Teen Drug Help
Teens Who See Parents Drunk Are More Likely to Drink, Use Pot, Smoke Cigarettes
Teens who have seen one or both parents drunk are more than twice as likely to drink, and three times as likely to use pot and smoke cigarettes, according to the results of the National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse XIV: Teens and Parents.
The survey, conducted by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, found that more than half (51 percent) of 17 year olds have seen one or both parents drunk. About one-third (34 percent) of 12 to 17 year olds have seen one or both parents drunk.
The survey also found that five percent of 12- to 15-year-old girls and nine percent of 12- to 15-year-old boys say their fathers are okay with their drinking. In the 16- to 17-year-old age group, 13 percent of girls and 20 percent of boys reported the same parental attitudes.
Joseph A. Califano, Jr., CASA's chairman and founder and former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, commented on the impact of parental attitudes on teen substance use:
"Some moms' and dads' behavior and attitudes make them parent enablers -- parents who send their 12 to 17 year olds a message that it's okay to smoke, drink, get drunk and use illegal drugs like marijuana. A teens' behavior is strongly associated with their parents' behavior and expectations, so parents who expect their children to drink and use drugs will have children who drink and use drugs."
(Source: PRNewswire.com)
Labels: parental drinking, teen substance abuse
More Teens Abusing ADHD Medications
A new report indicates that abuse of stimulants prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing among teens.
Researchers found that calls to poison centers about teen victims of prescription ADHD drugs jumped 76 percent between 1998 and 2005. That increase was greater than the 55 percent increase in calls about teen substance abuse.
"The sharp increase, out of proportion to other poison center calls and general poison center use, suggests a rising problem with abuse, teen abuse and particularly teen ADHD stimulant medication abuse," said the researchers. "It may be that abuse is rising, or it may be that increased calls are a result of the escalating severity, perhaps reflecting the shift toward amphetamine use."
The report is based on the findings of researchers at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, and is published in the online journal Pediatrics. Researchers reviewed data from the American Association of Poison Control Center's National Poison Data System between 1998 and 2005 for all cases of ADHD prescription drug abuse among patients ages 13 to 19.
(Sources: www.medpagetoday.com)
Labels: adhd medications, teen abuse
Vermont Sees Increase in Youth Abuse of Prescription Drugs
Vermont health officials are reporting a disturbing trend in the number of young adults abusing prescription drugs.
Five years ago, more people were receiving treatment for heroin addiction than prescription drugs (671 and 513, respectively), according to Barbara Cimaglio, deputy commissioner of the Vermont Department of Health. By last year, the number of heroin users dropped to 617, while those abusing prescription pills increased to 1,602.
Jesse, a young man interviewed by a local television news station for a story on the trend, recalls his history with prescription with drugs:
"When I first started, it was something new ... it felt good to do it. With friends, we'd always do it together. More and more, I was looking for it on my own. It's just your body's looking for that drug to be in there - and it's not - and there's nothing you can do about it. Except get more ... and as soon as you get it, in an instant, you're better."
Jesse started using drugs as a teen. Now 25 years old and living in Burlington, Vt., he is still trying to kick a habit that he says was ruining his and his family's lives.
Jesse's story is not unusual in Vermont. One drug use stabilization and detox center in Burlington reported that about half of the people who seek help abuse prescription drugs.
Tim Moran, the program's director, commented, "In my opinion, it's probably close to epidemic. It's there."
(Source: www.necn.com)
Labels: prescription drugs, vermont, youth abuse
Therapists Recommended Depression Screenings for Youth to Help Prevent Drug Use
The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) released a statement this week encouraging parents to include depression screenings in routine back-to-school check-ups. CAMFT recommends that all teens be screened, not just those who appear to be at risk.
Approximately 6 percent of teens in the U.S. suffer from clinical depression. Depression in youth has been linked to numerous negative outcomes including lower grades, early pregnancy, drug use and even suicide. Symptoms of depression may include significant changes in eating or sleeping habits, irritability or anger, withdrawal from family and friends, changes in grades or school attendance, lack of interest, or substance abuse.
(Source: www. Businesswire.com)
Labels: back to school, camft. depression
Student Survey in New Jersey Examines Drug Use and Other Behaviors
In July 2009, the New Jersey Department of Education released the results of the 2007 Student Health Survey. Students participating in the survey answered questions about health-related behavior in six areas linked closely to preventable illness and injury among young people, including unintentional injuries (safety) and violence, tobacco use, alcohol and drug use, sexual behavior, dietary behavior, and physical activity.
