Teen Drug Help
Malibu Parents and Officials Strive to Combat Teen Drug Abuse
According to a story published this week in the Malibu Times, Malibu parents and officials are exploring new ways to combat teen drug abuse in the area. Many cite the lack of activities for youth as a contributing factor to increasing rates of drug teen drug abuse.
Some Malibu residents are calling drug use among area high school students an epidemic. Two students, interviewed anonymously by the Malibu Times, reported easily obtaining drugs on campus and doing the drugs while at school. One of the students said that drugs were "easy to supply, easy to get, and easy to do" at school. The two students reported knowing of at least five drug dealers at the high school.
(Source: www.malibutimes.com)
Labels: parents, teen-drug-abuse
County in New York Passes Bill to Combat Teen Heroin Epidemic
This week, Nassau County, New York signed into law a bill designed to combat the swiftly growing problem of heroin abuse among area teens. The law requires law enforcement personnel to notify school officials when an arrest is made for heroin possession or sale. Legislators feel that the law will address increasing heroin use by suburban teens by improving communication between law enforcement and educational agencies.
Heroin arrests in Nassau County have risen by 50 percent since 2002. In addition, hospital admissions for opiate overdose are on the rise throughout Long Island. The increase in heroin use is attributed largely to the fact that heroin has become cheaper than ever before (nearly half the price it was in 2006).
New York State legislator Dave Mejias, a democrat from Farmingdale, proposed the bill, which was passed unanimously into law in December 2008. He comments on the motivation for the new legislation:
"Parents and schools need a head's up on heroin use before it's too late. ... The initial signs of heroin use are not easily detectable. This law gives everyone a fighting chance to combat this insidious epidemic. Schools notify parents when a child in their district has head lice; the county should notify schools about possible heroin use and sales in their districts."
(Source: www.antonnews.com)
Labels: teen-drug-abuse, teen-substance-abuse
Nebraska Considering "Use-and-Lose" Policy for Teen Licenses
Nebraska is currently one of 14 states that do not mandate pulling a teen's driver's license if he or she is caught with drugs or alcohol. However, Nebraska lawmakers are considering implementing such a law. "Use-and-lose" laws first gained popularity in the mid 1980s. They are based on the idea that most teens view the privilege of driving as extremely important, and that the prospect of losing that privilege is an effective deterrent to drug and/or alcohol abuse.
Jim Fell, senior program director for the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, a nonprofit public health organization in Calverton, Maryland, commented on "use-and-lose" legislation, saying, "There has been an evaluation of these laws ... and they are considered effective."
The other 36 states in the union, as well as the District of Columbia, will revoke a teen's driver's license for possession of drugs or alcohol, even if the teen was not driving at the time the drugs were discovered in his possession.
(Source: www.columbustelegram.com)
Labels: teen-drug-abuse
Drug Use on the Rise in One Florida County
The Fort Myers local affiliate of MSNBC ran a story this week indicating that drug use is on the rise among middle school students in the area. In preparation for the winter break, Drug Free Collier, a local organization that works to stop and prevent drug abuse, has been going to local middle schools to speak about the dangers of drug use.
As part of this endeavor, one young recovered drug addict, only 18 years old, has been speaking to students about his experiences. Lawrence Whalen was a serious drug addict; he started abusing drugs at the age of 13 and by the age of 17 was using pot, cocaine, methamphetamines, painkillers, and more. Now recovered, Lawrence tries to communicate to kids how dangerous these drugs can be.
According to the MSNBC story, a recent local survey of Collier middle schools indicates that use of at least one drug – inhalants – has doubled over the last few years, from 12 percent to 21 percent.
(Source: msnbc.msn.com)
Labels: teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help
Heroin Drug Ring in Colorado Springs Involves 25 Teens
Authorities in Colorado Springs reported this week that at least 25 area teens are involved in a local heroin drug ring that caters specifically to students at one local high school. The black-tar heroin was provided by former Cheyenne Mountain High School students and Mexican nationals. The teen users either smoked or injected the heroin, according to local law enforcement authorities. Black-tar heroin is a black, sticky substance that resembles road tar. According to local DEA officials, it is typically grown and refined in Mexico. Authorities found out about the heroin drug use during a routine sweep of the high school in October. A student who was found to have Xanax in his locker (by a drug-sniffing dog) told authorities that heroin use was common among classmates.
(Source: www.gazette.com)
Labels: teen-drug-abuse
Teen Drug Trends in Colorado
A 2007 study conducted in Mesa County, Colorado, shows that female teens are smoking marijuana and driving drunk in greater numbers than male teens. The survey was conducted at all five area high schools. Other findings from the study included the fact that girls are more likely to use prescription drugs than boys (30 percent versus 25 percent), and that boys are more likely to drink alcohol (48 percent versus 46 percent) and smoke cigarettes (18 percent versus 15 percent). However, equal percentages of boys and girls participated in binge-drinking behavior (32 percent).
(Sources: www.gjfreepress.com)
Labels: teen-drinking, teen-drug-abuse
Former High School Varsity Wrestler Drives into Cops while High
A Massachusetts teen drove into two police officers this week while high on marijuana and mushrooms. The teen, a former high school varsity wrestler, faces serious legal consequences for the incident. He has been charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence, attempted murder, two counts of assault and battery on a police officer, and two accounts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
The officers encountered the teen on a rural route at 2:30 a.m. while they were investigating a separate traffic accident. The officers saw the teen's car approach them; it stopped just a few feet away and then suddenly accelerated right toward them. One officer was thrown onto the hood and suffered serious injury to an arm. The officers tried to get the teen to stop the car but he wouldn't. The teen then apparently tried to run down the other officer, knocking him into the air. The second officer also suffered an injury.
The teen then left the scene of the crime, driving slowly but erratically. He was apprehended shortly thereafter and was determined to be intoxicated (to the point of stupor) with marijuana and mushrooms.
(Source: www.dailynewstribune.com)
Labels: teen-drug-abuse, teen-marijuana-abuse
Black Tar Heroin Use Increasing Among Arizona Teens
Law enforcement officials in Northwest Arizona report that the area is a growing hotspot for black tar heroin use. Officials are seeing high school-aged kids in the northwest and foothills areas of Arizona involved in the use of this powerful drug. The mother of a former heroin addict commented: "It is so bad and so infested in the foothills, the drug dealers actually come to the end of the street." According to the woman's son, "It's pretty much an epidemic. Kids don't want to admit it, but it's everywhere."
(Source: www.kvoa.com)
Labels: teen-drug-abuse, teen-substance-abuse
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Among College Students
A new study from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) indicates that nearly half of all full-time college students in the United States abuse drugs or binge on alcohol at least once a month.
An article published in the student newspaper of the College of Eastern Utah highlighted these and other disturbing statistics. A 2005 study conducted about Utah found that although teen drivers represent 7 percent of licensed drivers in the state, they were involved in 27 percent of all motor vehicle crashes and 18 percent of fatal motor vehicle crashes. Drug and alcohol abuse are implicated in many of these crashes. Studies have also found that teen drivers with teen passengers are at even higher risk of being involved in a serious motor vehicle accident.
(Source: eagle.ceu.edu)
Labels: college-drinking, teen-alcohol-abuse, teen-drug-abuse
Study says young drug abusers may be more prone to seizures
By Hugh C. McBride
Researchers in Chandigarh, India, have discovered an association between epileptic seizures and heavy drug use, particularly among young addicts.
The findings, which were first reported in a July 9, 2008 article on the expressindia website, followed a six-year study of 312 patients in the de-addiction center of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Department of Psychiatry.
According to expressindia reporter Neelam Sharma, PGIMER researchers discovered that 20 percent of the patients they studied had experienced seizures during the time they were addicted. “We have found that 63 patients had seizures,” Additional Professor D Basu, a member of the research team, told Sharma. “Only five patients had any past history of seizures and only three had a family history of the disease.”
