Why Study Drugs Don’t Work

Perhaps you have a classmate who swears “study drugs” like Ritalin and Adderall have helped sharpen their focus before an exam or a major sports competition. You might have even tried them yourself to pull an all-nighter or try to have a more productive study session.

Doctors commonly prescribe these medications to help people with ADHD concentrate on the task at hand, which has increased the prevalence of study drugs on campuses from coast to coast. Many dangerous myths surround these drugs, and people who use them recreationally or without a doctor’s supervision can do themselves more harm than good. Let’s look at the top reasons study drugs don’t work.

1. Study Drugs Can Impair Your Concentration

Maybe you’ve never received a diagnosis of ADHD, but you’ve heard rumors that prescription stimulants can make you smarter. Instead of boosting academic success by sharpening your concentration, alertness and cognitive abilities, these drugs may worsen your short-term memory and leave you jittery and distracted. In people without ADHD, these medications can lead to poor impulse control and rash behavior.

2. Using Medication Without a Prescription Is Dangerous

There’s a persistent misconception that all prescription drugs are “safe” to use. However, using stimulant medications without a doctor’s guidance is illegal, and comes with a host of side effects. When used improperly or excessively, study drugs can cause health problems such as irregular heartbeat, insomnia, headaches, digestive problems, anxiety, mood swings and high blood pressure. Trying to taper off these meds or quit using them cold turkey can lead to withdrawal, an even more unpleasant situation.

3. Prescription Stimulants Are Highly Addictive

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency lists prescription stimulants as Schedule 2 drugs, due to their strong potential for abuse and addiction. They’re among infamous company on that list – opioids and cocaine are also Schedule 2 substances. People who take medications like Adderall and Ritalin recreationally might crush the pills and snort them to achieve faster-acting effects. They could also use a much higher dose than what a doctor would prescribe, either because they’re unaware of the correct dosage or they’ve reached a point where it takes more and more of the drug to achieve the same feelings.

Boost Your GPA the Old-Fashioned Way

Instead of relying on drugs and risking your mental and physical health in pursuit of better grades, go back to basics with these tried-and-true study tips.

• Get a tutor: Many college campuses offer free or low-cost resources to students, including tutoring services. If you’re struggling to keep up in a class or worried about passing an exam, a tutor can help break down complex topics in an easy-to-understand way.
• Stay on a sleep schedule: College students are often chronically sleep-deprived. However, creating a consistent sleep schedule will ensure you get enough shuteye to feel well-rested and wake up with plenty of energy and enthusiasm to face the day.
• Don’t procrastinate: It can feel tempting to wait until the last minute to start studying for a test or working on a big assignment. However, this approach can make you anxious and less likely to do your best work.

Young Adult Addiction Treatment in California

If prescription stimulant addiction is adversely affecting your life, contact us at Hope Academy. We proudly offer qualified addiction treatment that makes it possible for high school and college students to be well-adjusted adults.

Addressing the Unique Treatment Needs of Younger People

Every adult can look back on their teens and early 20s with a mix of nostalgia and relief that they don’t have to go through that turbulent time again. However, today’s landscape is significantly more complex than what you might have faced during that time of your life. For one thing, readily available technology and 24/7 access to social media have put unique stresses on people, even those who grew up as digital natives.

If you feel like a gulf has developed between you and your child as they’ve reached these difficult years, how can you tell the difference between typical teen angst and signs of possibly risky behavior?

Challenges Facing Today’s Young Adults

None of us could have accurately predicted what the introduction of social media outlets would mean for society at large. Many people happily jumped on board with Facebook, for instance, willingly trading their privacy in exchange for being able to stay in touch with far-flung family and friends and participate in various online interest groups.

However, we now know Facebook did not have people’s best interests at heart. The company's executives were more than willing to provide detailed user information to political campaigns seeking to influence votes in the 2016 presidential election. What other “helpful” apps might be secretly harboring harmful intentions?

Ironically, though social media platforms were supposed to bring us all together, they have also served as a tool for cybercriminals and purveyors of discord and discrimination. For example, creators of “alternative news” have flocked to YouTube because it’s free to use and presents low barriers for entry. As a result, many teenagers – largely young men – have become dangerously radicalized into violent far-right ideologies that pull them away from the mainstream.

When to Seek Therapy or Help for Your Child

Sometimes, it can be challenging to tell when a teenager or college-aged child is struggling with substance abuse or other co-occurring mental health disorders. Is a son or daughter who seems withdrawn or sullen dealing with troubles like depression or cyberbullying, or is their isolation a simple form of teen rebellion? Here are some signs your child might benefit from counseling or professional help for their problems.