According to the survey results, lifetime use of marijuana and cocaine remained stable at 36 percent and 6 percent, respectively. Recent use (within the 30 days prior to the survey) of marijuana and cocaine also were unchanged from 2005 findings, at 19 percent and 3 percent, respectively. Lifetime use of inhalants, steroids, methamphetamines, heroin and needle use all were similar to levels in 2005, maintaining reductions from 2001 levels of lifetime use.
The survey showed a decrease in the number of students who reported being offered, sold or given an illegal drug on school property within the previous 12 months (from 33 percent in 2005 to 25 percent in 2007). Lifetime alcohol consumption decreased slightly (by 3 percent to 76 percent compared with 2005), but recent alcohol use and recent binge drinking both increased 4 percent to 51 percent and 31 percent, respectively. Lifetime and recent cigarette use both declined in 2007 to 47 percent and 19 percent, respectively.
Commissioner of Education Lucille E. Davy commented: "Capturing an honest account of teen behavior is important for the overall health and educational well-being of New Jersey's young people. ... It is important for parents and educators to understand the habits of our youth and the pressures they face every day so we can help them make healthy life choices."
(Source: www.shorenewstoday.com)
Labels: department of education, new jersey, student health survery
Strong Relationships Between Fathers and Children Can Protect Against Drug Use
A new report, Growing Up with Dad: Fathers and their Impact on Substance Use, discusses the extent to which drugs are used by children and youth in Wales, and the impact of paternal relationships on substance use. The research was conducted by two Welsh organizations, Children in Wales and Catch22. Researchers collected data from approximately 18,000 young people. The young people completed a questionnaire which asked about their relationships with their father and whether this relationship has any effect on whether they drink, smoke or use marijuana.
Pat Dunmore, director of CtC in Wales for Catch22, comments: "We know the importance of good parenting in children's lives but for a long time that was seen as the mother's role. It's clear from this research that it's not enough for dads just to be around. What makes the difference is having a good relationship between dads and their children."
(Source: cypnow.co.uk)
Labels: dads, substance use
Colorado School District Contemplates Mandatory Teen Drug Testing
Cheyenne Mountain School District in Colorado is considering mandatory drug testing for teen athletes as a way to help deter drug use at the high school. At a meeting this week, district authorities, parents and teachers expressed concern about whether the drug testing will be an effective deterrent to drug use.
Drug court Magistrate Lisa Kirkman spoke of the increasing number of drug offenders who have been appearing before her from Cheyenne Mountain: "We've been seeing more from Cheyenne Mountain in the last two years than we ever have, and they say they're starting in junior high with alcohol and marijuana." Ms. Kirkman also said that she's seen former athletes who got addicted to painkillers after an injury and moved on to other drugs, including heroin.
The District had been considering drug testing students in all extracurricular activities, but courts have ruled that students involved in co-curricular activities (activities that are tied to classroom work) cannot be forced to undergo testing.
(Source: www.gazette.com)
Labels: cheyenne mountain school district, colorado, drug testing
As Kids Head Back to School, Moms Worry about Exposure to Drugs
A recent online survey by the Partnership for a Drug Free America, in collaboration with Vocalpoint.com, found that the top concern of moms with kids returning to school is that their kids "might be exposed to kids who drink or use drugs." Approximately 29 percent of the 2,500 moms surveyed picked this as their top concern.
A 2007 study by the Partnership for a Drug Free America found that the number one reason teens use drugs is to cope with school stress. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), kids are most vulnerable to start drinking or using drugs during highly stressful transition periods, such as entering high school or going off to college.
Sandi Delack, RN, President of the National Association of School Nurses, gives encouragement to parents: "The beginning of the school year is an especially vulnerable time for most kids, especially for teens making the move from middle school to high school, or any child who is starting a new school. ... The good news is that there's a lot of support available for parents to help their kids make a smoother, safer transition. One significant resource for parents is the school nurse, who has experience working with children and adolescents and an understanding of the stress students experience in school."
(Source: PRNewswire)
Labels: parents concerns, partnership for a drug free america, teen drug use
Hawaii's Anti-Meth Campaign Targets Young People
Hawaii is stepping up efforts to dissuade youth from using methamphetamines (meth). This week, a narcotics police captain, a judge and a medical examiner related real-life stories and statistics to impress upon young people the dangers of meth. Their message: Don't use meth, "Not Even Once."