The addiction-seizure link was strongest among individuals who had been addicted to the painkillers propoxyphene and dextropropoxyphene.
Propoxyphene is marketed by Eli Lily and Company under the brand name Darvon. Dextropropoxyphene is the primary active ingredient in Darvocet-N and Darvon-N. Several websites list seizures and convulsions among the potential side effects of the drugs, especially if taken in conjunction with carbamazepine, an anti-seizure medication.
The PGIMER researchers found that the likelihood of seizures was greatest among abusers of dextropropoxyphene, with prolonged use of the drug and a history of high doses increasing the risk.
Though the PGIMER study is one of the first to draw such a strong correlation between drug abuse and seizures, experts have previously noted that the risk exists. For example, along with stress, fatigue, and insufficient food intake, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons lists alcohol use and drug abuse as factors that may increase the seizure risk in individuals who are already predisposed to experiencing seizures.
However, as Professor Basu noted in the expressindia article, the vast majority of patients who were evaluated by PGIMER researchers had no history of seizure disorders prior to their abuse of dextropropoxyphene.
Decreed by the Indian Parliament in 1967 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, offers direct care to patients, provides instruction in medical and surgical fields, and undertakes an ongoing program of community-based research.
Labels: teen-drug-abuse
Teens Swapping Prescription Drugs
Columbia University’s National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse estimates that illegal use of prescription drugs by teenagers has increased more than 200 percent in that past 15 years.
It’s been in the news often enough to no longer be news – prescription drugs are quickly becoming the adolescent’s drug of choice. For some it’s even become a moneymaker. Leftover medication, or pills “borrowed” from the parents’ medicine cabinet can often be sold for several dollars each, making it a tempting business venture.
Newspapers across the country have, in recent months, featured numerous stories about teenagers who were arrested for selling prescription drugs. These young people now face the possibility not only of expensive monetary fines, but of imprisonment.
Those who don’t sell pills often swap them with friends, trading an opiate like Vicodin for a stimulant like Ritalin. While some do it for the “high,” others use them to increase concentration, to keep them awake so they can cram for a test, or to help them fall asleep.
More and more teenagers are drawn to prescription drugs because of a misconception that they’re safer than illegal drugs. Few teens are aware of the dangers inherent in taking medications that were prescribed for someone else. Because these drugs are regulated, they’re assumed to be less addictive, safer, and more acceptable than street drugs like heroin or cocaine.
One of the most unusual aspects of this new trend is that it isn’t limited to one “clique” or socio-economic class. Previous trends have typically been found in one specific group; cocaine use, for example is most prevalent among upper-middle-class teenagers. But prescription drug use crosses all lines: Athletes, artists, kids in the Honor Roll Society, and kids with failing grades are all using illegal medication. Not only is the wide-ranging appeal disturbing, but it makes prevention difficult because so many types of kids are using for so many different reasons.
Parents with teenagers need to exercise caution with regard to prescription medication. If possible, all medications should be kept in a medicine cabinet or other location that can be locked. If that isn’t possible, parents need to keep careful track of their medications so they’ll know if something begins disappearing too quickly.
If a child has been prescribed medication, like Ritalin for ADHD or a painkiller because of a recent injury or surgery, parents should administer the pills themselves. Don’t just give the bottle of Vicodin to your child and let him keep it with him. Give him what he needs for the day, and no more.
Preventative measures take some extra time and can be inconvenient, but the alternative is that your child runs the risk not only of over-medicating but sharing his medicine with his friends or, worse yet, selling it.
Labels: prescription-drug-abuse, teen-drug-abuse
Prescription Drug Abuse on the Rise in Central New York
Use of illegal prescription drugs is on the rise among teens in central New York State, according to a story published this week by the Central New York News. State Trooper Jack Keller, who was interviewed for the story, reports that students as young as 12 and 13 are resorting to prescription drugs as an easy and cheap way to get high.
These drugs are cheap because many teens obtain them from their parents’ or relatives’ medicine cabinets. Teens have also been known to knock on a stranger’s door and ask to use the bathroom, and then steal prescriptions and other drugs. Keller also reports a number of cases in which teens tell realtors at open houses that their parents are on their way to look at the house, and ask if they can use the bathroom, just to steal drugs.
According to Keller, Oxycontin (a chemical relative of heroin) and Vicodin, both painkillers, are the most frequently abused drugs in local schools. Keller emphasizes that these are average kids who probably wouldn’t try cocaine or heroin because they think those drugs are too dangerous. What they don’t realize is that prescription drugs can be just as potent and dangerous.
Beth Hughes, a social worker at Liverpool High School's ninth-grade annex, reports a trend of “pill parties” being held in local homes. Teens bring their own supplies of pills and dump the pills into a common container. The teens then grab the pills like jelly beans and ingest them in random combinations and dosages. The possible consequences of this behavior are frightening and severe.
A recent national survey by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America confirms this trend. The 2008 survey found that:
• One in five teens has abused a prescription pain medication.
• One in five report abusing prescription stimulants and tranquilizers.
• One in 10 has abused cough medication.
(Source: Syracuse.com)
Labels: prescription-drug-abuse, teen-drug-abuse
Adderall: Prescription Medication Gains Popularity as Illegal Study Aid
A teen in Warren County, New York (near Albany) was arrested this week for selling his prescription medication, Adderall, to another young person. Adderall is a narcotic that is generally prescribed to treat attention deficit disorder. However, it has recently gained popularity among younger people as a study aid. The seller has been incarcerated and charged with a third-degree felony for illegal sale of a controlled substance.
According to a recent study by the University of Wisconsin, as many as one in every five college students are currently using Adderall or similar drugs as study aids. Young people who begin using these medications are typically unaware that these substances are addictive and can have significant negative side effects. Adderall is used to regulate dopamine functioning in individuals who have biological problems with this process. When used by an individual who does not have a dopamine problem, the drug acts as a potent stimulant. Many students ingest the drug in pill form, or by snorting it, to increase their focus and energy before an exam.
Individuals who are prescribed Adderall and take the medication under a doctor’s supervision rarely experience worse side effects than dry mouth, sleep disturbance, or increased heart rate. When the medication is taken without a prescription, without a doctor’s supervision, and in increased dosages, the side effects can become drastically more severe. Side effects under these circumstances may include paranoia, delusions, and stroke, among other serious health risks.
In addition, the act of snorting the drug intensifies the “rush” and may also acclimate young people to a behavior which can easily lead to the snorting other stimulants, such as cocaine.
Officials at Georgetown University believe that Adderall use and abuse is becoming a significant problem with their students and with students around the country. (Sources: CBS6.albany.com, media.www.thegeorgetownindependent.com)
Labels: prescription-drug-abuse, teen-drug-abuse
Heroin Use on the Rise Among Teens in Southern California
According to a story from the Crescenta Valley Sun (a Southern California local newspaper), local law enforcement authorities are seeing a rise in heroin use and talk about heroin among area teens. According to the story, law enforcement officials often hear rumors about problems or events among teenagers before word reaches the general public. Recently, they have been hearing a lot about heroin.
According to talk among teens, heroin is no longer injected with syringes but heated up to be smoked or inhaled. A popular misconception among teens is that smoked heroin is not as addictive as injected heroin. When law enforcement officials recently gave a presentation at a local high school, many teens expressed surprise that smoked heroin is just as addictive. Deputy Scott Shinagawa, interviewed for the story, said, “Heroin seems to be the [young drug users’] new drug of choice.”
In addition, law enforcement officers feel that parents are often unprepared to recognize or deal with drug pushers. According to officers, pushers don’t always come from outside the community. Many of them appear to be regular neighborhood kids or upstanding adults in the community. In addition, pushers who do come from outside the area are likely to be involved with gangs; these individuals are involved in violent lifestyles and represent a heightened threat to teens who become involved with them. (Source: CrescentaValleyOnline.com)
Labels: teen-drug-abuse, teen-substance-abuse
Drugs Target Teens
As teen drug abuse becomes more widespread and drug dealing becomes a pretty profitable business, drug dealers have started using methods to lure younger and younger kids into drug abuse and addiction. One of the ways that drug dealers have been targeting younger users is by creating a cheap drug that appeals to kids and teens. A good example of this strategy is a drug called Cheese.