• Ignoring responsibilities at home or at school
• A lapse in personal hygiene
• Skipping classes or other, even riskier, behavior
• Sleeping too much or not nearly enough
• Erratic mood swings, hostility or anger
• Unwillingness to discuss any difficulties with you

How to Find the Right Program

If you and a medical professional determine your teenager or college-aged student needs help to overcome a mental health problem or dual diagnosis, it’s essential to find a treatment program that will meet the unique needs of their situation. Even the best-designed course of therapy will be less effective if your child is not willing to play an active role in their recovery.

Early intervention is also essential because it can help avoid the lifelong consequences of untreated substance use and mental health problems, which can disrupt your child’s promising future and set them on a rocky road to the financial, legal, emotional, psychological and physical issues associated with these issues.

At Hope Academy, we understand the challenges the younger generation faces, both in society at large and their lives in general. We are here to provide structure and support with customized programming that helps teach life, academic and job skills to clients ages 18 to 26. If you’re ready to learn more, contact us today.

Tips for Enjoying a Sober Winter Break

Every year, students from coast to coast look forward to their holiday break from school. Whether you are anticipating having more time to visit with friends, or enjoying the opportunity to put last semester behind you and not have to stress about your studies for a little bit, winter break is your chance to do so.

If you are in the early stages of recovery from substance misuse, you may be unsure what this holiday will hold for you. However, your sober winter break may be one of the most enjoyable holidays you’ve ever had.

Shift Your Perspective

Often, newly sober people find one of the most challenging parts of the holiday season is feeling left out of the activities they once enjoyed. You might know people who are going to a different party every night this winter break, while you are trying to avoid exposure to common addiction triggers. Unfortunately, this mindset might leave you feeling angry or resentful, which isn’t conducive to your successful recovery. You’ll need to change your outlook on a couple of things.

Firstly, it’s crucial to realize that not everyone you know is out partying and drinking during winter break. Some students may do that, but others might be taking the opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones or stay home indulging in the hobbies they don’t get a chance to do when school is in session.

Also, “fun” is not synonymous with getting drunk or high. As you will discover, there are many other ways to enjoy life once you get sober. By being open to alternative ideas for spending your free time, you can find new ways to feel happy and fulfilled on your winter break.

Plan a Sober Getaway

Just because you are working on your recovery, that doesn’t mean you can’t go out there and make the most of your winter break. Substance use is common at many winter break destinations like ski resorts, but there are also many ways to refrain from drugs and alcohol on a trip. Imagine traveling without having to worry about losing control of yourself, or waking up with hardly any memories of anything you did the night before. Sobriety allows you to enjoy your vacation to its fullest.

If you feel ready to take a new step in your recovery, plan a sober vacation this winter break. Invite family members and friends who support your recovery, or ask someone you met while you were in treatment to join the fun. Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Spiritual retreats
• Sober tours
• Volunteer tourism: Is there a cause that’s near and dear to your heart, like working with endangered animals or saving coral reefs? Eco-tourism can help you see the world while you donate your time to a worthy reason.

‘Tis the Season to Recover

Winter break is an excellent time of year to focus on your sobriety because it gives you more opportunities for stress-relieving self-care activities as well. Be good to yourself this holiday, and welcome the chance to reset your recovery routine. You will be glad you did.

If you’re looking for addiction treatment tailored to the unique needs of younger people, Hope Academy is your starting point. We provide services for young adults aged 18 through 26 to give them the resources they need to recover. Contact us today to learn more about our structured programming.

All-Natural Ways to Manage Stress This School Year

School can be incredibly stressful. Between juggling a full course load, studying for exams and writing papers, students have a lot on their plate. It can be hard to make time for yourself, but planning stress relief into each day is crucial to avoiding student burnout. With that in mind, here are seven drug-free stress management techniques to try when you feel overwhelmed.

1. Exercise

Exercise strengthens both your physical and mental health. It’s one of the best ways to combat stress. Vigorous aerobic exercise triggers the release of endorphins in your brain, creating natural feelings of euphoria. Exercise also lowers your body’s stress hormones and helps improve your sleep quality. Activities like biking, running and walking can be particularly stress-relieving, but any activity that you enjoy and that gets your heart rate up can be beneficial.

2. Keep a Gratitude Journal

If you’re feeling stressed and anxious, it can be hard to maintain a positive outlook on life. Get in the habit of jotting down things you’re thankful for, and try to come up with at least one journal entry each day. If the idea of maintaining a daily gratitude journal sounds like too much of a burden on your already jam-packed schedule, keep your entries brief. You could write something as short as, “Today, I saw beautiful wildflowers growing by the side of the road.”

