Teens and Drug Abuse

October 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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Overview
Substance abuse of teenagers and juveniles is a concerning issue in the United States. Drugs being abused by adolescents include the same substances adults have abused: alcohol, tobacco, cannabinoids (marijuana), over the counter medications (Sudafed and Benadryl), inhalants (ammonia, gasoline), stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines), depressants (barbiturates or benzodiazepines), narcotics (heroin, morphine, codeine), hallucinogens (LSD or mushrooms), steroids, and Ecstasy.

In a 1998 survey, it was found that ten percent of 12 to 17 year-olds used illegal drugs, including marijuana, inhalants, and cocaine – marijuana was most often used. In 2002, the same survey still showed significant teen drug use, although there was a drop in overall consumption to just over eight percent with marijuana still topping the list of illegal substances. In fact, in 2002 a survey of high school sophomores showed that one third of them used marijuana within that year, and one fifth had used it within the month.

In addition to drugs, alcohol consumption for underage is an issue – alcohol is responsible for the deaths of five times the number of teens than all the other drugs combined, mostly through alcohol-related accidents. Underage drinking is an expensive issue in the United States, costing taxpayers over $58 billion each year.

Drug Use is Detrimental to Teens
When adolescents use drugs, it affects their academic abilities – this includes the ability to pay attention, absorb and remember new material, and could result in behavioral issues such as skipping class or starting fights. Even more problematic, is the likelihood that drug usage can lead to drug abuse and that can lead to a dependency problem, one that requires intervention to overcome.

Another issue revolves around teens and sex. When juveniles are high or drunk they are more likely to engage in uninhibited behavior such as having sex when they wouldn’t otherwise, having unprotected sex, having sex with a stranger – this could lead to sexually transmitted diseases and/or unplanned pregnancy. Drugs also affect all of the body’s systems and many organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, etc. Therefore, drugs can result in health problems.

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Symptoms and Treatment of Drug Abuse in Teens

October 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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Symptoms and Treatment of Drug Abuse in Teens

Drug Abuse in Teens – What to Look For

When teenagers are using drugs or alcohol there are certain characteristic behaviors to look for. Generally speaking, lying is a big symptom of drug abuse. Others include not keeping to curfew, excessive time spent alone in their bedroom, possessing items that are typically used for drugs (paraphernalia), the tendency to become physically or verbally abusive towards family members, friends, or strangers, changes in friends they hang out with, moodiness, unexplained smells, and other behavioral symptoms.

Treatments for Teen Drug Abuse

The first thing to address is ensure the teenager is physically and medically stable, since drugs can affect bodily functions such as the heart, blood pressure, and even breathing. Fluids may need to be administered in cases of dehydration or high temperatures dealt with. Along these lines, look for suicidal tendencies – judgement is impaired due to drugs, making your teen more of a candidate for harming themselves or even others.

Next, medications may be used to counteract the effects of the specific drug that has been abused. Depending on the addiction, there may be a medication that will help with withdrawal symptoms or to block the effects of the drug. For instance, Naltrexone is effective for treating opiate addiction because it blocks the effects. In severe cases, the best option may be an in-patient treatment facility to allow for detoxification and support through the withdrawal process.

Education is important in the fight against drug abuse. The more educated teens are about the dangers of drugs, the more prepared they will be.

Psychological efforts are effective in conjunction with medical efforts. Counseling or cognitive-behavioral therapy, whether individual or in group sessions, can be helpful in overcoming an addiction. Part of this will be the awareness that certain people, situations or places increase the urge to use, so the patient is cautioned to change patterns.

Parents may want to opt to have their teen tested randomly for use of drugs as part of the treatment program.

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Popular Drugs for Teenagers

July 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Drug experimentation is common among teenagers, reports the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. While the majority will use drugs once and move on, others will develop an addiction. Teenagers who are at risk for developing a substance abuse addiction include those who have a family member with an addiction, those with low self-esteem, those who suffer from depression, and those who feel like outcasts.

Teenagers abuse a variety of substances, but some are more popular than others. These include alcohol, prescription medication, tobacco, inhalants, marijuana, over-the-counter medications, stimulants, depressants, heroin, club drugs, and steroids.

According to one study, teenagers who smoke tobacco are more likely to drink alcohol, smoke marijuana, and use cocaine than those who do not. Among the prescription dugs that teenagers use, studies show teenagers tend to favor Ritalin, OxyConntin, and Adderall. Teenagers will raid medicine cabinets and take whatever pills they find. Many of the inhalants that teenagers use to get high are common household products. Using inhalants has several street names, including wanging, huffing, and sniffing.

Teenagers who abuse over-the-counter products tend to follow a similar trend as those who abuse prescriptions drugs. They will take whatever they find in the cabinet. If they are buying products for a substance abuse problem, they may buy cough medication, diet pills, or sleeping aids.

Teenagers have access to club drugs at raves or trances. These dance activities often combine drug use with partying. Teenagers may try Ecstasy, rophies, methamphetamines, and LSD. Many club drugs have no taste, color, or odor, making it possible to spike a person’s drink.

While some teenagers use drugs as a way of experimenting, many develop substance abuse addictions. If you are a teen or you know a teen suffering from an addiction, there are ways to beat the problem. Substance abuse treatment centers can give you the tools you need to overcome your dependence on the substance. They can help you detox and get clean. Many specialize in rehab programs for teens.

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4th of July Teenage Drinking Increases Emergency Room Visits

June 28, 2010 By 1 Comment

As America celebrated its birthday on July 4, families across the nation pulled out the grills and prepared for a day of fun. While adults were enjoying cans or bottles of their favorite beer, many failed to notice teenagers sneaking their own cans of beer from the cooler. Some parents did notice, but felt like it wasn’t a big deal. Unfortunately, an addiction to alcohol can start at any age. Many adults suffering from alcohol dependence admit their addictions began as teenagers.

Teenage alcohol addiction may not seem like a problem, but it can include serious symptoms of addiction. These symptoms include loss of control, physical dependence on alcohol, lowered inhibitions, and craving a drink. Left untreated this problem can rage out of control.

In addition to leading to a serious problem later in life, there is another reason for adults to keep an eye on the beverage cooler during the 4th of July. A study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported an 87 percent increase in the number of emergency room visits related to teenage drinking over the 4th of July weekend when compared to other weekends throughout the year. Some of these emergency room visits ended in the death of a person, often a teenager.

Parents who suspect their children have been drinking can take steps to help prevent visits to the emergency room and death. The following steps can help parents enjoy the celebration without ending the day with a trip to the emergency room.

1. Keep an eye on the beverage cooler.
2. Make sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks for teens.
3. Take the keys and make sure a sober person drives everyone home.
4. Talk with teenagers about the dangers of drinking and driving.

Parents who pay attention to their teenagers during the summer holiday may notice signs of a more serious problem. When this happens, they may need to consider whether the problem warrants a substance abuse program. A teenager with an alcohol problem may need to enter rehab for a period of time. Even after detoxing, he or she may need after-care treatment.

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Weekend Rave Ends in Teenage Death and Ecstasy Overdoses

June 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Electric Daisy Carnival, held the weekend of June 26th, 2010, attracted over 185,000 people. Partygoers who attended the event at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum enjoyed the electronic rave, until people started going to the hospital for drug overdoses. Officials said the use of the hallucinogen Ecstasy was widespread and a contributing factor in the drug overdose death of a 15-year-old girl.

Since 2005, Ecstasy has increased in popularity among substance abuse users. According to rehab centers, the amount of users claiming the hallucinogen as the primary problem has increased seven times. Affecting about 33.6 people out of 10,000, Ecstasy isn’t as big as a problem as some of the other drugs on the market, but the increased use at raves has authorities concerned.

Dr. Elizabeth Mitchell, an emergency room physician near the venue, said, “I have worked overnight for several such events and have been truly astounded by what I have seen. There is something about seeing a comatose, scantily clad, critically ill teenager who will go on to be brain dead, which has upset me more than I thought possible.” Some of these cases end in the death of teenagers.

One of the problems with Ecstasy is teenagers think it’s a safe drug to use. The documented side effects of Ecstasy are just as concerning as other drugs. People who take the synthetic stimulant may experience heart palpitations, seizures, an increased body temperature of 109 degrees, and trouble breathing.

Adding to the problem is a slow response time from security staff at raves. One 17-year-old girl found a security guard after taking Ecstasy and having a bad reaction. She told the guard what symptoms she was having, and he responded it was natural. The girl persisted that she needed medical attention and finally convinced the guard to take her to the paramedics. At a Halloween rave at the Los Angeles sports arena, it took several minutes before security guards responded to a situation.

If you think you have a problem with Ecstasy, there are substance abuse treatment centers that can help you overcome the addiction.

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