Cheese is made by combining heroin with crushed cold medicine tablets, and because it contains heroin, can result in addiction. Some dealers even add strawberry of grape flavoring to the cheese so that kids will be more likely to use it. Cheese is also very inexpensive, and it seems pretty harmless, so it appeals to kids and teens who don’t have a lot of money, but want to experiment with drugs.
It might seem like Cheese is harmless because there’s not a lot of heroin in it, it’s cheap, and it tastes good, but it can result in teen drug addiction and even death. In Dallas, 21 kids and teens have died from an overdose after using cheese. Cheese is dangerous because a lot of the time kids think that they are getting a low dose of heroin, but most dealers don’t closely monitor the amount of heroin in each dose of cheese and some doses have a much higher amount of heroin. When this happens, the potential for overdose and death are much higher. It’s practically impossible to know how much heroin is in a single dose of Cheese and that is why it is so dangerous.
The thing that I find most troubling about Cheese is that it specifically targets young teens. By selling to young kids, drug dealers are creating long-term clients. If a kid becomes addicted to drugs when they’re 12, they’re more likely to use drugs through their teen years and into adulthood, and drug dealers are ensuring that they will have a client for a long time.
Cheese is a growing problem that more teens and parents need to be aware of. Teens need to realize that drug dealers aren’t trying to help you, but are only interested in making more money for themselves. It is important to realize that there are negative consequences to any kind of substance abuse. As a teen it is easy to give in to peer pressure and try drugs just because your friends are doing it, but you could be putting your life at risk.
If you think you have a problem with substance abuse, it is important to get help. Don’t let yourself be fooled by drug dealers and other people doing drugs. By doing drugs, you are setting yourself up for addiction and all of the consequences of addiction. Talk to a friend or a parent in order to get help for your addiction or substance abuse problem.
Labels: at-risk-teens, teen-addiction, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-drug-rehab, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse
What Parents Can Do To Stop Teen Drug Abuse
I decided to change things up a bit today, so today’s post is going to be for parents. Teen substance abuse often has a lot to do with parental supervision and guidance, or lack thereof, so it seems appropriate to write an entry about some of the issues that face parents relating to their teen and the potential for teen substance abuse.
It seems that the biggest issue for parents in trying to prevent or treat adolescent substance abuse is the mentality that it won’t happen to their child, or that their child knows better. Parents often think that they’re child is the exception to the rule and that they know better than to use or abuse drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately, this belief is false. Drug addiction can affect any teen and can affect any family.
One of the things that parents can do to combat teen substance abuse is to be involved in your teen’s life. Make sure you know where they’re going and who their friends are. Ask your teen to check in with you throughout the night, and if they refuse, tell them that they can’t go out. The most important thing you can do with your teen to prevent teen substance abuse is to tell your teen that you don’t approve of underage drinking or drug use. When teens feel like they are disappointing their parents or that they are doing something wrong, they will be more likely to stay away from drugs and alcohol.
As parents, it is your responsibility to set limits and rules for your teen. Even though you might want to be friends with your teen, your job is to make sure that they are safe and that they are making the right decisions. You are supposed to set a good example. If you happen to get along with your teen, then that’s great, but it is better to set rules and protect your teen than to be their best friend and let them participate in activities that put them at risk.
Parents should take steps to prevent teen drug abuse and addiction, but sometimes even parental guidance and strict rules can’t keep teens from giving in to peer pressure. In order to help a teen with a substance abuse problem, parents must first know the signs of teen substance abuse. The sooner that parents can recognize the signs of substance abuse, the sooner they can get help for their teen.
There are a variety of treatment programs available for teens with substance abuse problems. These programs include therapeutic boarding schools that specialize in treating adolescent substance abuse, residential rehab programs, intensive outpatient programs, and wilderness programs that can help teens learn personal responsibility. All of these programs are designed to help teens overcome their substance abuse problems by teaching them the skills that will help them to maintain their sobriety and to be successful in life.
As a parent of a teen, it is important to make sure that your teen is getting the care and treatment that they need. If your teen has a substance abuse problem, it is important to find the treatment program that will best suit their specific needs and will help them get back on the right track towards a successful and healthy life.
Labels: at-risk-teens, teen-addiction, teen-alcohol-abuse, teen-drinking, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-drug-rehab, teen-marijuana-abuse, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse
What Happens After Treatment?
I’ve talked a little bit about what treatment for adolescent substance abuse issues usually includes; detox, inpatient or outpatient care, counseling, etc. But what happens when you finish your treatment and go back to your normal life and have to face things on your own?
When most teens return from treatment, they feel like they have learned something or have changed in some way that will help them stay away from drugs and alcohol. Teens returning from treatment have learned skills and have been given tools to help them stay sober. While the teen who has gone through treatment may have changed, the people around them in their daily lives probably haven’t changed at all. Even though you might have changed, your friends who used drugs probably haven’t. They probably still use drugs and might even encourage you to start using drugs again too.
So how do are you supposed to handle this temptation and peer pressure? There are tools and resources available for teens who are transitioning back into their normal lives that are meant to help teens to deal with the stress and temptation of their daily lives in order to help them stay sober.
For teens returning to their normal lives from drug and alcohol treatment, there are resources available that can make that transition easier. These resources include outpatient programs, which are designed to help teens in recovery to deal with the stresses and triggers that they face daily. There are also online teen support groups and meetings that can help to make the transition back to daily life easier.
While many people think that just because they’ve completed their 60 days in rehab they’re cured, this is not the reality. Many teens with substance abuse problems think that rehab is a quick fix. It is important to remember, however, that recovery is a lifelong process. While you will have bad days, it is important to surround yourself with the people and the tools that will help you to maintain your sobriety.
If you or someone you love has a problem with drugs and alcohol or wants more information about programs after treatment, it is important to get help so that they can be successful and live healthy lives.
Labels: at-risk-teens, teen-addiction, teen-alcohol-abuse, teen-depression, teen-drinking, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-drug-rehab, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse
Helping a Friend With a Substance Abuse Problem
I realize that I talk a lot in my blog about the high probability that teens will use or experiment with drugs and alcohol. While this is true, I think it’s also important to talk about the teens who don’t use drugs or drink alcohol, but who may have friends that do drugs and drink. For teens who have friends or loved ones with substance abuse problems, it is important to provide information about getting help for those loved ones in order to help them get back on the right path.
It can be a really sad and scary experience to see your friends get involved in drugs. We have been taught that drugs and alcohol can be really dangerous, and to see someone that you care about do things that you know will hurt them can be hard. That is why it’s really important to be aware of the signs of teen drug and alcohol abuse so that you can get help for someone you care about who has a substance abuse problem.
There are a lot of things you can do to help a friend with a substance abuse problem. One of the easiest things to do is set a good example for that friend. As I’ve mentioned in the past, the most important people in a teen’s life is usually their friends. You’re parents will always be important, but the people who are most influential are your friends. As a teen it can be hard to resist the peer pressure to use drugs and alcohol, but by doing so you are creating a positive image for the rest of your friends to follow.
For a lot of teens, there is no motivation to stop using drugs. Most teens know that drugs can do serious damage, but a lot of teens ignore these consequences and do drugs anyway. There is a variety of reasons that can explain why teens use drugs, ranging from peer pressure to self-medication, and it can be difficult to confront a friend about their problem with substance abuse. It might be hard, but it is important to let your friends know how you really feel about their drug and alcohol abuse. If you need additional support when talking to a friend, talk to your parents or an adult that you trust to offer their support. While it might be scary to help a friend with their substance abuse problem by confronting them about it, you will be doing them a favor in the long run. They might be mad at you at first, but they will thank you later.
