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Teen use of meth has declined in Navajo County, Arizona, by more than 50 percent over the past two years. This finding came from the recently released 2008 Arizona Youth Survey, conducted by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. Also according to the survey, less than 1 percent of students reported meth use within the 30 days prior to taking the survey.

Lifetime incidence of use (that is, whether a student has ever tried meth) is still high for Navajo County, compared to the statewide average. However, the recent reductions show a positive trend. The numbers of new initiates to meth use are declining, which shows that young people are beginning to understand the dangers of meth use.

Local experts believe that declining imports of meth from Mexico, combined with the efforts of local authorities to seek out and dismantle clandestine labs has made meth much less available to local youth.

While the survey showed significant reductions concerning meth use, it showed a marked increase in the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and prescription drugs, particularly among high school seniors. According to local authorities, an influx of heroin and cocaine at cheaper prices across the United States southern borders and the rising availability and use of prescription drugs represent significant concerns to rural communities in the Southwest.

(Source: WMICentral.com)

Labels: teen-drug help

Posted By: jgarcia 0 Comments

Over the last couple of years, the number of teens and pre-teens diagnosed with ADD/ADHD has increased. With this increase in diagnosis, comes an increase in the prescription of drugs like Ritalin and Adderall, which are designed to treat the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. These drugs are meant to help people diagnosed with ADD/ADHD to focus and stay on task. However, when these drugs are taken by teens who dont have ADD/ADHD, they can stimulate the users brain and create a euphoric high. These drugs seem awesome because not only do they sometimes produce a high, but they can also help your academic performance. So what could be bad about that?

As a general rule of thumb, its not a good idea to take drugs that arent prescribed to you, and its an even worse idea to take prescription drugs in a way that is not dictated by the doctor. Just because something is prescribed by a doctor doesnt mean that you can take as much of it as you want, whenever you want.

Basically, dont abuse prescription drugsits just a bad idea. ADD/ADHD medications are no exception. Teen abuse of ADD/ADHD medication like Adderall or Ritalin are putting themselves at risk for side effects that include insomnia, digestive problems, psychotic episodes, blood clots, overdose, heart and lung problems, and addiction.

Teens who dont have ADD/ADHD abuse drugs like Ritalin and Adderall to help them study, stay awake all night, or to do better on a test. The pressure to do well in high school and college can be overwhelming, and it seems like taking prescription pills to help you get better grades is an easy and harmless solution. Unfortunately, this decision to use prescription drugs in a way other than prescribed can lead to some serious problems.

For teens, abuse of Ritalin and Adderall might seem like a good idea in the moment. If they can help you get an A on a paper or test, who cares what the side effects are? Well, it might not matter if you get an A on a paper if you are in the hospital for an overdose or are experiencing psychotic episodes. These drugs may seem like a great way to improve focus and academic performance, but by abusing these drugs, you are putting yourself at risk for some serious consequences.

Labels: prescription-drug-abuse, teen-addiction, teen-substance-abuse, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug help, teen-rehab

Posted By: beth 1 Comment