1) What does gateway drug mean anyway?
“Gateway” drug refers to any drug that may lead to the use of other more harmful or addictive drugs. In recent years we have heard a lot about marijuana being a “Gateway” drug. So, what’s the scoop? The bottom line is if have experienced altering your consciousness with any substance – alcohol, marijuana or pain medication, for example, you are more likely to try other substances that alter your consciousness. Most likely this is true because the type of experience is much more familiar. Certainly if you look at the history of many people who struggle with addiction, most of them started with drinking alcohol or smoking marijuana – there is a high correlation between youthful experimentation and addiction. At the same time, smoking pot or drinking a few beers does not guarantee that you will try other substances nor is there a guarantee that you will become addicted or dependent on that substance or a substance in the future. The bottom line is that your risk of addiction increases if you
a) use before the age of 15 (your risk actually quadruples if you use at 15 or younger)
b) have a family history of addiction – and addiction may also include eating disorder history, gambling addiction, sex addiction, or drugs and alcohol.
c) have a lot of stress in your life
d) are surrounded by people where substance use and abuse is normalized
So, if you are using or are thinking about it just keep in mind the risks. You only have one body and one brain. You only live once. Precious cargo. Treat with love and care. THINK IT THROUGH. You’re worth it.
2) So, I think I want to talk to someone about my drinking, but I am afraid my parents will find out. What should I do?
It is against the law for a substance use counseling organization to require parental consent before getting treatment or to set up an appointment. So, there is no need to fear that your parents will have find out. Confidentiality laws are very strict and without your elicit permission – in writing – a substance use treatment provider cannot contact your parents. With that said, a counselor may recommend that your parents be informed if they feel that your safety is in danger or that your treatment success would improve with their support. However, you hold the reigns. The other possible loop hole is payment. If you have health insurance or MaineCare, a bill or a summary of services will get sent to your parent or guardian. So, if you don’t want anyone to find out, best pay out of pocket. If needed some places offer sliding fee scales, scholarships or payment plans – just ask! Local places to get support: Acadia Family Center in Southwest Harbor 244-4012, MDI Behavior Health Center 288 – 8604, Open Door Recovery Center – 667-3210. To find a counselor who is not part of an organization call 211 or go to: www.211maine.org for a list of providers.
If you are thinking about getting help and are nervous about making the first step and you go to MDI high school, go to the Teen Drop In Group at 2:15 on Wednesdays in the library resource room or at 9:30am on Thursdays in the guidance office. Check in with guidance for more information – Kip Young, LADC or Milja Brecher-DeMuro, LMSW-CC look forward to talking with you.
3) We’ve gotten a lot of questions about anal sex, so we turned to expert Linda Robinson, Certified Nurse Midwife at the Women’s Health Center in Bar Harbor, to help answer your questions.
Anal sex, in which the anus rather than the vagina is penetrated, can be sexually pleasurable for some women. In many parts of the world, it is practiced as a means of birth control. However, many women find anal intercourse painful and not at all pleasurable. No one should feel pressured or forced to engage in it. There is danger of tearing the rectal lining cells (mucosa) during anal penetration, because the tissue is very thin compared with that of the vagina. Tearing of the mucosa can lead to an increase in the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. The rectum does not have the natural protective barriers to disease that are present in the vaginal mucosa and it's secretions. Also, vaginal or oral sex should never follow anal sex without thorough washing of the penetrating object. Bacteria from the rectum can cause infection when introduced into the mouth or vagina.
With anal intercourse, infective organisms (bacteria and viruses) can be more easily transmitted into the bloodstream and are therefore more pathogenic (i.e., more capable of causing disease). Lubricating jellies can diminish the discomfort of anal intercourse. Condoms are protective!
You can contact Linda Robinson by calling the Women’s Health Center at 207-288-8100.
4) The rumors are running amok…Can you get drunk from a Vodka soaked tampon? – Responded to by Linda Robinson, Certified Nurse Midwife, of the Women’s Health Center in Bar Harbor – 207-288-8100.
"When an alcoholic beverage is consumed it passes down the esophagus through the stomach and into the small intestine. Although a small amount of alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucous membrane, the vast majority of alcohol enters the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine. Alcohol is water soluble and the bloodstream rapidly transports the ethanol throughout the body where it is absorbed into the body tissues in proportion to their water content."
"The rate at which alcohol is absorbed depends on how quickly the stomach empties its contents into the intestine. The higher the dietary fat content, the more time this emptying will require and the longer the process of absorption will take. One study found that subjects who drank alcohol after a meal that included fat, protein, and carbohydrates absorbed the alcohol about three times more slowly than when they consumed alcohol on an empty stomach. Normally, total absorption occurs within 120 - 150 minutes after the cessation of alcohol consumption."
These quotes are from the Intoximeters, Inc. homepage. As you can see, a vodka soaked tampon may allow a small amount of alcohol to be absorbed into the mucus membrane, but it cannot cause drunkenness. It would be the same as filling your mouth with vodka and spitting it out. It may cause some irritation to the vaginal walls, and may alter the ph of the vaginal lining thus allowing for vaginal infections to manifest, but is not a way to get drunk.
