Nov
16
Posted by Admin
Teenagers who turn moody, spend a lot of time in their rooms and lose interest in hobbies or sports are acting typical, right? True, but that kind of behavior can also be a sign that your child is using alcohol or other drugs. These symptoms may not necessarily mean your child has a drug problem. It could signal depression or an eating disorder. Here are some signs that might mean your child is abusing substances:
- Drugs and drug paraphernalia, such as pipes, rolling papers, eye drops and butane lighters
- Seeming hostile and uncooperative
- Increased borrowing of money from parents or friends
- Stealing
- Moodiness
- Withdrawal, isolation, depression and fatigue
- Suddenly missing a lot of school or work
- Sudden resistance to discipline
- Unusual temper flare-ups
- Loss of interest in hobbies and sports
- Change in eating or sleeping habits
- Associating with new friends who use drugs
- Loss of interest in appearance or drastic change in appearance
- Heightened secrecy about actions or possessions
- Change in sleeping or eating habits
- Frequent headaches, nosebleeds and other physical problems without an apparent reason
- Smell of chemicals or drugs
Signs of addiction include:
- A feeling that you need the drug all the time
- Keeping a supply of the drug
- Not being able to stop using the drug
- Feeling like you need the drug to cope with your emotions and problems
- Using the drug when you are driving
Marijuana
A study of heavy marijuana smokers who are college students shows attention, memory and learning are affected, even after stopping for at least 24 hours, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The American Psychiatric Association says marijuana may cause panic attacks, paranoia and even psychosis (an extreme mental disorder), especially if users are having trouble with anxiety, depression or thinking. Marijuana used during the first month of breastfeeding can harm a baby's motor skills.
Side effects of marijuana use are:
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Trouble with memory and learning
- Faster heart rate
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Poor judgment, such as getting into a car with other teens who are using marijuana
- Becoming physically dependent
People who smoke the drug consistently may have the same respiratory problems as people who smoke tobacco. This kind of abuse can destroy lung tissue. Symptoms of chronic use may include:
- Daily cough and phlegm
- Chronic bronchitis
- Frequent colds
Ecstasy
This drug may cause:
- Confusion
- Depression
- Sleep problems
- Severe anxiety
- Paranoia during and sometimes weeks after taking the drug
- Muscle tension
- Teeth clenching
- Nausea
- Blurry vision
- Rapid eye movement
- Feeling lightheaded
- Chills or sweating
- Faster heart rate and higher blood pressure
Rohypnol
The short-term effects of Rohypnol include:
- Drowsiness
- Muscle relaxation
- Memory problems
- Decreased blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Aggressive behavior in some people
GHB
GHB is sedating. The drug can cause coma and seizures and, when used with methamphetamine, the risk of seizure increases. Combining other drugs such as alcohol can result in nausea and difficulty breathing. Withdrawal from the drug can cause insomnia, anxiety, tremors and sweating.
Special K (Ketamine)
Effects are:
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
- Amnesia
- Poor motor function
- Possibly fatal respiratory problems
- Lost sense of time
- Lost sense of self
Methamphetamine
Taken by an injection, the user has an extremely pleasurable sensation called a rush that lasts a few minutes. When taken through the mouth or nose, the person has a euphoric feeling, which is a high, but not the same as a rush. Addiction happens quickly.
Short-term effects include:
- Feeling alert
- More energy
- Not feeling hungry
- Quick breathing
- Euphoria
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Confusion
- Tremors
- Convulsions
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Aggressiveness
- Hyperthermia and convulsions that can lead to death
Long-term use can cause:
- Faster heart rate and high blood pressure
- Permanent damage to blood vessels in the brain, producing strokes
- Breathing problems
- Irregular heartbeat
- Extreme anorexia
- Death
LSD
The user may feel several emotions at once or swing rapidly from one emotion to another. The drug may lead to delusions and visual hallucinations. Sense of time and self-changes. Users may feel like they are hearing colors or seeing sounds. These feelings can be scary. Symptoms include:
- Terrifying thoughts and feelings
- Fear of losing control
- Fear of insanity and death
- Feelings of despair
- Dilated pupils
- Higher body temperature
- Faster heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Sweating
- Not feeling hungry
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Tremors
Fatal accidents can happen while under the influence of LSD.
