Adolescent Drug Use

Adolescent Drug Use:
A Parent/Caregiver Guide
Prevention is the key to addressing substance abuse among youth
&
Parents are 50% of prevention!
Parents are the Anti-Drug!
Know the Who? What? When? and Where?
Statistically, most youth that choose not to try
drugs, do so to prevent disappointing their
parents. Does your child know your position on
drug and alcohol use? Is communication about
drugs and alcohol consistent, timely and
appropriate? Are you asking the right
questions?
Why do kids use drugs?
Don’t see “harm” (#1 reason)
If we can increase their perception of harm, we will decrease use!
Think it’s “normal”
“Feels good” , “escape”
Peer influence (belonging)
Personal traits (bored, curious, coping, stress)
Parents are ambivalent, tolerant, or silently
approving of drug use
Drugs are available and tolerated in the
community and media outlets
Easily accessible at home, friend’s home, stores
Teens are “gut” reactors/impulsive
Teen Brain Development
1. The human brain is not fully developed at birth.
Brain “Peaks” at ages 0-3 and 12-21 are associated
with development of NEW CAPACITIES.
2. The brain continues to develop its basic capacities
well into a persons mid-20’s hence the legal drinking
age of 21
3. It is designed to develop in “stages”----on a schedule.
ANYTHING that interferes with our brain during its
“peak” developmental periods can alter development
in ways we cannot predict!!
Teens at Risk
Limbic System
Hippocampus
Memory/Learning
Amygdala
Emotional Behavior
The Developing Limbic System is greatly affected by
drug use in 3 ways:
1. Immediately, altering perceptions or emotions.
2. After repeated use, laying the stage for
dependence by producing symptoms of tolerance
and withdrawal.
3. After chronic use, neurological damage.
Not to mention…
damage to the body!
Heart disease, stroke, high
blood pressure, cancer, chest
pain, respiratory failure,
jaundice, seizures,
headaches, abdominal pain,
loss of appetite, depression,
anxiety, confusion, fainting,
chronic bronchitis, difficulty
in registering, processing,
Not
to
mention
and using information, loss
of coordination, panic
attacks, damage to blood
vessels in the brain,
anorexia, paranoia, etc….
Why shouldn’t kids use drugs?
Physiological/Social problems
Poor Judgment/High-Risk Behaviors
Academic Failure
All psychoactive drugs affect the developing brain
differently (more disruption) than the adult
brain.
Inhibits Social, Emotional and Intellectual
Development by interfering with those “stages”
of brain development.
Teens are at Higher Risk of Dependence
4 times more likely to become addicted!
Section 1 Test Questions
1.
What percentage does parents play in adolescent substance abuse prevention?
a. 10
b. 25
c. 50
d. 100
2.
What is the number one reason that kids use drugs?
a. Stress
b. Curiosity
c. Peer Influence
d. Low perception of harm
3.
What part of the brain controls memory/learning and emotional behavior and is greatly affected
by adolescent drug use?
a. cerebellum
b. limbic system
c. brain stem
d. cerebrum
Ecstasy (MDMA)
“Feel Good” drug
produces profound positive
feelings, empathy for
others, increased
sensitivity to touch,
elimination of anxiety, and
lowered inhibitions.
“XTC” “Lover’s Speed”
“Adam”
“E”
“X”
“Hug Drug”
“Roll”
Designed with various colors and logos such as Nike, McDonald’s, Adidas, CK
“Rollin” (high on X)
Butterfly is the universal symbol
“Sexstasy”–combination of X and Viagra
“X” Effects
40% stimulant 60% hallucinogen
Effects last 4-6 hours
Sometimes used to suppress the need to eat and sleep
Brain scans of users reveal permanent damage to
memory function, decreased receptors for serotonin
(affecting mood)
Physiological reactions include dilated pupils, dry
throat and mouth, grinding of teeth, muscle stiffness,
fatigue, insomnia, agitation
(
Hyperthermia, dehydration, depression, seizures,
convulsions, brain damage, and paranoid psychosis are
noted long-term severe effects
GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate)
The “date rape “drug
“G” “Liquid Ecstasy” “Georgia
Home Boy”
“Grievous Bodily
Harm” “Liquid X”
Central Nervous System
Depressant produces a sedative,
hallucinatory state (drunken
behavior without odor of alcohol)
Causes drowsiness, dizziness,
nausea, amnesia and can slow
breathing and heart rate to
dangerous levels
Overdose effects include
vomiting, headache, loss of
consciousness
Colorless, odorless, slight salty
flavor (often disguised in drinks)
Cocaine
One of the oldest known drugs
Very addictive stimulant
“Crack” is powder cocaine dissolved in
ammonia or baking soda and water.
