Substance abuse in Maryland is a huge problem that impacts individuals, families, and communities.
One of the most significant ways to prevent addiction developing is through early recognition of alcohol and drug use. Knowing what the symptoms are and fostering a supportive home environment can help your loved one access reliable addiction alcohol rehab treatment.
Information about how to do this is outlined below.
Understanding Substance Use in Maryland
Substance misuse in Maryland is high for youth and adults. Substances of most concern in terms of numbers and deaths are opioids and alcohol, but marijuana and synthetics are also widely used.
Awareness of the opioid crisis is widely known because of how deeply it impacts rural and urban communities. In 2023, there were “2,511 fatal overdoses” in Maryland.(1)
A year later, there was a 38% decrease with “1,553 fatal overdoses reported in Maryland.“(2) The overdoses may have declined but the crisis is still real.
Considering alcohol use in the underage brings home how serious the problem is. In the 12 – 20 age range, 84,000 (12.3%) had used alcohol in the past month.
Narrowing down again to look at the youngest group within this cohort, 7,000 (2.5%) of 12 – 14 year olds had used alcohol in the past month.
In 2021-2022, there were 2,482 annual deaths from excessive alcohol use. Deaths are usually linked to long-term use and heavy drinking is mainly seen in adults.
Looking at all illicit drugs, 7.68% of 12 – 17 year olds used in the last month, 28.88% of 18 – 25 year olds used and 14.93% of adults over 26, used in the last month.(4)
It’s clear that addiction issues are high. Looking out for those early signs has huge potential to make a difference to a person’s substance recovery journey.
Early Warning Signs of Substance Use
Alcohol and drugs are psychoactive substances that introduce toxins to the body. The psychoactive properties and toxins both have associated health risks whether used once or regularly.
Being able to identify signs of use early makes a real difference in supporting a person to stop more quickly. Signs of substances might be seen in a person under the influence, or who is in the withdrawal phase.
There are different types of signs to keep an eye out for and these are linked to a person’s appearance, behaviours, and social factors.
1. Behavioural Indicators
Some of the clearest signs of substance use are changes in mood. This might be due to having taken the substance.
For instance, the person might be chatty, animated, or super relaxed, and “dopey”.
During withdrawal, people tend to be snappy, irritable, short-tempered, or tearful.
You might notice that your family member is starting to be secretive.
Perhaps not sharing information and avoiding conversation. If your loved one is in education, there could be a decline in performance and grades.
2. Physical Symptoms
There are obvious physical changes when a person starts using substances often and the longer this goes on, this tends to increase.
Changes in appearance, especially related to neglected hygiene are quite common. The person might look a little unkempt, they might have lost or gained weight. There might be changes to skin including paleness, yellowing, sores and bruising.
3. Social Changes
It’s common for people to experiment with drugs and alcohol with friends. You might notice a change in peer group, or a new person spending time with your family member.
Withdrawal from the family is another sign that there could be substance use. People usually try to hide their use and become increasingly isolated.
4. Special Considerations for Different Age Groups
Alcohol and drugs can have serious consequences on neurological development and cognitive and executive functioning.
This can have severe effects for preadolescents, teens, and young adults who are still growing and developing hormonally. Catching and addressing substance use as soon as possible therefore has the potential to save impairment to psychological development.
Prevention Strategies for Parents and Caregivers
There are various ways to help prevent and to address substance use in children and teens.
1. How to talk to children and teens about substance use
Communication is absolutely essential when it comes to preventing or supporting your child to reduce or stop using substances. The way you do this can have a huge impact.
Firstly, there’s a lot to be said for a calm, soft, and kind tone of voice. This is reassuring during potentially stressful situations.
It’s helpful to gather information by asking questions and really listening. Rather than passing judgement or becoming emotional, remain relaxed and open.
2. Creating a supportive home environment
Children need to feel safe at home. The space needs to feel warm, calm, and open. This helps young people to feel they can open up to their parents and caregivers. It’s helpful to be friendly, kind, and make the effort at conversation.
Show an interest in their lives in general, not just in relation to substance use. Keeping on top of housework and ensuring the atmosphere isn’t chaotic helps children to feel relaxed as well.
3. Role modelling & setting clear expectations
It’s really important to demonstrate healthy behaviours to young people so that they understand how to act.
By using positive coping mechanisms yourself (instead of using substances), you show your child how to respond to stressful events.
You might meditate, exercise, talk to a professional, or go for a walk. It’s more helpful to show rather than tell in these situations.
Being clear about boundaries is also important. You don’t want to enable substance use.
For instance, you might state that you’re happy to talk about substance use but that drugs and alcohol aren’t permitted in the house.
4. Safe Storage and Disposal of Medications and Substances
One of the most common ways for young people to access alcohol and prescription drugs (i.e. benzodiazepines and opioids) is at home.
If you have any of these in the house, it’s vital to lock them away. If you have medication that you no longer require, return it to the pharmacy for safe disposal.
5. Encouraging Healthy Activities and Peer Groups
A hugely effective way to support teenagers away from experimenting with substances is by helping them to engage with healthy activities.
Whether they’re interested in digital entertainment, the arts, sports, or youth groups, encourage participation. Doing so also fosters healthier friendships with peers who take part in activities that support healthy development.
Intervention and Getting Help
One of the trickiest aspects of substance abuse is that people use for a reason. Whether it’s pain reduction, escapism, to feel good, or because they simply enjoy it, it can sometimes be difficult to persuade people to seek help. There are various things to try…
Steps to take if you Suspect Substance use
Firstly, do some research. Find out about why people use substances, what the risks are and about local addiction treatment.
Secondly, have calm courage and speak with your family member. Show them you care and want to help, that you don’t judge, and say you’re worried because of long-term risks.
Next, have a discussion about treatment. It’s important to keep in mind that your teenager might not want to stop.
You can tell them that addiction treatment supports people by offering information and counselling. You can stipulate, setting a clear expectation, that while your child uses substances, they need to be in contact with a treatment centre.
Finally, support your loved one to access addiction services and to keep appointments.
Substance abuse is high in Maryland and one of the most successful ways to address it is through vigilance and early action. Supporting your loved one to access professional help quickly makes a huge difference in the potential for a long-lasting recovery.
Healing is possible and thousands of people go on to live healthy lives beyond substance use.