Inhalants
Inhalants may cause permanent damage to the brain, nerve cells, heart and lungs. Symptoms may include:
- Heart palpitations
- Trouble breathing
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Unusual breath odor or chemical odor on clothing
- Spots or sores around the mouth
- Nausea or not feeling hungry
- Slurred speech
- Drunk or dazed appearance
- Red or runny eyes or nose
Nearly all abused inhalants slow down the body's functions and can cause intoxicating effects that can last for a few minutes or several hours. Users also feel slightly stimulated. Eventually, as they sniff more, they feel less in control. They may even pass out.
Sniffing a lot of chemicals in solvents or aerosol sprays can cause heart failure and death. This is particularly true of fluorocarbons and butane-type gases. These gases can cause death from suffocation by displacing oxygen in the lungs.
Permanent effects include:
- Hearing loss from using paint sprays, glues, dewaxers, cleaning fluids and correction fluids
- Central nervous system or brain damage from paint sprays, glues and dewaxers
- Nerve damage in the arms and legs from glues, gasoline, whipping cream and gas cylinders
- Central nervous system or brain damage from paint sprays, glues and dewaxers
- Bone marrow damage from gasoline
- Liver and kidney damage from correction fluids and dry cleaning fluids
DXM
If you see your teenager taking a lot of over-the-counter cold and flu medications, particularly if they aren't sick, get them help. Also, look out for cough and cold medications that seem to disappear from the medicine cabinet or packages of cough and cold drugs in your teen's room or backpack. Symptoms include:
- Poor judgment
- Loss of coordination
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Hot flashes
- Feelings of being dissociated from the body
- Hallucinations
Ritalin
The drug may cause:
- Psychotic episodes
- Cardiovascular problems
- Severe psychological addiction
- High body temperature
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fatal seizures
- Hostility
- Feelings of paranoia
OxyContin
This drug may cause problems with breathing that may lead to death. Withdrawal may include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, vomiting, feeling cold and involuntary leg movements.
Barbiturates and benzodiazepines
In low doses, these drugs lower:
- Anxiety
- Breathing rates
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Rapid eye movement sleep (deep sleep)
In higher doses, these drugs can act like stimulants and lower inhibitions. They can also make the person very tired and can lead to coma and even death.
Steroids
Effects may include:
- Excessive and rapid muscle growth
- Increased aggression, even violent
- Extreme mood changes
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Mania
- Delusions
Problems may eventually lead to a higher risk for heart attack, strokes and stunted growth.
Cocaine
When people stop using cocaine, they may become depressed. This depression sets up a vicious cycle because users try to alleviate the depression through the drug. Often more and more cocaine is needed to produce the same effect. Prolonged cocaine use can damage the nasal septum (a partition between the nasal cavities) and may cause it to collapse. Cocaine-related deaths are usually because the person had a heart attack or a seizure followed by not being able to breathe.
