Close to Home

ADHD treatment prescriptions such as Adderall, Ritalin, and other stimulants are at an all-time high in the country. As of 2020, more than 16 million prescriptions have been written for the medications. With this rise, however, comes an increase in recreational use, a problem that is being seen most commonly in adolescents and college students.  Today at Close to Home, we sit down with David Hensel, a youth counselor at York County’s Keystone Substance Abuse treatment facility. David joins us to talk about the rise in this issue across the country, their place in the lives of adolescents who are more commonly prescribed the medications, the dangers of recreational use, and what he thinks can be done to start reversing this issue on a broader level.  David acknowledges that prescription medications have their place in the lives of people who need them for mental conditions that require them. He says that in those situations those individuals struggle to find the ability to pay attention or stay still, therefore the imbalance in that individual’s neurotypical standings require a stimulant such as Adderall to function.  During his time at Keystone, David has worked with several people that have struggled with substance abuse problems with stimulants. In his experience, he has seen that these stimulants increase heart rate, feelings of attention and concentration, as well as increasing dopamine, which deals with our motivation and our brain’s pleasure-reward centers. For those that use stimulants recreationally, they begin to increase these chemicals from what is already a healthy range. Therefore, the brain enters survival mode and decreases to a normal, “healthy,” level of those chemicals. Once the drug is no longer increasing those levels, a tolerance has been built up and your brain’s levels of these chemicals are depleted, and a dependency or possible addiction has been developed to the stimulating drug.  David shares that the attitude surrounding these stimulants is a more lackadaisical one, as most people think “at least I’m not doing anything worse,” or “well it’s something that’s prescribed by doctors.” However, there are genuine concerns to be had with stimulants, especially when they are abused.  Among other factors, David believes that recreational use of stimulants and the lukewarm attitude surrounding them are caused by the overall attitude of Americans. This country is a society that constantly pushes for better, faster, more, and higher levels. Many people compare themselves to others, placing goal posts at everything that’s “more” than what they are or currently have. Stimulants play a role in this because they essentially give you a boost to be “more,” so most people place a positive spin on what these pills do.  If you or anyone you know are showing signs of stimulant dependency or abuse, please contact our local Keystone Substance Abuse treatment center, your local substance abuse treatment facility, this National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP), or reach out to someone you trust to get help.

Millions of students across the country have recently returned to schools and college campuses in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. There’s currently a whole host of concerns about the risks involved in schooling during a pandemic. One specific area of concern is the relationship between the stress of the pandemic and how it affects rates of substance abuse among students. In this episode of Close to Home, Jacob shares his experience so far as a first-year college student during the COVID-19 pandemic. He details his expectations for school versus what the experience has been so far, letting us know what he prefers when it comes to virtual vs. physical classes. He lets us know how he’s felt while following the strict health and safety protocols around campus, and how these protocols have affected students’ ability to make friends and other connections on campus. Jacob also shares how his friends have been coping with this stressful time, before giving advice to any student that may be struggling to navigate through this “new normal” without turning to harmful substances. Following Jacob’s interview we speak with Laura Simpson, an adolescent counselor at Keystone Substance Abuse Services in Rock Hill. Laura gives us insight into what substance abuse can mean for different people, explaining that for a lot of students, concern from friends and family or choosing substances over daily activities usually indicates a problem. Start Your Recovery has more information on the signs of substance abuse. Laura also weighs in on how the pandemic can enhance triggers for substance abuse, explaining that the exponential increase in downtime for everyone can increase the desire to turn to alcohol or drugs. She suggests finding new hobbies, trying things that you normally wouldn’t, and having a set schedule every day can do a lot to help prevent falling into unhealthy behaviors. Laura also provides resources for people that are seeking help about substance abuse. She shares the National Helpline for Substance Abuse and Mental Health number, 800-662-4357. She explains that in Rock Hill, Keystone is a great resource to take advantage of as well as Winthrop University’s Community Counseling Clinic.

In this candid interview, Andre shares his compelling journey of embracing community support for recovery from substance use, defines the expressions "going to a meeting" and  "in the rooms", finding a sponsor and how he communicates hope to those struggling with their substance use. Andre shares that his life was chaos, but through the 12 step model used in community support meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous, he was able to find a life of joy, growth, hope and fulfillment. Andre now works as Peer Support Specialist at Keystone Treatment Services where he shares his lived experiences, wisdom about maintaining recovery, and knowledge of the disease of addiction with those who have substance use issues. Throughout the interview, Andre explains how to access meetings, defines open and closed meetings, discusses availability, cost and the necessity of finding a good sponsor. He works to combat the stigma that prevents many from seeking help, and assures us that people seeking help from substance abuse disorders aren't "bad" they have a disease from which they can attain and embrace recovery. If you feel isolated and alone, or know someone who may be struggling with how to find help for substance use, tune in to this inspirational podcast to learn from his own lived experiences about how to find hope, healing and a vibrant life in recovery. Interested in finding community support in York County? Check out our blog post with links to support at https://yorkcountyclosetohome.com.  Want to join a Coalition committed to preventing youth substance use and providing a drug free community in York County? Email [email protected] today!