While some teen substance abuse remains casual and you can convince your friends to stop using drugs before it gets to serious. Unfortunately, sometimes a friend has gotten so deep into their drug abuse and addiction that it is necessary to take more drastic steps in helping them overcome their addiction. One of these steps is an intervention. Teen drug interventions are when friends and family members come together to offer their support and tell the addict that they need to get help. If you think that one of your friends is in need of an intervention, talk to their parents or an adult that you trust.
As a teenager, the opinion of friends and peers are very important, and it is your responsibility to use that influence in a positive way. While there are people who will try to get you to do things that you know are wrong, you should remember that you can be a positive influence in the lives of your friends rather than a negative influence. If you or someone you know has a problem with drug and alcohol abuse or addiction, it is important to get help. By getting help, you are helping yourself or a friend to get back on the right path away from drugs and alcohol.
Labels: at-risk-teens, teen-addiction, teen-drinking, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-drug-rehab, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse
Why Teens Use Drugs
When teens start to use drugs, a lot of parents and friends usually feel confused about why their loved ones are doing something that they know is wrong. For a lot of people, the decision to start using drugs does not make a lot of sense, but there are a variety of reasons that explain why teens start using drugs. Being a teenager creates a whole list of emotional and physical issues that can be really difficult to deal with, and can lead to teenage substance abuse.
In this post, I want to outline some of reasons why teens use drugs and alcohol.
1. Peer Pressure: When teens are around their friends at a party or after school, they will be more likely to use drugs if their friends are using drugs too. Most teens know that drugs are wrong, but if everyone else is using drugs, that drug use becomes an instant way to fit in. And vice versa, if you refuse to use drugs you could run the risk of isolating yourself from everyone. Peer pressure plays a very big role in teen drug abuse because in general, teens are more worried about what their friends think, and if a teen’s friends are using drugs, it is likely that that teen will start to use drugs as well.
2. Self-medication: When teens face challenges, drugs often seem like an easy way to escape those challenges. For teens, problems with school, family, friends, etc. can all seem to go away when they are using drugs. Some teens also deal with issues like depression, and using drugs helps them to feel better. They don’t have to worry about homework, chores, or arguments; all they have to worry about is getting high. Because of this, a lot of teens turn to drugs to cover up the problems that they are facing. When teens feel unhappy or uncomfortable, they can just get high and for a few hours their problems go away. Unfortunately, this drug use can create more problems than it solves.
3. Rebellion and Experimentation: As a teen, you are experiencing new things and meeting new people, and sometimes part of those new experiences can include experimentation with alcohol and other drugs. Teens want to break away from their parents and try new things, and they see drugs as a way to do that. Everybody tells teens that drugs are bad, but when you’re a teenager, all you care about are your friends and having a good time. Most teens see experimentation as harmless, but what a lot of teens don’t count on is that they continue to use drugs and alcohol and eventually become dependent on those substance and develop an addiction.
4. Lack of strong parental guidance: A lot of parents want to be friends with their teens, and as a result don’t set a lot of boundaries or rules for their teens. This can be a costly mistake. Without guidance from parents, teens are very susceptible to falling into destructive behaviors such as substance abuse. I’ve even heard stories of parents who let their teens drink at home because they think that they will be safer. This kind of behavior and lack of guidance creates the message that drug and alcohol abuse are okay and that there won’t be negative consequences to that substance abuse. By creating boundaries and rules, parents can help protect their teens from substance abuse.
These four reasons are only a part of why teens abuse drugs and alcohol. Every teen is different and every teen has their own motivations for using drugs and alcohol. However, the goal of this list is to show teens and their parents some of the motivating factors of teen drug abuse so that friends and parents of a teen with a drug problem can recognize the signs of teen substance abuse, and can then get help for that teen. Because everybody has different reasons for abusing drugs and alcohol, it is also important to find a treatment program that will suit the specific needs of that individual. Getting help for your teen can help get them back on the right track and can help them to deal with the problems that prompted their drug use in the first place.
Labels: teen-depression, teen-drinking, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-drug-rehab, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse
Teen Marijuana Abuse
Marijuana is one of the most popular drugs among teens and is usually one of the first drugs abused by teens. I’m sure as a teen you know someone who uses marijuana, and it is likely that you might even use marijuana yourself. Marijuana, weed, pot, etc. is popular because it’s really easy to get and most teens don’t think it’s dangerous. For a lot of teens, marijuana isn’t even classified as a drug. Heroin is a drug. Cocaine is a drug. But not marijuana. You can’t overdose on marijuana and it’s a plant, so what could be the harm?
For one thing, there are plenty of plants that are poisonous and harmful to both humans and animals, so the whole “It’s safe because it’s a plant” argument should just be abandoned altogether. The idea that marijuana isn’t as dangerous as “hard” drugs like cocaine is also false. Marijuana, like cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, meth, etc., has its own set of negative consequences.
Teen marijuana use can lead to problems with memory in the short term and the long term. Like alcohol, marijuana can also make you do things while you are high that you wouldn’t do when you’re sober, like driving while under the influence of having unprotected sex. Smoking pot can cause you to lose your ambition, and can even result in a lack of interest in appearance, friends, family, sports, etc.
Another common misconception about marijuana is that it is not addictive. A lot of teens, and even adults, don’t think that they can become addicted to marijuana. The earlier a teen starts using marijuana, the greater their risk for addiction. When you use marijuana every day, you begin to feel dependent on it, and you want it more and more just to feel “normal.” But as you use marijuana more and more, the things that used to be important to you begin to fade away. You don’t care about school or sports or your friends. You just want to lie around and smoke pot.
I think the bottom line about pot is that teens need to accept personal responsibility and accountability. Usually when something seems to go to be true, it is too good to be true. Don’t be naïve and think that marijuana is this great drug that makes you relaxed and happy, but doesn’t have any side effects. Take responsibility for yourself and if you have a problem, it is important to recognize the signs of teen marijuana abuse so that you can get help for yourself. For parents, if you think your teen has a problem, find a treatment center for marijuana abuse so that your teen can get their lives back and regain the passion and enthusiasm that they once had.
Labels: teen-addiction, teen-depression, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-drug-rehab, teen-marijuana-abuse, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse
Ecstasy and Teens
I was watching TV last night and I saw a PSA (public service announcement) about a 21 year old girl who died the third time that she used ecstasy. Usually I just ignore the majority of public service announcements because I’m pretty much aware of the information that they are telling me. This one was different though because I didn’t know that you could die from using ecstasy. I know that it wasn’t good for you, but I didn’t know that it could kill you. Then I thought, well since I didn’t know this, a lot of other people probably don’t know that about ecstasy either. And now here we are.
So if you have read this blog, you know how I feel about teen drug use (it’s a bad idea). Ecstasy is no exception. What makes teen ecstasy abuse such an serious issue is that it is pretty easily accessible, and as a result, is easily abused. Because ecstasy is known to produce feelings of happiness and love, a lot of teens use ecstasy at parties and raves as a way to have a good time. And while ecstasy can be a good time, it also results in some really scary and dangerous consequences.
First I want to talk about the physical consequences of teen ecstasy abuse. Then I’ll get to the psychological consequences (which are also pretty bad). Some of the physical consequences of ecstasy abuse include:
• muscle tension
• nausea
• blurred visions
• fainting
• increased blood pressure and heart rate
• overdose and death
When you take ecstasy, your heart rate increases and your body can overheat, causing dehydration, seizures, liver failure, cardiovascular problems, and death.
Along with these physical consequences of ecstasy use, there are also psychological consequences that effect teens who use ecstasy. These psychological effects include:
• anxiety
• confusion
• depression
• intense fear
• memory loss
These psychological factors can last even after you have stopped using ecstasy and can cause sever disruptions in your life and your normal daily functioning.