“Coke” “Snow” “Blow” “Toot” “Flake”
“Rocks” “White Light” “Yayo” “Blood”
“Skitz” “China White” (with Heroin)
“Candy” “Candy Man” (dealer)
Risks: strong psychological dependence,
eating disorders, impotence, seizures,
strokes, malnutrition, damage to nasal
passages, chest pain, tremors, permanent
damage to lungs.
Hallucinogens
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) or “ACID” is blotted on tongue, eyes
or absorbed through skin “microdot” “sugar cubes” “window pane”
Mushshrooms (Psilocybin and psilocyn) or “SHROOMS” are eaten
Salvia divinorium or “MAGIC MINT” leaves are chewed or smoked
Sensations may seem to “cross over,” giving the user the feeling of
“hearing” colors and “seeing” sounds (DISTORTED SENSE OF
REALITY)
Risks: disorientation, sleeplessness, tremors, delusions, extreme mood
swings, possible psychosis, depression, anxiety, flashbacks.
Not considered addictive, but produces tolerance, so users may take
more to get high.
Opiates
“Morphine”
“Heroin”
“Hydrocodone”
“Codeine”
“Oxycodone”
Highly addictive narcotics that block the transmission of
pain messages to the brain (euphoric, sedating, numbing)
Heroin (illegal) - “Brown
Sugar” “Horse” “Smack”
“Skag” “Crap” “Junk”
“Lean” – codeine syrup
Causes drowsiness, slow
shallow breathing, nausea,
constricted pupils
Rapid tolerance and
addiction, severe withdrawal
“Cheese”: The New Face of Heroin
+
=
“Cheese”
Black Tar Heroin
Tylenol PM
Highly addictive and very dangerous
Tan-colored powder usually snorted through the nose
* Young people pack it under their nails
Packaged in a small paper bindle or zip lock baggie
Can be bought for as little as $2 (a “bump” or “hit”)
Drowsiness, euphoria, disorientation, intense thirst
Symptoms of withdrawal include insomnia, flu-like
symptoms (headache, chills, muscle pain) anxiety,
vomiting (that may last up to 5 days)
Chees” “Cheez” “Chz” “Queso” “Chez” “Keso” “Kso”
(Look for these terms on text messages, computers)
Methamphetamine
“Speed”
“Crank”
“Ice”
“Crystal” “Fire” “Glass” “Meth”
Potent Central Nervous System Stimulant – increased alertness,
excitation, insomnia, loss of appetitie
Smoked, snorted, injected, or taken orally.
Made with nasty ingredients such as red phosphorous, acetone,
battery acid, bleach, etc
FLAVOR/COLOR ADDED TO APPEAL TO KIDS -newest craze
of this dangerous street drug designed for younger crowd
“Strawberry Quick” “Orange Crush”
Risks - strong dependence, skin abscesses, malnutrition, psychosis,
neurological damage, increased pulse rate and blood pressure
Methamphetamine
The Face of Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine
The Face of Methamphetamine
Section Two Test Questions
4.
What I is the universal symbol for ecstasy?
a. heart
b. triangle
c. dolphin
d. butterfly
5.
Which drug results in a drunken state like alcohol intoxication, without the odor?
a. codeine syrup
b. GHB
c. “strawberry quick”
d. cheese heroin
6.
The term “Candy Man” is in reference to a dealer for what particular drug?
a. cocaine
b. methamphetamine
c. heroin
d. acid
7.
Salvia Divornium and Mushrooms are _______________________?
a. depressants
b. stimulants
c. hallucinogens
The most popular prescription drug of choice
An anti-anxiety medication (benzodiazapine)
Has superseded marijuana as the most used illicit
drug among youth!