3. Spend Time With Friends and Family

When you’re stressed and overworked, your relationships can fall by the wayside. However, don’t underestimate the importance of your support network to help you get through difficult times. For additional stress relief, do something that makes you laugh, like going to see the latest hit comedy. It’s hard to feel anxious when you’re laughing.

4. Don’t Procrastinate

Another smart way to maintain healthy stress levels is to keep up with your task list according to priority. Give yourself realistic deadlines and work your way down the list. Carve out chunks of uninterrupted time to work on the things you need to get done today. Avoid the temptation to multitask, which can make you less productive.

5. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness describes practices that help you live in the moment, such as yoga and meditation. Some forms of therapy can also help you be more mindful and resilient, turning negative thoughts into positive ones.

6. Spend Time With a Pet

Interactions with pets may help release oxytocin, a mood-improving brain chemical. Having a pet can also help you stay active and provide you with a source of unconditional, judgment-free love.

7. Listen to Music

Listening to music can help you loosen up if you’re feeling anxious. Choose a slow-paced instrumental selection if you need to relax and lower your stress levels. However, any music you enjoy can be an effective mood enhancer, especially if you get up and move to it.

Be Healthy and Happy

Although stress is a natural part of life for students, there are many all-natural ways you can help yourself feel better and improve your quality of life. Next time you feel overworked, stop and try one or more of these strategies.

At our beautiful California facility, we offer qualified drug and alcohol addiction treatment for young adults who need help getting control of their lives. Explore Hope Academy’s programming options, or speak to an admissions advisor today.

How to Support a Family Member in Addiction Recovery

Sending your son or daughter to rehab for drugs or alcohol means you’re going through an emotionally challenging time. You may be wrestling with guilt, fear and self-doubt, and asking yourself whether you made the right decision. It’s understandable you would be feeling the strain, but you should reassure yourself that you have done the right thing to help your family move in a positive direction. However, your child needs your support to make a full recovery. With that in mind, here are some things to remember.

They Are Receiving Quality Care

If you decided it was time for your child to enter an addiction treatment facility and are now second-guessing yourself, take a deep breath and rest assured they are exactly where they need to be to start the healing process. Under the care of trained addiction specialists, they will receive counseling, medical care and one-on-one coaching in an environment that provides much-needed structure.

Another benefit of addiction treatment for young adults is being surrounded by peers who have faced many of the same struggles and who can help lead to a journey of self-discovery. This peer group can be invaluable to someone with substance misuse issues, as they can provide perspective and advice along the path to recovery.

Ask for Help When You Need It

Addiction takes a toll on every member of the family. After shouldering your burdens for so long, you may be having a hard time keeping up, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of about getting help for yourself. For example, you and your spouse may decide you need professional marriage counseling because your relationship has become strained after dealing with your child’s difficulties. Or, you might seek individual therapy for yourself. Many family members of alcoholics and addicts have also found joining an Al-Anon family group can be a powerfully affirming experience.

You can also begin to educate yourself about how addiction affects every member of your family. The more you know about the role addiction plays in your family dynamic, the more you will be able to offer the encouragement and understanding your daughter or son needs to make a full recovery.

Manage Your Expectations

When you get your child into addiction treatment, you may feel an overwhelming rush of hope that things will get better right away. It can be disappointing to realize that the habits and patterns associated with addiction often take some time to change, and that your situation won’t improve overnight. After all, there’s a reason we use the terms “work” and “process” to describe recovery. It’s not a smooth path, and you will encounter hurdles along the way. People in early recovery may not be perfect, but you can still enjoy spending time together as a family.

Your Family’s Journey Starts Here

Has your child been struggling with addiction issues? At Hope Academy, we understand the challenges of young adult substance misuse disorders, and we are here to help you and your family heal. Contact us to begin the application process and start your son or daughter on the road to recovery.

Perfectionism Growing Among College Students

College students have a significantly higher drive for perfection than earlier generations – and it may be taking a big toll on their mental health, according to a new study published in the journal Psychological Bulletin.

Researchers analyzed data from more than 40,000 college students and measured perfectionism, or “an irrational desire to achieve along with being overly critical of oneself and others." 

Specifically, they measured three types of perfectionism: 

• Self-oriented, or an irrational desire to be perfect
• Socially prescribed, or perceiving excessive expectations from others
• Other-oriented, or placing unrealistic standards on others

Between 1989 and 2016, the self-oriented perfectionism score increased by 10 percent; socially prescribed increased by 33 percent and other-oriented increased by 16 percent. 

