New Canaan 53

“I’ve worked with people who have regained their lives complete- ly. The middle of the treatment course is terrifying and painful, but there are many who get into long-term recovery. There is no one path, but many get there.” Dr. Collins admits the harsh reality of the struggle. “Some do die but one out of three do well years later. The more effort and energy put into it, the higher the likelihood of a good outcome.” Gary Mendell, of Easton, CT is the founder Shatterproof, a national not-for-profit organization that offers crucial support, information and guidance to those who suffer from addiction. “The goals of Shatterproof

the problem early. “Once you are down the road it is so much harder to deal with. “Also, when you are in this, it is so easy to want to give up. It is so heartbreaking as a parent to watch this happen to your kids. You feel powerless, and you want to go down the tough love route. But we know where that leads–they will live on the street, and the drugs will win. I advise parents not to give up. You have to keep putting help in front of your kid. You always have to remember that with heroin, the bottom is death. I am grateful they are still alive. I know that they can be taken from me at any moment.”

SUDDENLY, IT WAS CHEAPER TO USE HEROIN THAN THE PAINKILLERS TO WHICH SO MANY WERE ALREADY ADDICTED. FOR MANY, IT IS AN EASY SWITCH.

All the experts agree that early intervention is the most effective way of stopping drug use, regardless of the individual circumstances. Dr. Collins recommends parents have the hard discussions with their kids about the dangers of drugs, because those discussions are an effec- tive prevention strategy. Watch your pill bottles: Don’t leave pain killers in your medicine cabi- net. There’ve been numerous reports of pills stolen during realtors’ open houses. Darien’s Sergeant Marron concurs. “Parents need to be aware of what their children are doing, and know where they are, and recognize the basic signs and symptoms of drug abuse.” Dr. Collins also says parents can help their children who are addicted. “Once using is going on, parents can make a tremendous difference in the course of an adolescence addiction by setting loving limits. “I am not an advocate of tough love because some people die as a result. I realize that parents can be very enabling, some even driving their kids to dangerous neighborhoods to buy their drugs because they fear for their safety. However, they can do much more to insist on treatment. Parents can get referrals from primary care physicians, go to Al-Anon meetings and seek other resources. They can consult an addiction expert for advice on how to proceed. They can have one expert helping parents and one working directly with the young person. These methods can be very expensive but they work.” “The withdrawal syndrome makes it virtually impossible to stop with- out help,” he explains. “Medically assisted withdrawal, often referred to as detoxification, almost never is sufficient for patients with addiction,” says Dr. Collins. “Even if done very well, the desire to use again will drive them back, even if they are not in withdrawal.” Most people need a formal treatment program, a 12 Step program, and other therapy. Of critical importance, when users get detoxified, they lose their tolerance and, if they use again, which is quite likely, and at the same dosages as before, they are at great risk for overdose. However, Dr. Collins is basically optimistic. “There are many treatment options. All can save lives by dramatically reducing overdose deaths. An important part of treatment is to prevent relapse. “Trying to do it on your own is virtually guaranteed not to succeed.

are to unite and empower those who suffer from addiction, to end the stigma, change the antiquated public policies, and obtain funding to research the disease and find innovative ways to help those who suffer.” Mendell’s son Brian committed suicide in his early 20’s after strug- gling with drug addiction for ten years and being clean for 13 months. “Addiction is a disease that kills 370 people a day,” insists Mendell. “It is no different than cancer or heart disease. It affects a whopping 10% of the population. “I started Shatterproof to prevent and treat addiction so other families will not be shattered as mine was,” he states. www.shatterproof.org Bonnie Adler is a writer and long-time local reporter in Westport, CT. * Pay Attention to the Warning Signs: Excessive fatigue Nodding off Decreased appetite Physical changes like black circles under eyes, bruising or pinpoint pupils Black and bluemarks Truancy Promiscuity Missing household cash School performance declines Poor personal care Withdrawal from friends and family

WESTONMAGAZINEGROUP.COM 59

Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter