Slow Down it Might Save a Life

The more we can delay or prevent a person’s use of drugs or alcohol the higher the chances that they will not becomes addicted.

A huge problem today is that kids start very young. Starting drug use early dramatically impairs the development of the frontal lobe. In the case of my daughter Lauren, her early use of drugs set her back about 3 + years. I remember having a conversation with her after she attended her program where she learned that it would take 2 to 3 years to reverse the effects of the early drug use on her brain. This post from October 2020 “ReLearn” explains in more detail. The GOOD news was that she could recover because of the amazing thing called “Elasticity”. That’s what Lauren was focused on that night, the reality that she could get well. The article “You Have to be Willing to Compete” explains why this is a big positive.

START AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Therefore the messaging about healthy life choices needs to start in Middle school for young people. Last year I had an opportunity to present at a middle school in my hometown. The response from the kids was awesome. Parents need to do their part as well.

Another powerful principle to help our kids stay drug-free as long as possible is to realize what drives their desire to use drugs and alcohol. Its not complicated, and it’s not rocket science. They want to be accepted and they want to fit in. In short, they want to find their tribe!

This is powerful for all humans but especially for young people. The need to fit in a group is so strong that if we can’t get that in healthy ways, we will accept unhealthy ways to get the need for acceptance met.

I wish I had understood this more when “LaLa” (Lauren’s favorite nickname given to her by her 3-year-old nephew) was in early Middle school. She went through a period where she literally tried everything she could think of to be a part of something. She played tennis, and volleyball, did gymnastics, got involved in theater arts—she loved being on the stage crew—played soccer, loved to ride dirt bikes, and a few more I am sure I have missed. We encouraged it, but had I known what I know now I would have worked a lot harder to help her find one that really worked. She was looking for a place to be accepted. The website he website Natural High – Nonprofit Organization Drug Abuse Prevention focus on helping youth find their place and passion.

PLACES FOR LALA

For LaLa two of those places were snowboarding and baking. I am very happy to say that I have many fond memories of experiencing both with Lauren often. Only weeks before she passed away Lauren asked me if we could make vegan macrons. I had never heard of those but was up to the task, we planned to take Friday evening (as we often did to make French Macrons). Friday she texted me asking if we could do it another time because she was not feeling well. I told her of course. We never got the chance to make vegan macarons!

Start early, and stay consistent.