As graduation is quickly approaching and many teens and parents are facing a very different graduation ceremony celebrating their achievements this year, Prevention Specialist, Abi Steele, talks candidly about what does and does not work when talking to teens about alcohol use. According to a recent MarketWatch article Alcohol sales in the U.S. since COVID-19 have greatly increased, and Abi discusses how this increase could potentially negatively impact our youth and increase their access to alcohol. Teen safety is a priority for All On Board Coalition and Keystone Substance Abuse services, and professionals and concerned community members are determined to educate our teens about the dangers of underage drinking and protect their future. Abi discusses the potential liability, legality and pitfalls surrounding parent's social hosting, and all summarizes Good Samaritan Laws in order to help parents educate themselves and their children about the potential implications of underage alcohol use. In addition to the parent's influence on student drinking behaviors, Abi also discusses the impact of positive peer influences on teens and shares about All On Board Coalition's All YOUth On Board Club where teens can join and unite with other teens to prevent substance use and find peer support for their choice not to use. Abi also mentions that Keystone has several Prevention Specialists who are available to help parents navigate difficult discussion with teens and provide effective guidance for preventing teen alcohol or drug use.

With anxiety levels, unemployment and alcohol sales on the rise,  All On Board's Ashli Watts sits at a 6 foot distance to talk with Keystone Substance Abuse services Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Frank Hinson, about resources and techniques readily available to help cope with uncertainty and address substance use issues in this unprecedented time. Frank shares some practical techniques to cope with the stressors that may influence some to increase their alcohol and substance use, that may be exacerbated by social distancing, lack of face to face interaction with social/community/therapeutic  support, and possible feelings of isolation. Community support online resources or counselor assessment and treatment availability through Telehealth, online support meetings, and phone support are all explored. Frank shares education about defining opioids, how they work, some precautions to consider, and some helpful tips for determining if opioid use has become and issue for ourselves or someone we care about. Frank highlights the increased concern about potential overdose for those in isolation or with restricted access to Naloxone (popularly referred to by the brand name Narcan). Frank also explores why Narcan is a lifesaving tool and how it is now easily accessible to the public. Frank shared that Keystone offers assessments, treatment, Withdrawal Management, and Residential services in York County and can be accessed at any time through there website here or by phone at 803-324-04040 or from 8-4 pm Monday through Friday at 803-324-1800. 

A counselor's perspective on how to help kids of any age identify and address ACEs and helpful suggestions to help address these issues and help children bounce back!

All On Board Coalition's Winthrop Intern, Alyssa Washington, sits down with Kati Durkee to discuss mental health and mental illness. Kati reports that  1 in 5 American's experience mental illness at some point in their lives, which means this is an issue that will affect all of us in some way at some point in our lives.  Tri-county NAMI is helping to remove the stigma of mental illness and provide support, education and guidance for families facing mental illness. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, but sometimes we are more reluctant to reach out for help for mental health symptoms verses our physical symptoms. NAMI has excellent support groups, Ending the Silence school programs and educational resources to help those experiencing mental illness and the ones they love. Listen to this informative podcast to learn more about resources available to families. Check out our York County Close to Home Blog for links to resources mentioned in this podcast. 

Luka Kinard, a 16 year old High Point, NC teen became addicted to vaping Juul nicotine pods his freshman year of high school. In this candid interview, Luka shares how his addiction led him to: using up to four Juul pods a day, selling his clothes and mother's jewelry, having a grand mal seizure, frequent chest pains, constant anxiety and eventually to an inpatient treatment center for his nicotine addiction. Luka is now in recovery from his tobacco use and travels around the country with his mom sharing his story with teachers, parents, middle school and high school students. Recently he spoke at nine events throughout the Rock Hill, Clover, York and Fort Mill school districts. Luka is honest about the negatives effects his vaping use had on his relationship with his parents, grades and his health. As Luka travels to schools he includes in his message to students that they are not alone, that asking for help and being vulnerable are signs of strength and not weakness and how his life has turned around for the better since he stopped using and embraced healthy alternatives to tobacco or drug use. Luka mentions the program Truth Initiative and the Ditch Juul texting service as resources for teens who want to quit using tobacco products like Juul, vapes, or e-cigarettes.

Beth Johnson is the Government Relations Director of South Carolina's Cancer Action Network. Beth was invited by Tobacco Free York County, Keystone and All On Board Coalition to share with concerned parents and citizens of York County upcoming tobacco legislation concerns.  Beth gives important information about the difference between advocacy and lobbying. She clearly defines how parents and concerned citizens can advocate for effective legislation, licensing and upcoming bills being introduced to the legislature.  Beth also cautions about vaping, and clearly defines why Juul pods, nicotine, vaping, and tobacco use is dangerous to our youth and clearly defines how upcoming changes to legislation could impact York County.  Beth discusses preemption, raising the legal age to buy tobacco to 21 and funding needs for Tobacco Prevention. Please visit our Close to Home Blog for links to the resources Beth mentions in her podcast. If you want to join All On Board Coalition and be a part of the community initiatives to prevent teen substance use please visit our website or Facebook page.

Kelly Kinard shares about her son Luka's Juul use that led to his vaping addiction. Kelly offers candid advice for parents on the dangers of e-cigs, vaping, Juuls and nicotine products. She also gives insight into how her family sought help for Luka, and also found a treatment program for his nicotine addiction after he suffered a grand mal seizure and began using up to four pods a day. Kelly highlights the behavioral and physical symptoms for parents to look for and offers several resources for parents who may be concerned about their children's vaping or nicotine use. Thankfully, Luka is now tobacco-free.  Kelly and Luka now travel to middle and high schools around the country to share their story and caution teens about the potential effects of teen vaping.  The resources she mentions in her podcast include: Truth Initiative, CDC, Wall Street Journal Newspaper article.