Socially accepted drug of choice for abuse among
youth
Often taken with other drugs
Tranquilizing –slows heart rate and breathing
Access in family medicine cabinets
Sold for about $5 for 3 pills
“Z bars”
“Blue Dolphin”
“Tabs”
“Bars”
“Handlebars”
“Football”
Ritalin and Adderal
Referred to as a “Speed”
Stimulant used to treat ADHD
Abused because of the energizing and
euphoric effects
Risks include hostility, paranoia,
cardiovascular failure and seizures
What is a “pharming party?”
Involves the use of “pharmaceuticals” by teenagers
A gathering arranged without parents so kids can barter
for their favorite prescription drugs
Referred to as “pill-popping or punch bowl parties”
Oxycontin, Vicodin, Valium, Xanax, Ritalin, Adderall
Far easier to obtain than illegal drugs, through parents,
doctors and “shady” internet pharmacies
“Online recipes” – teens share drug cocktails online
75% of prescription drug abusers are poly-substance
users who take other drugs or drink alcohol
“Trail mix” refers to bowls or baggies of random pills
“Pharmimg” looting the family medicine cabinet
Dextromethorphan
DXM, a cough suppressant found
in cold medicines
In high doses, produces visual
hallucinations and a sense of
disassociation.
“Triple C” “Candy” “Skittles”
“Red Devils” “Lean” “Syrup”
“Purple Juice (Drank)” (Nyquil)
“Robo-tripping” (high on med)
Risks: hyperthermia, nausea, high
blood pressure, seizures, brain
damage, coma, and death.
Particularly dangerous with
alcohol
Inhalants…toxic poisons….not drugs!!
Nitrous Oxide
filled balloon
Q: Do you know the danger
inside of a whip cream
canister?
A: Pure nitrous oxide
(uncontrolled laughing gas)
Q: What do Axe deodorant
spray, computer duster, Expo
markers all have in common?
A: All are commonly abused
Huffing
substances inhaled to get high,
depriving the brain of oxygen!
Texas leads the nation in inhalant use deaths!
Risks? Asphyxiation, suffocation, brain damage, loss of hearing,
damage to heart, liver, kidneys, and nervous system, limb spasms,
loss of consciousness
Slang? poppers, rush, moon gas, locker room, whippets, dusting,
glading, air blast, pearls, shoot the breeze, spray, toilet water
How are inhalants used?
Breathed in through nose or mouth by:
“Sniffing” or “Snorting” fumes from container
Spraying aerosols directly into nose/mouth
“Bagging” – sniffing/inhaling fumes from substance sprayed
inside bag
“Huffing” from a soaked rag stuffed in or placed over mouth
Inhaling from balloons filled with nitrous oxide
Placing substance on sleeves, collars that are sniffed over
period of time
Put chemicals on fingernails and put fingers in nose
Heating volatile substances and inhaling vapors
Put chemicals in a soda can and put mouth over it
3% of the nation’s 4th grade population have already inhaled a
substance to get high!
Section Three Test Questions
8.
On a drug test, Xanax will show up as _____________________?
a. Opiate
b. Benzodiazepine
c. Amphetamine
d. THC
9.
“Robo-tripping” is used to describe being high on what drug?
a. Oxycodone
b. Ecstasy
c. GHB
d. Cough Suppressant
10.
What dangerous substance is inside a canister of whip cream?
a. Butyl nitrite
b. Gasoline
c. Nitrous oxide
d. Butane
Tobacco – Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco
Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S., killing
more than 440,000 U.S. Citizens each year----more than alcohol, cocaine,
heroin, homicide, suicide, car accidents, fire, and AIDS combined.
Smoking is most common cause of lung cancer and leading cause of cancer of
mouth, throat, bladder, pancreas and kidneys
Smokeless tobacco contains 28 ingredients that can cause cancer of the
mouth, bleeding gums and mouth sores
Cigarettes contain nicotine – powerfully addictive substance
200 known poisons in cigarette smoke affect teen’s normal body development,
affect appearance, causing chronic bronchitis, heart disease and stroke
Difficulty playing sports, causing shortness of breath, dizziness and
dehydration
The direct and indirect costs of smoking are estimated at more than $100
billion per year.
Everyday in the U.S., nearly 4400 people under the age of 18 will start
smoking! Nearly 1/3 of them will eventually die from a related disease.
Alcohol
booze, white lightning,
brew, liquor, beer, wine
Alcohol is involved in nearly one-third of youth traffic fatalities.