Like other drugs, ecstasy can be harmful and can result in death. A lot of teens also put themselves in danger when they decide that they want to take multiple doses of ecstasy in order to prolong their high. This is another reason why ecstasy is so dangerous—this increase in dosage can cause your heart rate to increase and can result in dehydration, which can result in death.
Ecstasy is not something to be taken lightly, and just because it makes you feel good doesn’t mean that it is harmless. Ecstasy can have serious and long-lasting consequences on your mind and body. Parents and friends should know the
signs of teen ecstasy abuse so that if someone you love is abusing ecstasy, you can get them help before they do permanent damage to their minds and bodies.
Labels: teen-addiction, teen-depression, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-drug-rehab, teen-ecstasy-abuse, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse
Link between Teen Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS
If I went around and asked a bunch of teenagers if they thought HIV/AIDS was a big problem in the US today, I bet most of the answers would be “no.” HIV/AIDS got a lot of notoriety in the 80s and 90s, but isn’t on the mind of most teens today. Unfortunately, this creates a problem among teens because HIV and AIDS are still a problem and are still a threat to teens, especially for teens who abuse alcohol and other drugs.
Some people might be confused at this point. For teens who abuse substances like marijuana or alcohol, they might be thinking that they don’t inject drugs, and therefore aren’t at risk for HIV/AIDS. But even though you don’t use drugs that are typically associated with the spread of HIV, by using any mind-altering substance you are putting yourself in danger for contracting HIV/AIDS through the increased likelihood that you will engage in risky behavior while under the influence. Teen substance abuse increases the risk of HIV/AIDS because while you are drunk or high, you might do something that puts you at risk.
Like I said in a previous post, when teens abuse alcohol and other drugs, they put themselves in a situation where they are more prone to do things that put them at risk. When someone is drunk or high they are more likely to do things that they know are dangerous like have unprotected sex, share needles with strangers, etc. Because of these reasons, just because you don’t think you’re directly at risk for contracting HIV/AIDS doesn’t mean that you don’t need to be careful.
When teens abuse drugs and alcohol, they also damage their immune system, which puts them at greater risk for contracting HIV. Teens who are under the influence are also more likely to participate in unprotected sex, which and lead to contracting HIV. And there is no cure for HIV/AIDS. You might think that you are just having a good time with your friends, you might be putting yourself in danger.
Most teens know that if they decide to drink and drive that they are putting themselves at risk, but most teens don’t think of HIV/AIDS when they are thinking of the things that could go wrong when they are using alcohol or other drugs. We tell our friends not to drink and drive, but most of the time we aren’t telling our friends to make sure not to get HIV/AIDS. This is an issue that more teens need to be aware of so that they can protect themselves.
If you or someone you love has a problem with drugs or alcohol, they could be putting themselves at risk for some serious and life-threatening consequences and should get help as soon as possible. Make sure to be aware of the signs of drug use so that you can help a friend before their drug use results in serious consequences like illness and death.
Labels: at-risk-teens, teen-addiction, teen-alcohol-abuse, teen-drinking, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-drug-rehab, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse
Steroid Use and Teens
Since the Major League Baseball All-Star Game was this week, it seems fitting that to do a post about teen steroid abuse. I don’t want to get in to the debate about whether baseball players really use steroids, because that’s not the point. I’m more concerned with the teen athletes who use steroids in order to boost their chances of making the team, to get the girl or guy, or to get that six-pack.
In high school, there is a lot of pressure to be the star athlete or to have the perfect body. Sometimes, this pressure just gets to be too much, and steroids are a really easy way to boost athletic performance or to get the body that you want. The great thing about steroids for a lot of teens is that they don’t even consider them to be drugs. I mean, you can get them from a doctor and pro athletes use them, so what can be so bad?
While it’s true that steroids can be prescribed by a doctor, most of the cases of steroid use that you hear about in the new and that are really harmful are unprescribed. Like the abuse of other substances, the abuse of steroids can lead to serious health problems. However, even some patients who use steroids with a prescription can have side effects.
Some of the consequences of teen steroid use include:
•heart attack and stroke
•liver and kidney damage, leading to internal bleeding
•acne, baldness, and oily hair (this might work against any hotness that you feel like you’re gaining with your steroid created “hot body”)
•for girls, steroids can result in facial hair, shrinking of breasts, and deepened voice
•for guys, steroids can result in shrinking of the testicles, development of breasts, and infertility
•steroids can also make you irritable and irrational (“roid rage”), which can result in suicidal feelings
•steroids are addictive
I think this last point is something that not everyone is aware of. Steroids are addictive, and if you stop using steroids you can experience withdrawal symptoms.
Steroids are a lot more dangerous than people think. They’re not just harmless way to bulk up. They can do serious damage physically and mentally, especially in teens who are still growing and whose brains are still developing. You may achieve the perfect body, but there is a chance that you could do damage to your body and could alienate yourself from the people that you love.
If you or someone you know has a problem with steroids or any other drug, it is important to get help.
Labels: prescription-drug-abuse, teen-addiction, teen-depression, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-drug-rehab, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse
The Truth About Treatment
If you ask me, there’s been a huge amount of misinformation going around about rehab and the process of recovery. This misinformation about rehab is largely a result of all of the celebrities who go in and out of rehab as often as most people go to Starbucks. The media coverage of celebrities going to rehab makes it seem like rehab is no big deal; you come and go as you please, and after 28 days (and sometimes not even that long) you’re cured and you never have to worry about your addiction again.
This depiction of rehab is far from the truth, and this attitude that rehab and drug use aren’t serious sends a really bad message and creates a horrible example for young audiences who are watching TV, reading magazines, and browsing the internet. If the role models for rehab are celebrities who don’t take the process seriously, then what does that tell teens who have substance abuse problems?
Teen drug rehab isn’t glamorous, it’s not a vacation, and it’s not easy. Even though rehab might not be fun, it is a necessary step in recovery from addiction. Like I’ve said before, drug and alcohol addiction has a variety of negative consequences, ranging from stroke, to psychotic episodes, to death. Rehab might not be easy, but it beats the alternative.
Rehab is a really important process in recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction, and involves a series of steps and stages. Teens with substance abuse problems should look for a rehab program that fits their specific needs. Some teens might need a more intense rehab program that includes detoxification, inpatient treatment, or residential treatment, where they are under constant supervision and are away from their daily environments. There are also outpatient treatment programs for teens who have already completed residential treatment but might need some extra support while they are going back to their normal lives. Outpatient programs are also helpful for teens who have promised to stay sober while they go to school, and then attend treatment programs in the afternoons after school.
Another important aspect of rehabilitation and recovery is continuing care programs. It’s pretty naïve to think that once you’re done with rehab, you’ll never have to deal with your addiction again. Odds are, this will not be the case. After teens have completed rehab, they should get involved in counseling and support groups that will help them to deal with their stresses and their triggers, so that they can maintain their recovery.
For teens with substance abuse problems, it is important to get the truth about the recovery process. If you or your loved one has a problem with drug or alcohol addiction, it is important to be educated about the rehabilitation process so that you can find a treatment program that will be most effective. Rehab isn’t supposed to be a vacation; it’s supposed to be difficult, but a long life of recovery is much better than a short life of addiction.
Labels: teen-addiction, teen-alcohol-abuse, teen-drinking, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-drug-rehab, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse
ADD/ADHD Drugs and Teens
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 don’t have ADD/ADHD, they can stimulate the user’s 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, it’s not a good idea to take drugs that aren’t prescribed to you, and it’s 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 doesn’t mean that you can take as much of it as you want, whenever you want.