Study authors cite numerous factors for this rise in perfectionism among millennials, including: 

• Social media pressures 
• A drive to earn money
• Pressure to get a good education and meet lofty career goals
• A drive to perfect grade point averages

"Today's young people are competing with each other in order to meet societal pressures to succeed and they feel that perfectionism is necessary in order to feel safe, socially connected and of worth," said lead author Thomas Curran, PhD, of the University of Bath, in a statement. 

The result: higher levels of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts than a decade ago.

Perfectionism and Addiction Recovery
Indeed, perfectionism can put your mental health and recovery at risk. Here’s how: 

• You expect more of yourself, thinking that you don’t need help like others battling substance abuse. 
• You expect to get sober the first time, making it harder to be patient with the process or bounce back from slip-ups.
• You expect perfectionism, so you tend to dwell on small mistakes and even mistrust small successes.
• You place unrealistic expectation on yourself and others, leading to isolation and loneliness.
• You believe that your addiction and past mistakes make your unlovable or unworthy. 

Sobriety College at Hope Academy

If you are or someone you love is a college student struggling with a mental illness and a substance use disorder, Hope Academy may be the ideal rehab program for you. Our peer-based program provides the safety and support you need to succeed in school and at sobriety. To learn more about our sobriety college, call today: 866-930-4673.

Peak Times When College Kids Are Using

Did you know that there are peak seasons when it comes to drug and alcohol use among college students? According to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), college students are more likely to try illegal substances, including pot, prescription painkillers and stimulants, and alcohol at certain times of the year.

While the report didn’t say why some months result in more use than others, theories abound. For example, those first six weeks are often seen as the likeliest time for trying alcohol and many experts attribute this to the stress staring college can bring. Similarly, students are most likely to try or buy someone else’s ADHD meds or painkillers to get high during the winter months, which often coincide with midterms or final exams.

Other key study findings include:

• September, December: Peak months for first-time underage alcohol consumption among college students (ages 18 to 20).
• September, October: Peak months for college kids to take up smoking cigarettes.
• October: Peak month for college students to begin using smokeless tobacco.
• December: Peak month for full-time college students to start misusing prescription pain relievers. During this month, rates rise from 800 to 850 new users a day, according to the report.
• April, November, and December: Peak time for students to start using prescription stimulants (like Adderall and Ritalin) that were not prescribed for them. During these months, the average daily initiation rate jumps above 500, peaking at 585 in November.
• June: On average, roughly 1,000 college students start using marijuana every day. But in June the number rises to about 1,500.

Drug and Alcohol Treatment for Young Adults
If you or someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol, Hope Academy can help. We offer a variety of drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs for young adults, including our unique sobriety college program. Our CA rehab programs for adults age 18 to 26 include residential treatment and outpatient programs, and our team is available to help with insurance authorizations, and interventions. For more information, call: 866-930-4673.

Starting the New Semester Off Right

Did you end last semester with disappointing results? Had you expected a better performance from yourself? Don’t worry. Each semester in college is a new beginning, so take advantage of this opportunity to start over. Take time to reflect on what held you back last semester, and make a plan to change for the better.

Identify Your Weaknesses Do you procrastinate? 
Are you careless with your spending? Does your enthusiasm get you into too many activities ? Do you skip meals and neglect sleep? These questions may make you think of something your mom said once (or a million times), but don’t tune out just yet. You may find that there’s a grain of truth in all that advice you’ve been ignoring.

Turn Weakness into Strength
Independence means that you are calling the shots, so here are some suggestions to follow:

1. Learn to manage your time. Right before finals is not the time to catch up on all the reading you skipped. Begin the semester determined to stay on top of daily assignments and make regular class attendance a priority. Use a scheduling app or an organizer to allocate your time.

2. Balance your load. Be smart about which classes and activities you take on. Try to mix classes so that your study load is balanced. When you take on outside interests, opt for activities that let you set the schedule. Join a gym or yoga studio instead of playing on a team. Buy tickets to a performance series instead of being in the cast of a play.

3. Set up a budget and track your spending. As a semester ends, you won’t have time to worry about how your bills will get paid. If you start out at the beginning of the term with a budget, this is one worry you will avoid. There are books and apps that walk you through the steps to set up a budget and monitor your spending. When you have money for an after-finals celebration, you’ll be glad you learned this lesson.

4. Take care of yourself. This is actually a combination of all the other things on this list. If you manage your time, balance your load, and track your spending you will find that you have time, money, and enthusiasm enough enjoy yourself. It’s amazing how nutritious food, enough sleep, reduced stress, exercise and enjoyable social interactions can make you feel!

Hope Academy's Saddleback College Program
The college program from Hope Academy is designed to provide the life coaching, academic study skills, sobriety support, and job prep you need to make a fresh start as a responsible and sober adult. Would you like to achieve this goal? Call 866-930-4673 to get started today.