Texas is #1 in the nation for adolescent alcohol-related traffic fatalities!
The average age Tarrant County youth begin drinking is 11.6
Alcohol accounts for 30-40% of hospital admissions each year.
Drinking teens have a 10% smaller hippocampus and perform 10% poorer on
memory, geometry, and IQ tests.
Alcohol now in some energy drinks and often disguised!
Youth who begin drinking before age 15 are 4 X more likely to become alcoholic!
High physical and psychological dependence and tolerance
Wake up to the risks of Marijuana!
“Smack” “Weed” “MJ” “Reefer” “Swag” “Herb” “Dro” “Bud”
“Purple Haze” “Pot” “Chronic” “Joint” “Ganja”
“Wet/Water/Fry” (dipped in embalming fluid) “Blunt” (rolled in cigar paper)
“Primo” (with cocaine) “Swisher Sweet” (cigar with marijuana)
“Smoking the babies” “Babysitting” “Wake and Bake” (use of marj)
Widely used illicit drug among youth due to low perception of
harm.
Marijuana is NOT a harmless drug. It affects the brain
(memory), lungs, immune system, self-control and mental health
Teens are trying marijuana at a time when their bodies and
brains are still developing, leading to health, social and
behavioral problems
Average age for first-time use of marijuana is now 9 years old!
Marijuana
THC Alert!!
In 1974, the average THC content of illicit Marijuana was
less then 1%
Today, the THC levels in Marijuana (“blunts”) range
from 18-24%, up to 36%....more potent and more intense
Most common admittance to adolescent treatment is for
marijuana dependence!
Users have trouble quitting and experience withdrawal
symptoms of irritability, insomnia, anxiety, paranoia
Adolescent marijuana users show lower academic
achievement and difficulty with problem solving
Synthetic substances similar to male sex hormone testosterone
Doctors never prescribe anabolic steroids to young, healthy people to
help build muscle – Without a prescription, steroids are
ILLEGAL!
Anabolic refers to muscle-building
On the street, steroids may be called “roids” or “juice”
Higher use among males, but growing most rapidly among females
Motivation for use include desire to build muscle, reduce body fat and
improve sports performance
Some of the common anabolic steroids:
Anadrol
Oxandrin
Dianabol
Winstrol
Deca-durabolin
Equipoise
SIGNS OF USE:
SIGNIFICANT BREAK OUT OF ACNE………PIMPLES!
SUDDEN MUSCLE GROWTH
MOOD SWINGS (VIOLENT, COMBATIVE BEHAVIOR)
HAIR LOSS
DRAMATIC CHANGE IN STYLE (DRESS AND HAIR)
EXCESSIVE USE OF MOUTHWASH /BRUSHING TEETH DUE TO FOUL BREATH
PARANOID BEHAVIOR - SECRETIVE
DAMAGING EFFECTS:
LIVER TUMORS
CANCER
CLOGGED HEART
JAUNDICE
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
HORMONAL IMBALANCE IN TEENAGERS
STUNTED GROWTH FOR ADOLESCENTS
GUYS – SHRUNKEN TESTICLES , DEVELOPMENT OF BREAST
GIRLS – GROWTH OF FACIAL/BODY HAIR, DEEPENED VOICE
WEAKENING OF IMMUNE SYSTEM – DEATH
INCREASED RISK OF CONTRACTING HIV/AIDS OR HEPATITIS
What about energy
drinks?
Recent survey by Simmons Research indicated that 31% of
adolescents consume energy drinks on a regular basis, most of
them unaware of the harmful effects on their health
There are high doses of unhealthy chemicals in energy drinks,
including large amounts of Vitamin B, sugar and caffeine (a
stimulant “drug” and should be treated with caution)
causing rapid heartbeat and numbness/tingling in feet/hands
Can hook kids on an unhealthy “jolt and crash” cycle
Biggest worry is how some teens use the drinks – drinking several
cans to get a “buzz”, possibly causing a caffeine overdose. A
new study found an increase in poison control center calls from
young people that consumed energy drinks
Danger only adds to the appeal for teenagers!
ALCOHOLIC ENERGY DRINKS
Do you know the difference?
Can you tell which of these contains alcohol?
Many energy drinks now contain alcohol despite visual similarities
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Section Four Test Questions
11.