Signs of cocaine abuse:
- Disturbances in heart rhythm
- Increased heart and breathing rates
- High blood pressure
- Dilated pupils
- Loss of appetite
- Hyperactive
- Talkativeness
- Irritability
- Argumentativeness
- Nervousness
- Agitation
If the person takes a lot of cocaine, these problems might also occur:
- Loss of coordination
- Collapse
- Perspiration
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Delusions
- Heart attack
- Chest pain
- Rhabdomyolysis with acute kidney failure
- Respiratory failure
- Stroke
- Seizure
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Sexual dysfunction
- Placenta abruption in pregnancy
- Nausea
- Paranoia
Heroin
Users may have:
- A surge of euphoria, a sense of feeling good
- Warm flushing of the skin
- A dry mouth
- Heavy feeling in arms and legs
- Muddled thinking
- Alternations between wakeful and sleepy states
Long-term use of heroin may lead to:
- Collapsed veins
- Infection of the heart lining and valves
- Abscesses
- Cellulitis
- Liver disease
- Death
PCP
- Feelings of detachment and distance from the user's surroundings
- Numbness
- Slurred speech
- Loss of coordination
- A sense of strength and invulnerability
- A blank stare
- Rapid and involuntary eye movement
- Hearing things that aren't there
- Severe mood changes
- Amnesia
- Sometimes anxiety, a feeling of impending doom or psychosis
- Rage and anger
A low to moderate dose may cause:
- Shallow breathing
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Numbness of the arms and legs
- Flushing
- Profuse sweating
High doses may cause:
- A drop in blood pressure and heart rate
- Shallow breathing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Flicking up and down of the eyes
- Drooling
- Loss of balance
- Dizziness
- Illusions, delusions and hallucinations
- Speech is sparse and garbled
Long-term use of PCP may lead to coma. Problems with long-term use may include:
- Memory loss
- Speech problems
- Depression
- Weight loss
- Loss of motor skills
- Loss of short-term memory
- Mood disorders
Mushrooms
Effects depend on the dosage and the age of the mushrooms. Effects include:
- Muscle relaxation
- Dilation of pupils
- Vivid and auditory hallucinations
- Emotional disturbances
More on Teen Substance Abuse
In the Encyclopedia:
Signs of Teen Substance Abuse
 |
Stealing |
|
Moodiness |
|
Depression |
|
Missing school or work |
|
Unusual temper flare-ups |
|
Loss of interest in hobbies and sports |
|
Change in eating or sleeping habits |
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
Share This
Tags:
Teen Substance Abuse
Related posts
Nov
16
Posted by Admin
Abuse vs. Addiction
You have a tough job. Keeping your child away from drugs and alcohol is challenging. Half of all 12th graders have used have used illicit drugs, according to a survey (Monitoring the Future) sponsored and released by the National Institute on Drug Abuse in 2006. But with love and attention, you can do it. Your best weapon is to arm yourself with education. What substances are out there? What are the signs of abuse and addiction? If you think your child is abusing or is addicted, get help immediately and educate yourself.
Abuse and addiction are not the same. Drug abuse always comes before addiction, which is a chronic and treatable disease. Drug abuse starts when your teen makes a conscious decision to take drugs. Used too often, drugs may cause your child to crave the substance. That's because physical changes in the brain take place. Neurons, or brain cells, use chemical messengers called neurotransmitters to "talk" to each other. Drugs interfere with this process by making both temporary and structural changes in brain cells. Mood, memory, thinking and even motor skills such as walking may be affected. When this happens, drug abuse turns into addiction. People who are addicted have a compulsive craving and cannot quit by themselves. Not everyone becomes addicted. But any drug abuse is dangerous.
Teenagers are in a phase of life in which their brains and bodies are still developing. New research suggests that alcohol may harm a developing teen's brain. Drug abuse and addiction interfere with their sense of who they are and how they learn and mature. These problems can harm a teen's future - physically, emotionally and behaviorally, even leading to depression and anxiety. Drugs can weaken the ability to concentrate and store information. Being under the influence of drugs can also impair judgment, leading to risky decisions about sex or about getting into a car with someone who is also under the influence.
Substances that can lead to drug abuse and addiction include alcohol, steroids, over-the-counter medications, prescription medications and illegal drugs (e.g., cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine and heroin).
Alcohol
The 2005 National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimates that there are 11 million underage drinkers in the U.S. Nearly 7.2 million teens are binge drinkers, meaning that they drank more than five drinks on occasion; more than two million are classified as heavy drinkers. For adults, alcohol is legal, widely accepted in American culture and easily accessible. Some teens can get a drink at home. Our culture also makes drinking look fun and harmless. Teenagers are drinking younger and more frequently than before, often beginning at age 13. A report from the Surgeon General in 2007 indicated that if a teen starts to drink before age 15, he or she is five times more likely to have alcohol-related problems later in life. Alcohol is a depressant, affecting the body and mind. Alcohol travels to the brain, organs, liver, kidneys, stomach, nervous system and even muscles. The effects of alcohol may start within five to 10 minutes and last for hours. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says 2.6 million young people don't know that someone can die from too much alcohol. Teens who drink regularly are at a higher risk for cirrhosis (a dangerous inflammation of the liver), pancreatitis (a dangerous inflammation of the pancreas), stroke and even cancer than those who do not.
