Monday, October 30, 2017

Stress is Spooky and Drugs are Deathly: How to Stay Healthy this Halloween Season






Substance Abuse Prevention Month: 

A Poem


Drug abuse is a problem
That isn't always seen
So, I want to share some insight
On this spooky Halloween

October's been a time of fun,
Costumes, and jump scares
But one more thing went on this month
And you need to be aware

The main cause that I speak of
Is Substance Abuse Prevention
For a serious problem going on
That needs discussion and attention

Whether you think about this topic
Through public health or neuroscience
It's important to bring into the light
Through healthy conversations

I won't bore you with statistics
But I think you ought to know
Young adults are most affected
And that's how the story goes

As students go through school,
They can start to grow dependent
On substances that are within reach
Causing their minds to be more absent

https://cdn.thewatershed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/rx-halloween-v3.pngPsychological effects can range
From anxiety and mood swings
To developing obsessive behaviors
And disorders of sleeping

Let's not forget the physical toll
That abusing various drugs
Can have on people's bodies
Including their heart and lungs

And then, in almost no time at all
The decisions in their lives
Are influenced by addiction
A bully in disguise

The ongoing abuse of illicit drugs,
Prescriptions, and OTCs
Makes recovery look like a daunting task
That seems too difficult to reach

But I'm here to provide some reassurance
And despite what people say,
To the individuals who are seeking help:
I promise it's not too late

If you or a loved one are suffering
And need a helping hand
Please use available resources
To find someone who understands

Whether it's a hotline
Or Student Health and Wellness
You are worth somebody's time
Please don’t feel like you are helpless

Have a healthy Halloween
Filled with ghouls and ghosts
But try to keep this information in mind
After October comes to a close.



Resources:
· Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 
o https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
· UAB Student Health and Wellness 
o https://www.uab.edu/students/health/
o (205) 934-3580 (to schedule an appointment) 
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain



 You are getting ready to take an exam you spent the whole night studying for. You uneasily check the time and continue to review all of the material you don’t know as well, hoping something will stick with you. Before you know it, papers have been passed out and the exam has officially begun. Looking at that very first question, your mind blanks. Within seconds you feel uneasy. Your heart beat speeds up, and your blood pressure rises. Your palms get moist. You try your best to recall the information, but it seems like there is a disconnect between what you spent the past few hours studying and what is being asked of you in the question. This is the stress response, and everyone has felt this at some point in their lives. Many college students’ lives are filled with stress, and they spiral into despair as the semester goes on.  While a manageable amount of stress is beneficial because it can help people accomplish tasks more efficiently, chronic stress may not be a good thing.
Here are just a few of the scary side effects of stress….
1)     Disrupted sleep
2)     Hair Loss
3)     Digestive Problems and Weight Gain
4)     Skin Breakouts
5)     Weakened Immune System
6)     Depression


Chronic stress has a severely detrimental impact on one’s health, but it can be helped by just trying to relax. Popular relaxation methods include meditation, listening to music, talking to friends, or even exercising. So no matter what happens this Halloween, make sure you fight stress by taking some time to relax!

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