How many people under the age of 18 will begin smoking each day?
a. 500
b. 1500
c. 3000
d. 4400
12.
Youth who begin drinking before the age of 15 are how many times more likely to become
alcoholic?
a. 4 times
b. 2 times
c. 3 times
d. No more likely
13.
Wet is a slang term for marijuana dipped in __________.
a. Cough Syrup
b. GHB
c. Alcohol
d. Embalming Fluid
Section Five
Where are the drugs?
Reef Sandals – stash compartment and hidden flask
Tennis shoes -under the soles, slipped under the loop
in the tongue
Clothes – Hoodies & Pants - in cuffs, waistbands,
pockets, cap hidden compartments
Backpacks, book bags
Girl’s bras
Binders, inside books
Inside color markers/highlighters (may be pipes)
Belt buckles, belts with inside zipper
Battery compartments of cell phones
Secret safes that look like books, soda cans,
water bottles, etc
Parents/Caregivers…….
What Can we Do?
Model Behavior
Talk to Our Kids
Reward Good Behavior
Teach Refusal Skills (Role Play)
Educate Ourselves
Listen to Our Kids
Know Who, What, When, Where
Offer Alternatives/Activities
Adolescents Need:
ƒ
Education – Overview of what drugs are, what drugs look
like, and harmful effects, which means YOU MUST
KNOW FIRST!
ƒ
Prevention – Promote developmental assets so that
students are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. DRUG
TEST…..gives them one more reason to say NO!
ƒ
Intervention – Drug testing, counseling, and/or treatment
Do NOT turn the other way. Acknowledge the red flag
and do something immediately.
ƒ
Did you know?
In a recent survey, two-thirds of
kids interviewed said that losing
their parents’ respect is one of the
main reasons they don’t smoke
marijuana or use other drugs!!
Teens are 60% less likely to
drink alcohol if they know their
parents disapprove. Set a firm
rule of no drug use in your
family.
Create Barriers!
Lock medicine cabinets. Take prescribed, potentially
abused medication with you.
Lock alcohol or only buy what you will consume.
Buy whip cream tub….not canister.
Check “My Space” and “Facebook” pages (become
a “friend”) and on-line chats
Check cell phone text messages.
It’s your house…..check rooms! (and cars)
Call police if drugs or paraphernalia found
Follow through on what you say.
GENERAL SIGNS OF USE (Red Flags)
Dramatic changes in style of clothes, hair or music.
Change in friends your child hangs out with.
Tardiness and/or truancies.
Lack of motivation in school/change in grades.
Isolating from family.
Dramatic changes in attitude and personality.
Changes in sleep patterns.
Excessive use of foul or obscene language.
Eating pattern changes.
Dilated eyes—red eyes—glazed eyes.
Sudden bursts of anger.
Lies!!
Dramatic mood swings.
Excessive money requirements or money disappearing.
Talking too slow or too fast.
Know Who, What, When, Where
It's hard to lose your
best friend, especially
when it's your son.
I pry into his life.
He says, I'll never treat
my son like this.
And I think, if you love
him you will
Section Five Test Questions
14.
Which is NOT recommended for parents to do?
a. Teach refusal skills
b. Limit access to substances
c. Check cell phones, computers, rooms
d. Allow child to drink alcohol only in your home
e. Educate selves
15.
Drug testing is an example of :
a. Education
b. Prevention
c. Intervention
d. Both b and c
e. All of the above
d. None of the above
If we can help our kids get through their
teenage years without trying drugs...
They are likely never to
use drugs as an adult.
Marcene Weatherall, MA
Keller ISD
Coordinator Drug/Alcohol Services
817-744-1065
[email protected]
Source: SAMHSA National Household Survey on Drug Abuse
ONLINE RESOURCES:
WWW.THEANTIDRUG.COM
WWW.HEALTH.ORG (free resources)
WWW.INHALANTABUSETRAINING.ORG
(self-paced, parent education)
WWW.FREEVIBE.COM (for youth)
WWW.STEROIDABUSE.ORG
WWW.NIDA.NIH.GOV (drug facts)
WWW.TEENS.DRUGABUSE.GOV (for teens)
WWW.DRUGFREE.ORG
WWW.PARENTINGTEENS.ABOUT.COM