Adolescent on Psychotropics also abuses Vicodin/Alcohol

[bostonmama]

I have a 15 year old female on my radar who is on Prozac & Abilify, as well as birth control pills. It is evident that she has abused both alcohol and Vicodin at varying times in the last 16 months. Not sure if she's done all chemicals together, or if she thinks that she can avoid problems by not taking meds on days she's going to "use." Illicit substance abuse seems to be escalating.

As someone who came of age in the early '80's in NJ, the image of Karen Ann Quinlan remains a powerful reminder of what the combo of alcohol and drugs can do to a person. Can anyone speak in general to negative experiences they've had by taking their meds with alcohol/opiates and/or provide a good source for literature on the subject?

Thanks much!

[AuntieLeela]

For literature and links you may want to start here:
http://www.drugabuse.gov/

BTW, September is National Recovery Month. http://www.recoverymonth.gov/

[JaneDoeToo]

Originally Posted by bostonmama

on Prozac & Abilify, as well as birth control pills. ...abused both alcohol and Vicodin

... Can anyone speak in general to negative experiences they've had by taking their meds with alcohol/opiates and/or provide a good source for literature on the subject?

Thanks much!

Dear BostonMama - I am sorry this person is going through this mess. In general my most negative experience with someone who was taking these drugs as prescribed was not being able to attend their funeral.

People seem to think the worst won't happen to them, especially younger people for some reason. There is plenty of information on the internet about the effects of mixing drugs of this kind. I don't know what I could say that would sound any different than most of the other tragic stories.

I think female hormonal problems are dismissed sometimes as psychiatric problems or vice versa and treated inappropriately. I also know that b/c pills will cause psychiatric problems in many people, making them feel the need to sedate themselves with alcohol, opiates, antidepressants, etc. It is a vicious circle. In my opinion, she needs to stop the drugs, but be careful and DO NOT suddenly stop taking medications. Many medications have to be tapered slowly.

My understanding is it is against this Board's policy to give a reference to a 'good source of literature' other than certain approved sites, such as Federal Gov't sites. In order not to get banned, I can not help you with your request. Sorry.

[bostonmama]

Thank you, JaneDoeToo for the heads up about the site's policies, and for your prudent advice. As a social researcher, I tend to spend a bit too much time up to my neck in paper, since the only way to convince my colleagues of a given position is with valid literature. I realize the rest of the world tends not to work this way, but pointing out that this kid is taking huge risks with her life everytime she uses seems to have not even made a ripple. I thought some good, hard institutional research/evidence might make a difference. I feel so helpless in this sitch - the girl's mother is a former psych nurse - thinks she knows it all. I don't stand a chance.

Again, with gratitude --
Bostonmama

[RoxyJuliette]

(Really, really tired, may be misunderstanding the situation, also english is not my first language)

In short. Highly recommend NA or AA for her and maybe AL-anon for you (and the mom if shes willing). AL-anon is for close ones to addicts. Very, very good for advice and support!

(Maybe you dont count as "close one", but i suggest contacting them and ask for advice?)