Basically, don’t abuse prescription drugs—it’s 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 don’t 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-drug help, teen-drug-abuse, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse
Teen Drug Use Increases Risky Behavior
Every time I leave the house on a holiday my mom warns me to be careful on the road and to watch out for “crazy drivers.” And by “crazy” she means “drunk.” Yesterday was no exception, and as I left the house to go watch fireworks with friends she warned me to be careful. So I gave her the typical “Okay” and was on my way. This might seem like a normal exchange between a mother and daughter, but it also reveals something about the risky behavior that people engage in while they are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
When teens are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, the likelihood that they will do something reckless increases significantly. These reckless behaviors include driving under the influence, and risky sexual activity. The decision to engage in either of these activities can be life changing, and normally, people would not put themselves at such at risk. However, when teens drink and use drugs, they are more likely to do something that can have some pretty serious negative consequences.
For teenagers, drinking and using drugs can be a way to loosen up at a party, to be more social, and to have a good time. This “social lubrication” seems to be pretty harmless and can make the night more enjoyable. However, this decision to drink or get high can impair your common sense and your decision making skills, which can result in some really serious consequences later. Under normal circumstances, most of us wouldn’t drive drunk, but after you’ve had a few drinks your common sense doesn’t work so well and driving home doesn’t sounds like such a bad idea. It’s just five minutes away, and nothing can go wrong.
Unfortunately, this line of reasoning is why so many teens are involved in drunk driving accidents. Alcohol impairs your ability to think clearly and lowers your inhibitions, so when you are drunk, you are more likely to do something that you wouldn’t do sober, like drive recklessly and put the lives of other people in danger. By driving drunk, you are putting yourself at risk for serious injury, or even death. You probably think that it won’t happen to you, but it can happen to anybody.
In addition to the risk of drunk driving, teens are also more likely to engage in sexual behavior when they are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Like I mentioned, when teens take drugs or drink alcohol, their inhibitions are lowered, and they are more likely to do things that they wouldn’t do sober, like engage in unprotected sex. These irresponsible sexual behaviors among teens can lead to pregnancy, STDs, and HIV/AIDS. Nobody wants to wake up in the morning next to someone you might not even like and have to worry about what happened, if you might be pregnant, or if you could have a disease.
By abusing drugs and alcohol, you could be putting yourself at risk of doing something that is against your morals and values. Unfortunately, while you’re under the influence those morals and values don’t matter. Everyone makes mistakes as a teenager, but the mistakes that you make while drunk or high can be life-threatening. Take responsibility for yourself and watch out for your friends. Don’t put yourself in the position to do something that you will regret later.
Labels: teen-addiction, teen-alcohol-abuse, teen-depression, teen-drinking, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-substance-abuse
Teen Inhalant Abuse
I wrote in a previous entry that a lot of teens assume that prescription drugs are safe because they are prescribed by a doctor and they are pretty much always around the house. Like prescription drugs, some teens think that because they find inhalants in their homes, that they should be safe. Again, this assumption would be totally wrong. Just because you find something in your house doesn't mean its safe. You wouldn't drink bleach just because you found it under the sink (or at least I hope you wouldn't). The abuse of inhalants found in household products can have serious effects on your brain and your body.
It seems like inhalant abuse would be a parent's prevention nightmare because it would be nearly impossible to keep a teenager away from products that can be used as inhalants, such as air freshener, hair spray, white out, spray paint, or even gasoline. All of these products are easily accessible, and even if parents try to remove all of these things from their homes, anybody can go pick up a can of air freshener or a bottle of white out for a couple bucks. This accessibility to products that can be abused is what makes inhalant abuse a serious problem among teens.
Inhalant use may seem like a pretty easy and relatively harmless way to get high, but you could be putting your health, and your life at serious risk. Chemicals that are inhaled are absorbed into the body rapidly, and then travel through the bloodstream. All inhalants slow down the body's function, and cause intoxication, or a high. Many of the consequences of inhalant abuse are very serious, and many of these consequences cannot be reversed. These permanent consequences include brain, liver, and kidney damage, and can result in a loss of hearing and smell (which would be really crappy). Inhalant abuse can also result in death even the first time you use them. Because you are breathing in toxic chemicals, inhalant abuse can result in asphyxiation and suffocation when your body does not get the oxygen that it needs to function.
None of the consequences of inhalant abuse should be taken lightly. You can do serious and irreversible damage to your body. If you have a friend who is abusing inhalants or if you think your teen is abusing inhalants, it is important to be aware of the signs of inhalant abuse, which can include slurred speech, drunk or dizzy appearance chemical smells on clothing, and red eyes. Talk to your friend or your teen about their inhalant abuse and get them help before they do permanent damage to their bodies. If you are abusing inhalants, ask for help to stop so that you don't put your health, and ultimately your life, in danger.
Labels: teen-addiction, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-inhalant-abuse, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse
Teen Depression and Substance Abuse
Everyone feels down once in a while. You might have broken up with your boyfriend, failed your geometry test, been cut from the soccer team, or any other embarrassing/disappointing/mildly heartbreaking event that is part of teenage life. And now you feel like crap. This is a perfectly acceptable response to any of these scenarios, and while you might wallow in self-pity for a day or two, eventually you get over it and move one. For some teens, however, this feeling doesn't go away and they continue to feel down and depressed.
These teens who continue to feel depressed for a length of time could be suffering with depression. Some of the signs of teen depression include low energy, irritability, a drop in grades, feelings of worthlessness, a drop in social activities, and suicidal thoughts. These symptoms of depression can last for weeks to months.
Teenage depression is more than just normal teen angst. Teens who are suffering with depression are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol than teens who are not depressed. I've already talked about the dangers of teen drug and alcohol abuse at considerable length. In addition to the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse alone, combining substance abuse and depression can result in additional, life-threatening consequences. You cannot cure your depression by turning to drugs and alcohol. Being drunk or high might make you feel better temporarily, but in the long run, you could be making your problem worse.
Teens who are suffering with depression, often use drugs and alcohol to relieve the stress and frustration caused by depression. Unfortunately, by turning to drugs and alcohol, they are making their depression worse, not better. In some cases, drug and alcohol abuse can even cause depression in teens. Because teenage depression can have serious consequences like drug and alcohol abuse, even thoughts of suicide, it is important for teens suffering with depression to get help. If you or someone you care about has a problem with depression and/or substance abuse, ask for help so that they can get the help that they need.
Labels: teen-addiction, teen-alcohol-abuse, teen-depression, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse
The Reality of Teen Drug Abuse
In the course of writing this blog, I’ve been reading a lot of articles about teens abusing drugs who underestimate the consequences of drugs and who overestimate their ability to control their drug use. I think this is a big problem that we face. We all learn so much about drugs that teens feel like they can beat or control addiction. Teens think they’re invincible, and say, “Well, that won’t happen to me.” The kids in these articles live in suburbia, have good families, and have almost certainly learned about the consequences of drugs. Yet, teens still try drugs, teens still become addicted, and in some cases, teens still die.
Just being a teenager doesn’t give you a free pass to “experiment” or do things that you know you shouldn’t. Of course you’re going to do something stupid or awkward every once and a while, but that stupidity crosses the line from ordinary teenage angst into dangerous and irresponsible behavior when drugs and alcohol are involved. Putting your life at risk by abusing drugs and alcohol is serious, and it's important to know that this kind of substance abuse has some pretty serious consequences.
The risks of addiction and death definitely do not outweigh the benefit of a temporary high. When they're using drugs, teens don't think that they will die in their dealer’s house, while a prostitute tries to revive you, but it happens. It can happen to anybody, and you are not exempt.
If you or someone you love has a problem with drugs, it is important to get help. Talk to your parents or your teachers for advice and to help find a treatment program that can help you achieve recovery.
Labels: teen-addiction, teen-alcohol-abuse, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse
Parents and Teen Drug Help
I think a lot of parents probably drive themselves crazy trying to figure out what is going on in their teenager's life. As teenagers, most of us aren't exactly thrilled to share our every move with out parents and the constant questioning can be really annoying. Nevertheless, knowing where your teen is, who their friends are, and what they're doing is a really key step in keeping your teens away from drugs.