The new efforts are part of the Hawaii Meth Project, a statewide campaign to significantly reduce first-time meth use. The project utilizes public service messages, public policy and community outreach to spread the message. The judge, Second Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza, tells young people that in his experience there is no such thing as a casual meth user. He believes most meth users start out thinking they can quit whenever they want, but they quickly realize that this isn't true. He commented, "Prevention is far better than working on the cure." The addicts he sees in his courtroom tell him, time and time again: "There's no in between. You can't use a little bit."
(Source: www.mauinews.com)
Labels: hawaii, hawaii meth project, meth
Prescription Pills: The New Drug of Choice for New Jersey Teens
In July 2006, New Jersey law enforcement officers broke a major, youth-run drug ring in New Jersey, rounding up more than 50 teens and young adults in connection with the illegal sale of prescription drugs. The drug ring was reportedly making sales of $50,000 per month of the prescription painkiller Oxycodone, mostly to other students and alumni of the local high school.
Those arrested in July included recent graduates of the local high school and star athletes. At the center of the ring was a baby-faced 18-year-old named Evan Rokoszak. At a sentencing in 2007 related to the big drug bust, a New Jersey State Superior Court Presiding Criminal Judge described the teens' activities as "a large-scale drug distribution syndicate," adding that the abuse of prescription drugs "is not so much a plague on our society as a cancer that continues to grow."
Labels: drug ring, new jersey, oxycodone
Ketamine is the Drug of Choice Among Hong Kong Youth
The number of people under age 21 in Hong Kong using drugs has spiked by 57 percent in the last four years. Experts are extremely concerned about the trend, particularly because the drug of choice among Hong Kong youth is Ketamine.
Ketamine is an animal tranquilizer that, with prolonged use, can impair cognitive functioning and damage internal organs. Ketamine is cheaper that most other narcotics and widely available in Hong Kong, which makes it attractive to young people. One gram of Ketamine sells for about $13 and is enough for three people to use; cocaine, in contrast, sells for about $103 per gram. Ketamine is legal in Hong Kong for medical use, but is trafficked into Hong Kong for illegal sale and use from other parts of Asia, including mainland China and India.
Alman Chan, principal of Hong Kong's only drug rehab school for youth, the privately-run Christian Zheng Sheng School, commented on how he has observed the growth of drug use among youth. "Just look at our school development. I was here 14 years ago. At that time, I was the only teacher. I had 18 kids. I only had one student who was 15 ... now, I have one third -- about 40 of them -- who are 15 years old or younger. That shows you the number of students getting into drugs is bigger and also getting younger and younger."
(Sources: CNN.com)
Labels: Animal Tranquilizer, Hong Kong, Ketamine, Youth
One in 10 High School Seniors Has Used Narcotic Painkillers
One in 10 high school seniors has used a narcotic painkiller for non-medical reasons, according to a new study by the Substance Abuse Research Center of the University of Michigan. Researchers collected data on opioid use among 12,441 American high school seniors to find out whether they used opioids and their reasons for using. Approximately 12.3 percent of students reported using opioids for non-medical reasons, and 8 percent reported using them within the last year.
The top reasons reported by students for using opioids recreationally included to relax (56.4 percent), to feel good or get high (53.5 percent), to experiment (52.4 percent), to relieve physical pain (44.8 percent), or to have a good time with friends (29.5 percent). The study also found that students who used opioids only to relieve pain were less likely to drink or use other drugs.
Dr. Adam Bisaga, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Columbia University and addiction psychiatrist at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, stated that more than 90 percent of participating students reported using opioids for reasons other than to treat pain. "That is, for their psychoactive effects, either to achieve euphoria or to relieve psychological distress. Not surprisingly, those who use opioids for their psychoactive effects were more likely to use other substances with addictive potential and show early signs of substance use disorder."
(Source: usnews.com)
Labels: high school kids, narcotic painkillers
The Addicted Brain
Why do addicts continue using despite all of the negative consequences? Drug use changes the chemistry of the brain and suppresses emotional and social development, resulting in a number of addictive behaviors that are puzzling (and hurtful) to family and friends. Learn more about the causes of addiction and how treatment at a reputable drug rehab can help addicts develop new, healthy coping skills to enjoy with life without drugs or alcohol. Read more about The Addicted Brain
Labels: addiction, brain chemistry, development
