal group of scientists supporting it is. They argue that "cognitive enhancement" should no longer be a bad word because it's no different than using education, good health habits, and technology to get ahead. Another similarity? Access to prescription drugs requires a certain degree of privilege, too!

Opponents argue that it's cheating, unnatural, and on par with drug abuse. If they want to curb this trend, I recommend showing young teens Requiem For a Dream at just the right age. But until then, is it just best to accept and regulate it?

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You Asked: My Boyfriend Has ADHD

DearSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

My fiancé and I have been together for three years. I love him dearly, but he has ADHD. While his symptoms aren't severe enough to impact me (other than his occasional forgetfulness and constant pacing), I am worried about our future. He occasionally brings up the possibility of having children once we are married, but every time he mentions it, I get worried. I feel as if I almost don't even want to have children with him after reading that a third of all fathers with ADHD have children with ADHD. I don't know how I would deal with that behavior and academic issues in a child when I was always a straight A student. Is it horrible to think this? And what can I do to get it out of my mind?

- Concerned Cara

To see DearSugar's answer, read more.

Dear Concerned Cara,

It's easy to read about worst-case scenarios on the Internet and end up in a tizzy over what may happen, but frankly, every time anyone has a child there's a chance that something could go wrong, and it may or may not be ADHD. Either way, it doesn't mean she won't have behavioral problems or bring home a perfect report card. My point is that while I understand your concerns, there's no point in imagining what could be. Many children are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD every year and the majority of them will grow up to be perfectly happy, functional adults.

While it may be more demanding to raise a child with this diagnosis, all children come with their own set of challenges. There's always a chance that something could go wrong, and it may or may not be ADHD. But either way, it doesn't mean she won't have behavioral problems or guarantee a perfect report card. If you really feel like this is something you may not be able to overcome, voice your concerns to your fiancé. Since he faces this every day, he may be able to open up your perspective on the situation, and certainly he has a right to know if you don't want to have children with him.

You could also join an online forum for mothers of children with ADHD. I'm sure they'll be able to give you plenty of advice and many positive stories. But most importantly Cara, recognize that life is full of oppositions that we're all stronger for when we finally overcome them. So instead of worrying, start educating yourself.

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Adult ADD and ADHD: Know the Signs

DearSugar — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:00:00 -0700

Adult ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are conditions that have to do with the way you think. Unfortunately, they can seriously affect adults when it comes to their job, relationships, and their finances. It's true that they have to do with not being able to concentrate, but there's a lot more to it. Some of the signs include:

"zoning out" during conversations, or daydreaming

not remembering being told something
being late or forgetting to show up when expected
speaking without thinking first or interrupting others when they talk
talking fast or excessively, and hopping from one topic to the next
getting easily frustrated or bored
procrastination or difficulty staying focused
not finishing what you start (projects, books)
low self-esteem or insecurity
impulsive behaviors, quick to get angry

There are also some really positive "gifts" if you have ADD and ADHD? Want to hear them, then read more

Adults with ADD or ADHD may also be able to maintain intense focus on something that they are greatly interested in. This is called hyper focus, where people can be engaged for hours with a lack of awareness for others or time. They can be super determined and have high energy and enthusiasm for something if it sparks their interest. Einstein and Da Vinci had this ability and look how successful they were!!
People with ADD or ADHD are also great at creative thinking, problem-solving, and brainstorming ideas. Scientists, inventors, artists, musicians, and doctors can benefit from this type of brain.
Intelligence, flexibility, and spontaneity are also character traits of someone with ADD or ADHD.

Dear's Advice: If this sounds like you, and your symptoms are preventing you from living your life the way you want to, I would definitely talk to a therapist. They can offer suggestions for ways to help with the symptoms that get in the way of your job or having the relationships you want, possibly prescribing drugs to lower the symptoms of these disorders. Plus you'll feel better talking to someone who understands and supports you.

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Product of the Day: AD/HD T-Shirt

GiggleSugar — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 01:02:00 -0700

This t-shirt says: "AD/HD Back In Bla... Hey Look, A Squirrel!" I know I want one, but I'll probably be too distracted to order it.

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This Week With DearSugar

DearSugar — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:00:00 -0700

How much do you really know about the big O? Take this quiz and find out!
Why are you on the pill? For period control or to prevent pregnancy?
Don't miss out on our Olympic coverage!
Is cutting your hair after a breakup a good idea or a bad idea?
Check out my top five picks for where to meet an eligible bachelor before the end of Summer!
Are there certain touchy subjects you avoid in your relationship?
Have you ever dated someone your friends and family disliked?
Concerned Cara is scared to have kids with her boyfriend, who she loves, because of his ADHD. She's worried their kids will get it too. Do you have any advice for her?
Your boyfriend wants you to be a stay-at-home wife and you want to work. How would you handle it?
Who is more of a slob in your relationship?
Do tell, have you ever been jealous of a friend's engagement?
Is bad sex a deal breaker?
Buying jewelry for yourself: a do or a don't?

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Group Therapy: How Do I Help My Boyfriend?

Mon, 12 May 2008 03:00:00 -0700

I've been with my boyfriend for a couple years now and up until lately things have been fine. We're both in college and with finals, he has been under a great deal of stress. To make things worse, he has a severe case of ADHD, which makes it considerably more difficult for him to concentrate. At the beginning of this semester he decided to take an advanced class in his major. Unfortunately, this proved to be more than he could ultimately handle.

About two months ago, he started slacking on most of his work and has become so behind in the class that he has to take an incomplete. He has begun to take his frustration and nerves out on me. He is on edge all the time and has these outrageous outbursts. He's actually started to say very hurtful things to me. I am not the kind of girl who takes abuse, but he has never acted like this before in the 13 years that I've known him (we grew up together).

I care very deeply for him and I don't think that walking away and just leaving him will help. My main concern is for his well-being because there is obviously something that he is not coping well with. I really need some advice on how I should approach this. I'm just really confused right now. What should I do?

[EDITOR'S NOTE: To be involved in more GROUP THERAPY, click here]

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