On TV the other day, I was watching a show about a family, and the dad was looking at this pamphlet about detecting drug use in teens. So he's reading the pamphlet and is freaking out because the symptoms include things like "moodiness, unwillingness to communicate" and the like, which are really just basic teenage behaviors, and not necessarily indicative of drug use. Anyway, this got me thinking about some tools that can help parents to keep their kids away from drugs, and tools that will enable parents to help a teen with a drug problem.
There are a few things that parents can do to help keep their kids away from drugs. One of the most basic things that you can do is talk to your teens about drug use. This seems pretty simply, but by talking to your teen, you establish a relationship of communication and in the case that they are using drugs, they will be more likely to come to you for help. Also, it's important to keep track of the people that your teen is hanging out with. It also helps to talk with the parents of those friends so that you can keep tabs on your teen. Really, don't be afraid to be annoying. Your teen might resent you for being in their business, but you should be more interested in their health and safety than in being their friend. They might not appreciate you now, but they will appreciate you later when they are leading healthy and successful lives.
The bottom line here is that in trying to keep your teen away from drugs, you need to be observant and vigilant. Make sure that you know where your kids are. Make sure that you know their friends. And if they come to you asking for help, don't punish them or make them feel bad. If you teen needs help with their substance abuse, it is important to get help for your teen and to provide a really supportive atmosphere that will help them to be successful in their recovery.
Labels: teen-addiction, teen-alcohol-abuse, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse
Meth and Teens
I've been putting this post off for a while because I feel like there's just so much to say about the effects of meth addiction on teenagers. And prepare yourselves, because this will probably be the first of several posts about meth.
While growing up and going to school, I was thoroughly educated about the dangers of drugs like cocaine and heroin, so I've become pretty effectively numbed to the horrible effects that cocaine and heroin addiction can cause. It's like watching an action movie. We're so used to the violence and whatnot that it doesn't shock or surprise us anymore. Well, that's kind of how I feel about cocaine, heroine, ecstasy, LSD, etc. Now, I'm not trying to say that these drugs are safe or don't have serious consequences (because they absolutely do). What I'm saying is that I've just gotten used to hearing about all of the horrible stuff that these drugs can cause. However, meth is a whole different story for me.
Before I started writing this blog, I didn't really know a lot about meth. I knew that it was pretty addictive and that meth labs were super dangerous. But I didn't really know anything about the effects of meth. And let me tell you, I was in for a surprise. I actually intended to write this blog about meth the other day, but after doing about a full day of research on meth, I just couldn't handle it. I needed a break. The effects of meth are so shocking, that I just couldn't think about it anymore.
Meth has become a pretty widespread problem throughout the West Coast of the United States, and it seems to be only a matter of time before its influence spreads all the way to the East Coast as well. Meth is scary because you can become addicted the first time you use meth, and there are some pretty serious consequences that are a result of this addiction. These consequences include hallucination, paranoia, stroke, weight loss, liver and kidney damage, and death from overdose.
Meth is also dangerous because of the ingredients used to produce it. Meth can be made from deadly substances like battery acid, drain cleaner, and antifreeze. Prolonged use of meth can also cause "meth mouth". Meth mouth is pretty gross, and is caused by the corrosive ingredients (like battery acid, etc.) used to make meth. Using meth can result in dry mouth, which contributes to tooth decay, cracked teeth, and gum disease. Many drug addicts simply neglect oral hygiene, which adds to the problems already caused by meth use. In general, meth mouth is not a pretty site. If you want to check it out for yourself, just Google it, but beware, it might gross you out. I can barely look at the pictures.
So all in all, meth is scary. It's insanely addictive and can be devastating to both your health and your appearance. If you or someone you care about has a problem with meth, get help before the effects of meth completely takes over your lives.
Labels: teen-addiction, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse
Cough Medicine...Remedy or Risk?
I remember when I was little, I absolutely hated cough syrup. If I had a cough, I would try to hide it for as long as possible so that my mom wouldn't make me take Robitussin. Even today, I try to avoid cough syrup as much as possible. It just grosses me out. So you can imagine my surprise to hear that teens are taking large amounts of cough medicine to get high. I can barely swallow a spoonful of cough syrup, but people are drinking two or three bottles. But upon further examination, cough medicine seems like an ideal candidate for teenage use and abuse because it can be easily bought, and its totally legal. All you have to do is walk into the drug store and pick up a bottle of Robitussin. You don't even have to ask the pharmacist. Totally easy, right? Maybe too easy. It's this accessibility that makes cough medicine abuse a problem.
Like I said when I was talking about prescription drug abuse, a lot of people assume that because drugs are legal,they aren't harmful. However, this is not the case. And while cough medicine doesn't seem particularly harmful (after all, it's supposed to make you feel better), it can do a lot of damage. Cough medicine contains an ingredient called dextromethorphan (aka DXM), which when taken in large quantities, can create the feeling of being high. DXM is safe when used in proper dosages, but in order to get high, teens are consuming really large quantities. This is where you might run into a problem.
If you take cough medicine in the proper dose, you don't have to worry about the negative effects caused by the abuse of DXM. If you abuse cough medicine, though, there are some consequences of this abuse, including confusion, dizziness, abdominal pain, rapid heartbeat, numbness of fingers and toes, and disorientation. These effects of the abuse of DXM or "robotripping" (get it? Robitussin...robotripping) are only the short term effects. There is also a variety of long-term effects of DXM abuse that can cause even more damage.
DXM doesn't just result in a short term high, but can also produce some long-term and life-threatening effects. Some of the long-term effects of cough medicine abuse include brain damage, psychosis, and addiction. Abuse of DXM can even result in coma or death. Just like any other drug, DXM is addictive and can result in really serious consequences. It's really not something to mess around with. Just because cough medicine will stop your cough doesn't mean that it's okay to drink 1 or 2 bottles at once. Really, it's just not a good idea, and the idea that because a drug is legal means that it is safe needs to be erased from your brain.
Labels: prescription-drug-abuse, teen-addiction, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse
Teens and Prescription Drug Abuse
I've decided that for today's post I'm going to try to talk about one class of drugs that affects teens and is abused by teens. So for today's post, I will be talking about (drum roll please)...prescription drug abuse.
I think there are some misconceptions about prescription drug use that make teens feel less guilty about abusing them. The major misconception seems to be that prescription drugs are safer because they were prescribed by a doctor. I guess it's a semi-logical conclusion to come to. However, that conclusion is totally wrong. Prescription drug use is still drug abuse, and is just as dangerous and addicting as abusing any other drug. Some of the risks of abusing prescription drugs include:
• vomiting and nausea
• drowsiness, dizziness, shaking
• hospitalization, death
• engaging in risky behaviors (driving under the influence, stealing, etc.)
• lost interest in normal activities
• loss of interest in class work and a drop in academic performance
You might not care if you lose interest in your class work (maybe you already have), but you should definitely care about your health. Prescription drug abuse is not trivial, and has consequences that can negatively (and sometimes permanently) change your life.
I stumbled upon an article from USA Today that talks about the increasing use of prescription drugs in teen culture, and the dangers of the use of prescription drugs (I'm warning you in advance that this article is long, but it's really worth reading, I promise). While it might seem like using prescription drugs must be safe because they're prescribed by a doctor, they are only safe when used as prescribed and used by the person they are prescribed to. When abused, prescription drugs can be deadly.
Another good source of info about prescription drug use can be found at www.painfullyobvious.com. This site lets you pick your site guide, and it's kind of lame, but if you can get past their obvious attempts to try and be cool and reate to you, there is some really good information about the dangers of prescription drug abuse. This site lets you explore all of the ways that prescription drug abuse can affect your life, including at home, at school, with your friends, etc.
The bottom line is that prescription drug abuse is not safe. Just because they're in your medicine cabinet doesn't mean that they can't cause damage, and if you abuse them, they will cause damage. If you think you or a friend might have a problem with prescription drug abuse, this website has a number that you can call for help and also has a list of treatment centers for teen with substance abuse problems.
