FAS and How it Affects Adults
Whether it is you or a loved one who is at some stage of living with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) as an adult, you are not alone. This condition, part of the broader fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) umbrella, stems from exposure to alcohol during pregnancy and can shape a person’s life in profound ways.
Seeing what you go through is different, and we get it. At We Level Up Washington, we aim to provide clarity, hope, and resources to help you improve. Now, let us look at what fetal alcohol syndrome in adulthood is and how it can affect one’s daily activities, and what changes you can make to have a healthier, better future.
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What Is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) occurs when a fetus is exposed to alcohol before birth, leading to lifelong physical, cognitive, and behavioral challenges. Alcohol crosses the placenta and disrupts the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby. This particularly affects the central nervous system and facial features like the nose and upper lip. As part of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), FAS is the most severe form, but its effects vary widely.
In adults, the condition does not subside- it matures. You might notice symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome that linger from childhood, such as difficulty focusing or managing emotions, alongside new challenges like maintaining relationships or holding a job. This awareness is the beginning of acquiring viable support for these impacts.
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Why FAS Matters in Adulthood
The FAS symptoms do not disappear as one matures. They can affect all aspects of an adult’s life, including mental health, social relations, and other areas. Becoming aware of these difficulties will allow you or your loved one to get customized care, decrease stigmatization, and create an encouraging environment. Here at We Level Up Washington, we want to help you acquire the keys to success regardless of these hardships.
Symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Adults
FAS, when the child grows up, is usually a combination of physical, cognitive, and emotional barriers to live with. Here’s a breakdown of the physical signs and other symptoms you might encounter.
While some facial features like a smooth nose and upper lip, small eyes or a thin upper lip may become less pronounced with age, other physical effects persist.
- Growth inadequacies: Lack of growth in height or head circumference as compared to peers.
- Sensory: Some vision or hearing impairment that makes everyday tasks difficult.
- Health complications: Domains of the heart, kidneys, or bones that have even the need of constant care.
These physical markers can serve as clues for diagnosis, especially when paired with a history of alcohol during pregnancy.
The central nervous system damage from FAS often leads to cognitive and behavioral issues that shape an adult’s daily life.
- Short attention span: Difficulty focusing on tasks or following conversations.
- Problems with memory: May forget important things or routines.
- Impulsive behaviour: This could overstretch relationships or make poor decisions that could indicate serious consequences.
- Learning disability: Difficulty solving problems or processing information of a complicated nature.
Such problems may make school, work, or life on their own overpowering, yet with specific help, it is possible to improve the situation.
Mental health conditions are common among adults with FAS, affecting up to 90% of those with the disorder, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. You may feel:
- A nervous condition or depression, frequently related to social challenges, or when expectations are not met.
- Emotional difficulties, i.e., mood swings, or inability to cope with stress.
- Higher possibility of drug use as some resort to drugs or alcohol.
These struggles can be difficult, but with the help of professional treatment and community, you can take back control.
How FAS Impacts Daily Life
As an adult, it is likely that a victim of fetal alcohol syndrome will have to deal with some challenges that are unique to them. You might struggle to maintain steady employment due to learning and behavioral difficulties or find it hard to live independently because of organizational challenges. Social relationships are also complicated; not noticing cues or having issues with boundaries can create feelings of loneliness.
To give an example, tasks like finance management or routine maintenance may feel like climbing a mountain. However, through the proper strategies, you can develop ways of dealing with these challenges and live a less conditional life.
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FREE 24/7 Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Services HotlineDiagnosis in Adulthood: What to Expect
Diagnosing fetal alcohol syndrome in adults is not always easy, as physical signs may fade, and prenatal alcohol exposure history might be unclear. Doctors typically do the following.
- Review your medical history for signs of alcohol before birth.
- Assess facial features like a smooth nose and upper lip or small eyes.
- Conduct cognitive and behavioral evaluations to identify central nervous system impairments.
A detailed diagnosis leads to the possibility of a customized treatment program and will help you tackle your particular difficulties with a sense of direction and purpose.
Treatment and Support Options
There is no cure against FAS, however, appropriate support will help you drastically change the quality of your life. At We Level Up Washington, we offer personalized care to address both the symptoms of FAS and any co-occurring mental health conditions or substance use issues. This is what we can help with.
Medical and Therapeutic Care
- Counseling: Therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), helps manage anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues.
- Medications: They are prescribed to treat a disease such as ADHD or a mood disorder in order to enhance attention and emotional control.
- Life Skills-development: Learn how to live day to day, together with support and time management.
Community and Social Support
- Support groups: Bond with others who have similar hardships and learn how they manage and cope.
- Skills training: Develop work competence to enhance confidence and job opportunities.
- Designed schedules: Generate predictability to lessen stress and increase independence.
Addressing Substance Use
Adults with FAS are at a greater risk of substance dependence, which is a method of dealing with difficulties. Courage and compassion Our evidence-based addiction treatment programs will assist you in overcoming alcohol or drug abuse and create sustainable recovery.
Preventing Secondary Challenges
The untreated FAS symptoms tend to result in secondary conditions such as unemployment or substance use. Such issues can be avoided with early intervention and long-term support. For example:
- The development of calm and orderly surroundings minimizes overwhelm.
- Being members of supportive communities will create a feeling of belonging.
- Regular therapy helps address mental health conditions before they escalate.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Where do you treat FAS in Spokane Valley, Washington?
We Level Up Washington, which is in Spokane Valley, is geared toward providing holistic treatment to adult fetal alcohol syndrome patients who have their own addictions. We offer life skills therapy as well as medical assistance to help you excel in our programs.
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Where in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, can you find treatment for alcoholics with fetal alcohol syndrome?
Coeur d’Alene lies only a drive away in Spokane Valley, making travel simple to We Level Up Washington to receive special treatment for adults with FAS and addiction. Our residential location is geared towards meeting the special requirements of an adult with FAS and gives both quality and convenient care.
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What Can I Do to Help A Spokane Valley Loved One with FAS?
Help them research professional treatment at We Level Up Washington. Give emotional support, help create the routines, and relate them to local FAS support groups to form a community.
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Call today to speak with our team and learn more about our programs. We Level Up Washington: (509) 348-4077. Your next step starts here.