Marijuana
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug among teens. This drug looks like a green, brown or gray mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds and flowers. Common names for the drug include pot, herb, Mary Jane, grass, weed, boom, gangster and chronic. Marijuana is usually smoked as a hand-rolled cigarette, in a pipe or in a glass tube called a bong. Marijuana is not harmless. Teens can become addicted to the drug. And teens who use marijuana often do risky things such as having sex and getting into trouble with the law. Marijuana can also hurt how well your child does in school. Marijuana can change the brain in ways similar to cocaine, heroin or alcohol.
Ecstasy
Ecstasy is a psychoactive (mind-altering) drug that can cause hallucinations. It also creates an amphetamine-like effect, or a calming sensation. This drug is also called MDMA, Adam and XTC. The drug may permanently damage brain cells called neurons, specifically the ones that deal with serotonin, a chemical that regulates emotions, memory, sleep, pain and other functions.
This drug may also damage the neurotransmitter dopamine. This can cause motor problems similar to Parkinson's disease. Symptoms begin with lack of coordination and tremors, and can eventually result in paralysis. Ecstasy is classified as a club drug, used mostly by teens at clubs, rock concerts and dance parties called raves. The drug looks like a tablet or capsule, usually with some sort of symbol on it. Sometimes it's in a powder form. Ecstasy may lower inhibitions and enhance feelings of love and affection.
Rohypnol®
Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) is used as a date rape drug because it is odorless and tasteless, making it easy to slip into a drink. When Rohypnol is mixed with alcohol, it prevents the victim from fighting a sexual assault. The drug may also be deadly when used with alcohol. Rohypnol is used legally in Europe for short-term treatment of insomnia and as a presurgery anesthetic. The drug is 10 times more potent than Valium® (diazepam). However, the United States has not approved its use for any medical treatment. It is also known as rophies, roofies, roach and rope. The drug starts to work within 30 minutes and peaks within two hours. Its effects may last eight hours or more.
Barbiturates and benzodiazepines
Barbiturates are a prescription drug class, which includes pentobarbital (Nembutal®), secobarbital (Seconal®), amobarbital (Amytal®) and phenobarbital (Luminal®). Slang names for these barbiturates include yellow jackets, reds, blues, Amy's and rainbows. A newer group of drugs called benzodiazepines replaced many barbiturates. Benzodiazepines include diazepam (Valium®), chlordiazepoxide HCl (Librium®) and alprazolam (Xanax®). Benzodiazepines such as triazolam (Halcion®) and estazolam (ProSom®) may be prescribed for short-term treatment for sleep disorders. However, they lose their effectiveness if used every day. These drugs treat anxiety disorders, tension, panic attacks and sleep disorders. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines may lead to tolerance and dependence if abused. Tolerance means more of the drug is needed to get the same effect. Dependence occurs when withdrawal symptoms appear if the drug is stopped. These drugs slow physical, mental and emotional reactions. Teens continue to abuse prescription drugs including narcotics, tranquilizers and sedatives at high levels, according to the 2006 Monitoring the Future study.
GHB
Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a chemical first used by body builders to get bigger muscles. However, teens take it to get into a state of relaxation. Usually, teens take GHB with other drugs such as ecstasy to enhance the effects. GHB is being used in date rape, even more so than Rohypnol. Because it does not have a smell and is mostly tasteless, the drug can easily be slipped into someone's drink. Effects are felt within 20 minutes and last as long as four hours. GHB is made from a chemical used to clean electrical circuit boards. You may see it as a clear liquid, white powder, capsule or tablet. GHB was created in France more than 40 years ago as a possible anesthetic. However, GHB was not used because of its side effects. Steroid users started taking the drug in the late 1980s because they thought it would help them add muscle. GHB was banned by the Food and Drug Administration in 1990 because the drug caused seizures and coma in some people. The drug can even cause death. GHB can lead to vomiting, liver failure, potentially fatal breathing problems, tremors and seizures, which can cause comas. In contrast to the abused, GHB is the FDA-approved medication Xyrem® (sodium oxybate), which is derived from GHB. It is indicated for the treatment of narcolepsy with cataplexy.
Ketamine
Ketamine hydrochloride, or Special K, is a hallucinogen and is used to sedate animals. Users call the high it creates "K hole." The drug causes visual hallucinations, and users lose sense of time and sense of self. The effects can last as long as two hours. Special K is a powder and is usually snorted. Sometimes it is used with tobacco or marijuana and smoked. Often Special K is used with ecstasy, heroin or cocaine.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant. The drug is related to amphetamine, but its effects on the central nervous system are much worse. Methamphetamine is also called speed, meth and chalk. The drug damages brain cells that have dopamine and serotonin. Methamphetamine eventually causes lower levels of dopamine, creating symptoms like those of Parkinson's disease. Methamphetamine is taken through the mouth, through the nose, by a shot injected into a vein and by smoking. Addiction happens quickly.
LSD
LSD, or acid, does not smell or have a color. Rather, it has a slightly bitter taste and is taken by mouth. The drug is usually put on absorbent paper, such as blotter paper. Reaction to LSD varies from person to person. It depends on how much is taken and on the person's personality and mood. Effects are felt within 90 minutes, and LSD trips begin to go away after 12 hours. Many LSD users have flashbacks, which means certain aspects of that LSD trip return without the user having taken the drug. A flashback happens without warning and may occur within days or even a year later.
Inhalants
The peak age for using inhalants is 14-15, with children as young as 5 or 6 years of age abusing household substances to get high. It is now as common as marijuana with young people. By 12th grade, it's estimated that 11.1 percent of students have used inhalants, according to University of Michigan's annual Monitoring the Future study. Inhalants such as nail polish remover, cleaning fluid, gasoline, correction fluid, bleach and spray paint are among the most popular drugs, mostly because they are easily available. Inhalant abuse can cause death even when used for the first time. Hundreds of household products are used. Kids either sniff it directly from an open container or by breathing in the chemical from a soaked rag. Many teenagers think these chemicals won't harm them, but they can be habit-forming and have serious effects on brain functioning. They can also cause sudden death.
Over-the-counter drugs
Over-the-counter (OTC) cold remedies are often abused by teens, but not many parents are aware of this risk. When used correctly, these medications are safe and effective. But an ingredient in nearly half of these medications called dextromethorphan (DXM) is why kids take large doses of these medications. When taken in high doses, DXM can cause a high or psychoactive effect. DXM is a cough suppressant and is in more than 125 OTC products. Abusing the drug can cause a depressive mood and a mild hallucinogenic effect. Users have feelings ranging from a mild stimulant effect with distorted visual perceptions to feeling complete dissociation from the body. Driving is dangerous under the influence of this substance. The 2006 Monitoring the Future study showed that one in every 14 twelfth graders had abused cough or cold medicines at some point.
Ritalin®
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a medication generally prescribed for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), however it can be prescribed for other medical conditions. Ritalin calms hyperactive children and helps them focus. This drug is safe and helpful and not addictive if taken according to a doctor's orders. However, the drug is being abused by people who did not get the medication prescribed to them. Some teenagers mix Ritalin with heroin, or with cocaine and heroin for a more powerful effect. The drug can be crushed and inhaled for a quicker reaction.
OxyContin® and Vicodin®
These are painkillers that are generally safe if monitored by a doctor. However, they can be addictive if abused. OxyContin (oxycodone HCl controlled-release) contains oxycodone, a very strong narcotic pain reliever similar to morphine. OxyContin is designed so that the oxycodone is slowly released over time. OxyContin tablet is not supposed to be broken up before you take it because this causes a large amount of oxycodone to be released from the tablet all at once, potentially resulting in a dangerous or fatal drug overdose. However, users crush the tablets so they can be sniffed. Teenagers might also dissolve them into water to make the medication work faster. Vicodin® (hydrocodone), another prescription painkiller, is also frequently abused by teens. As many as 9.7 percent of students had abused Vicodin by grade 12.
Steroids
Anabolic steroids are powerful synthetic versions of the male sex hormone testosterone. Steroids are prescribed by doctors to help with anemia or for men who don't produce enough testosterone naturally. However, steroids are used illegally, usually by body builders and other athletes looking for an edge over their competition. Some users pop pills; others inject it into their muscles. Some abusers take two or more kinds of steroids at once. This is called stacking.
Steroids are extremely dangerous. More than 70 physical and psychological side effects can occur because of steroids, with many of these changes permanent. Steroid abuse injures the liver, cardiovascular system and reproductive systems. In males, these chemicals can lead to withered testicles, infertility and hair loss. They may develop breasts. In females, steroids can cause irreversible masculine traits such as breast reduction, extra body hair and a deeper voice. Psychological effects in men and women include depression and aggressive behavior. Steroid abuse can interfere with bone growth and stunt height. It can also lead to heart attacks and strokes, even in young people.
Cocaine and crack cocaine
Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that directly affects the brain. Cocaine may be inhaled, injected or smoked. Cocaine may be called tornado, wicky stick, coke, snow, nose candy, flake and blow. The drug comes as a white crystalline powder. Crack, which is the rock form of cocaine, is an off-white, chunky material. The powder version is usually inhaled or dissolved in water and injected into a vein. Crack is smoked. When cocaine is smoked, it reaches the brain quickly and immediately creates a high within 10 seconds, which is partly why the drug became so popular in the 1980s. The drug is relatively cheap.
The liver combines cocaine and alcohol to make a new substance called cocaethylene, which intensifies cocaine's euphoric effects and may increase the risk of sudden death.
Heroin
This is an opiate drug also known as smack, junk, H, skag, brown sugar, dope, horse and skunk. Users can smoke it, snort it or inject it. Heroin is made from morphine, which is a naturally occurring substance from the Asian poppy plant. Studies show users are consuming more heroin than a decade ago. Heroin used to only be available as an injection. But heroin has become purer, allowing the drug to be smoked or inhaled. Because of this, use of heroin is increasing.
Heroin looks like a white or brown powder. After injection, the user feels a rush of feeling good along with a flushing of the skin, a dry mouth and a feeling that their limbs are heavy. Then, the user goes "on the nod," which is an alternating wakeful and drowsy state. Thinking becomes muddled because the central nervous system is depressed. Heroin abuse can lead to a fatal overdose, liver disease, spontaneous abortion, collapsed veins and infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. Heroin use is also associated with endocarditis an infection of the heart lining and valves and cellulitis (inflammation of the connective tissue under the skin).
Phencyclidine (PCP)
PCP was first investigated in the 1950s as an anesthetic, but researchers found the side effects of confusion and delirium were too severe. Veterinary doctors started using it a decade later to anesthetize animals. When the government learned that people were abusing the drug, the drug manufacturing was stopped for good. Today the drug is illegally sold as angel dust, supergrass, killer weed, embalming fluid and rocket fuel. If your teen has some, you may see it as a white crystal-like substance. However, the color can also be tan or brown. It's sold in tablets, capsules, powder and liquid form. Often, it's mixed with parsley, mint, oregano and marijuana and smoked. PCP may interfere with growth and the learning process in teenagers. Although there is a chance for bad reactions, users say they like that the drug gives them a sense of power, strength and invulnerability and numbs the mind. Bad memories seem to go away, too, while on the drug.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms can be found in nature or grown in a laboratory. Naturally occurring chemicals such as psilocin and psilocybin in mushrooms create hallucinogens. They act on the central nervous system to change perception, mood and thinking. Effects are similar to LSD. Growing kits and information are easy to get through the Internet.
"Safe Legal Highs"
Be alert to these drugs: Trip2Night, Invigorate II, Snuffadelic, Liquid Speed, Solar Water, Orange Butterfly and Schoomz. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns people not to purchase or consume products that claim to provide "safe legal highs" or that are marketed as "street drug alternatives." The FDA considers any product promoted as a street drug alternative to be an unapproved new drug.
In 2004, consumers were warned not to buy or consume a liquid called Green Hornet. This product is promoted on the Internet and sold in stores as an herbal version of the illegal street drug called ecstasy. The FDA considers this product to be an unapproved new drug since it contains, among other ingredients, the undeclared active ingredients diphenhydramine and dextromethorphan, found in over-the-counter drugs. Four teens died after consuming Green Hornet.
Prognosis
Drug addiction is a treatable disease and drug abuse can be stopped. Your child can overcome this with your help and the help of support groups, psychotherapy, medication, treatment programs and family counseling. These programs are customized to help your teenager lead a productive and normal life.
Signs of Teen Substance Abuse
|
Stealing |
|
Moodiness |
|
Depression |
|
Missing school or work |
|
Unusual temper flare-ups |
|
Loss of interest in hobbies and sports |
|
Change in eating or sleeping habits |
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007
Share This
Tags:
Abuse vs. Addiction
Related posts
Nov
16
Posted by Admin
Smokers tend to think of quitting as a huge, insurmountable obstacle. It's more realistic—and more useful—to think of it as a gradual, step-by-step process. Here's how to plan your course and what to expect along the way, along with some suggested activities to help you cope.
1. Think about cutting down/quitting
Talk to others about smoking. Observe how nonsmokers react to smokers. Observe negative aspects of smoking. Smoke in front of a mirror to see exactly what goes on when you smoke.
2. Seek more information about quitting.
Ask ex-smokers how they did it. Tell a friend you're exploring healthier alternatives to smoking. When you feel an urge to smoke, wait a minute before lighting up; experience the urge fully and think of other ways to respond to it. Reward yourself for becoming more aware of your smoking patterns.
3. Modify your smoking risk (switch brands, cut down, etc.).
Start a smoking journal and record when you smoke more or less than usual. Try stress-reduction techniques. Adopt a healthful new activity that's incompatible with smoking (swimming, dancing, etc.). Switch to a lower tar brand. Reward yourself for each risk modification.
4. Decide to quit (no date set).
Keep track of the number of cigarettes you smoke each day. Stop buying cartons; buy only one pack at a time. Identify your top cigarette triggers. Brush your teeth several times a day. List the reasons you want to quit. Switch brands every week, each brand being lower in tar than the last. Postpone every third cigarette. Ask family and friends for ways they can help you quit.
5. Set a quitting date.
Sign a stop-smoking contract. Sit in the nonsmoking sections of restaurants and airplanes. Prepare at least three responses to your top 10 cigarette triggers. Switch brands after every pack. Postpone every other cigarette. Cut back on alcoholic beverages. Set up a health bank. (Deposit a certain amount of money each week that you'll get back after you stay smokeless for a specified period of time. Or quit with a group; whoever remains smokeless after a specified period divides the kitty.)
6. Refrain from smoking for 24 hours.
Schedule healthful activities (walks, bike rides, fishing, etc.). Have your teeth cleaned. Send your favorite clothes to the cleaners. Discard all your ashtrays. Pamper yourself as much as possible.
7. Complete your first week as a nonsmoker.
Treat yourself to daily rewards (massages, hot baths, etc.). Avoid smoking and drinking areas. Notice how much better your food tastes. Continue to work on your cigarette triggers.
8. Complete your first month.
Begin a regular exercise program. Add one new stress-reduction technique to your activities each week.
9. Complete your first trimester.
Gently increase your exercise level. Treat yourself to a weekend getaway. Volunteer to help a smoker quit. If you've been using a nicotine replacement, begin to cut back.
10. Complete your first year.
Throw a party to celebrate!
Share This
Tags:
The 10 Stages of Quitting
Related posts