Labels: prescription-drug-abuse, teen-addiction, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse
Teen Girls and Substance Abuse
I think I've made it pretty clear thus far that teenage substance abuse in general is not a good thing for a variety of reasons. While it's clear to me that teen substance abuse on the whole has a bunch of negative consequences, I was a bit surprised to discover that substance abuse affects boys and girls differently. I guess this might seem obvious to some, but I had never really thought about it before. In light of my newly acquired knowledge, it only seemed logical that I should share this knowledge and post a blog about the effects of teen substance abuse on the fairer sex. So ladies, this one's for you.
I don't think it's a shock to anyone that boys and girls are different. Men are from Mars, and women are from Venus, right? Anyway, in addition to all of the differences between boys and girls that we learned in our very uncomfortable and embarrassing sex-ed classes, boys and girls also differ in the ways that they are affected by alcohol and other drugs.
Some of the effects that substance abuse has on teen girls can be found on the Adolescent Substance Abuse blog. This site references studies that have found that girls enter treatment for substance abuse at a younger age than boys, and girls have a higher likelihood of entering treatment with co-occurring psychiatric disorders, such as depression. Teen girls are also more likely to suffer from depression than teen boys. This site also has a great link to the Teen Help Directory, which can help you find help for yourself or a friend who has lost control of their use of drugs or alcohol.
In my experience, girls really depend on their friendships, so it's important to support each other. Don't follow the pattern of Mean Girls, where Lindsay Lohan (who is a terrible example for girls in real life) and Rachel McAdams are constantly trying to sabotage one another. While that movie is thoroughly entertaining (not to mention one of my personal favorites), the way that the girls acts towards each other only promotes insecurity and low self-esteem, which in the real world can lead to drug and alcohol abuse. Because of the tense relationships that can develop between girls in high school, this site on girls and drugs seems particularly valuable. It talks about ways that you can support your girlfriends, which I think is a key to success at any stage of life.
As women, it is important to be empowered and to be aware of the threats posed to our health and safety. When you're going to a party, there are things that you need to be aware of to protect yourself: Use the buddy system, don't leave your friends alone, and never leave your drink unattended. It's also important to remember that you don't have to out-drink the boys. The biological odds are that you will get drunk faster, and puking is gross.
So ladies, there's no need to go to parties and get totally wasted just because you think the boys will like it. The right guys will think you're trashy and the wrong guys will take advantage. Have fun with your friends, look our for each other, and be aware of the risks that are present.
Labels: girls-and-substance-abuse, teen-addiction, teen-alcohol-abuse, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-substance-abuse
Lifelong Effects of Teen Substance Abuse
In high school, it's pretty much a guarantee that drugs and alcohol will be around. Nobody wants to be the odd man out, so you'll probably try them once or twice. Of course, we've all been taught to "just say no," but honestly, learning to say no in a classroom, and really having to say no to your friends and peers are two completely different things. Because of this, having to "just say no" sounds like a pretty lame option, but in reality it might be the smartest choice that you can make. While you might tell yourself that you're just going to drink or use drugs once, the reality is that if you use drugs or drink alcohol at one party, you'll probably do it at another party. This is when things can start to get dangerous.
I highly doubt that anybody (teens and adults alike) starts using drugs or alcohol planning to get addicted or become dependent, but it happens whether we plan it or not. You might intend to try weed, or meth, or cocaine, just once, but before you know it, you are addicted. Because of this very real danger, we need to be informed about the reality of drug and alcohol abuse. It might be fun in the moment, but the long-lasting effects of substance abuse can result in a reality that might not be so great.
There are some serious long-lasting consequences of drug and alcohol abuse as a teenager:
1. Studies have found that teen drug use can result in psychiatric disorders, like depression, in your mid-20s. While drugs and alcohol might make you feel great now, they could make you feel awful as you get older.
2. Like I've said before, we all know that underage drinking is illegal, and probably not the best idea, but we do it anyway. Unfortunately, this can cause some serious consequences like alcoholism and changes in brain functioning. Neither of these seems like a real good time. This site also has links that can help you to find a treatment program if you feel like your substance abuse has gotten out of control.
3. There are many different issues related to adolescent substance abuse, including some very serious consequences that are a result of the abuse of drugs and alcohol. Some of these consequences include developmental problems, physical and mental consequences, and future use disorders.
You may think that using drugs as a teenager isn't that critical, and isn't worth a whole lot of thought. You tell yourself that you'll stop before things get too serious, and everything will be fine. This might seem like a good plan, but it's pretty short-sighted. Nobody wants to feel like a social outcast, but I also don't know a lot of people who want to become dependent on drugs or alcohol, or who want to put themselves at risk for psychiatric disorders. Sure, you'll have a good time now, but that fun could be at the expense of your future. If you ask me, it's not worth it.
Labels: teen-addiction, teen-alcohol-abuse, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse
Summer Substance Abuse
Summer. Every student's favorite time of year. What could be better than three whole, homework-free months of sleeping until noon and hanging out with friends? It doesn't get much better than that.
I think most of us would agree that summer is awesome. Parents are busy working, so you have the house to yourself for the who day, and you don't have school in the morning so you can stay out later on weeknights. This combination is pretty much a recipe for a good time. Unfortunately, this combination can also be a recipe for disaster. Summertime, while pretty excellent, can also create some dangers that don't exist during the rest of the year.
There are more driving related deaths in the summer than during any other time of the year. During the summer, it's really easy just to be swept up in the carefree, party atmosphere. But it's really crucial to remember that the same rules of common sense that apply during the school year, still apply during the summer. It's still not okay to drink and drive, and it's still not okay to let your friends drink and drive. We all know this, but it never hurts to remind yourself that bad things happen, and they can happen to you (even if you think they can't).
Another issue associated with summer is the increase in teen marijuana use during June and July. You just finished final exams and turned in big projects and you just want to relax, so you smoke pot. No big deal, you just use it every now and then with your friends. It may seem like a pretty insignificant matter, but marijuana use can have some pretty serious consequences, like driving while high, underage drinking, or unsafe sexual activity.
Even though you don't have school during the summer, that doesn't mean that you can turn off your brain. There's nothing wrong with having fun, but you shouldn't sacrifice your safety just to have a good time. It's important to look out for yourself and for your friends, and if you think your use of alcohol or other drugs is getting out of control, it is important to ask for help.
Labels: teen-alcohol-abuse, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-substance-abuse
Getting Help for a Substance Abuse Problem
Everybody who has been in high school knows that it can be pretty unpleasant at times. Stress and drama pretty much define the majority of high school experiences, and for teens, using drugs and alcohol is a really easy was to escape the hell that high school can be.
So if drugs and alcohol make you feel better, then what's the big deal? In most cases we already know the answer to this question. Unless you skipped class that day, we all learned that drugs are bad, drinking is dangerous, blah, blah, blah. In one ear and out the other. Most teens know the dangers of using and abusing drugs and other substances, but they either ignore those facts or think that those things won’t happen to them.
If you have a friend who is using drugs, it is important to get them help. This site has some really helpful tips for talking to a friend about their drug problem. Approaching a friend about their drug problem can be really scary, and they might reject your help. But as a good friend, it is important to take that risk and tell your friend that you think they need help.
If you think that you might have a drug problem yourself, there are also ways that you can get help. A good first step would be to talk to your parents, even though they’re probably the last people that you want to ask for help. You and your parents should then check out these two sites:
Sample Treatment Program This link will lead you to a site for a treatment program in Scotts, Valley, CA. This page will show you what an adolescent treatment program might include from detox, to inpatient treatment, to aftercare programs.
Adolescent Treatment Facilities This link will take you to a list of different facilities throughout the country that have treatment programs for adolescents with substance abuse problems.
The idea of admitting that you have a drug problem or confronting a friend about their problem might be really scary, but in the long run you’re really doing yourself and your friend a huge favor.
Labels: teen-addiction, teen-alcohol-abuse, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse
