CASA

Why do teenagers use drugs/alcohol/tobacco?

Some use because their friends do

and they want to fit in.

Some start using drugs /alcohol because

they are curious.

Some want to forget their problems.

Some use to relax.

Some use drugs /alcohol for stimulation.

Some use simply to get high.

 

An Overview of

ALCOHOL, TOBACCO

AND OTHER DRUGS

 

Young people use alcohol, tobacco and/or drugs for many reasons that have to do with how they feel about themselves, how they get along with others, and how they live. No one factor determines who will use drugs or alcohol and who will not, but a few predictors to consider are:

·         low grades or poor school performance

·         aggressive, rebellious behavior

·         lack of parental support and guidance, and

·         behavior problems at an early age

Being alert to possible drug use can be challenging. It is sometimes difficult to discern the difference between normal teenage behavior and behavior caused by drugs. Changes in character that are extreme or last for more than a few days may signal alcohol and/or drug use. Consider the following questions:

·         Does your teenager seem withdrawn, depressed or tired? 

·         Is your teen careless about personal grooming?

·         Has your teen become hostile and uncooperative?

·         Has your teen’s relationship with other family members deteriorated?

·         Has your teen dropped old friends?

·         Is your teen no longer doing well in school? (i.e., grades slipping, attendance irregular)

·         Has your teen lost interest in hobbies, sports, and other favorite activities?

·         Has your teen’s eating or sleeping patterns changed?

Most teenagers will have some experience with alcohol and other drugs. Some will experiment and stop. Some will use regularly, with varying degrees of physical, emotional and social problems. Others will develop a dependency that can be destructive to themselves and others. Some will die, and some will cause others to die.

Some teens are able to experiment with drugs without developing dependency. But since there is no certain way to predict which teenagers will develop serious problems and addictions, all use should be considered dangerous. Saying “no” is often part of the solution, but “just saying no” is seldom enough.

Gateway Drugs

Gateway drugs are the drugs that people are first exposed to and experiment with before moving on to more addicting drugs. The significance of gateway drugs is that most people with a drug dependency began their cycle of addiction by experimenting with a gateway drug. Because of massive marketing and easy availability, tobacco and alcohol are the first drugs of choice for teenagers—stepping-stones into other experimentation.

For years tobacco has been touted as the gateway drug that would lead adolescents into the world of illicit drug experimentation and use. Today gateway drugs have expanded to include alcohol and marijuana as well as tobacco.

 

FAMILY SUBSTANCE ABUSE AGREEMENT

The following agreement was developed by Partnership for a Drug-Free Contra Costa. Its placement in this Handbook is simply in response to requests from parents for suggestions. It is not a legal, binding document. It is merely a family agreement to support each other around substance use issues. CASA recommends that you use this as a guide for discussing substance use in a family meeting.

As a Family:

We agree to learn as much a possible about the effects of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; to discuss these issues openly; and to share our concerns about peer pressure and self-destructive behavior.

We commit ourselves to mutual support, love and seeking joy in healthy life practices.

We agree to obey the drinking and driving laws. If any of us have consumed more than one drink per hour, we will call a sober driver to get us home safely.

As a Parent:

I agree to discuss and develop a clear position about alcohol, tobacco and other drug use with my children.

I will set an example that can be followed by my children and will not confuse them with double standards.

I will not conduct myself in an illegal manner with regard to the use of alcohol or other drugs.

If a member of my family who finds him or herself in a dangerous or potentially dangerous situation contacts me, I will respond in a supportive manner. I am open to being contacted at any time of the day or night. I will then be open to discussing the situation with them at a later time.

I will not serve or permit youth under legal drinking age to drink alcohol or use illegal drugs, including tobacco, in my home.

I welcome communication with other parents regarding our son or daughter’s activities.

As a Youth:

If I ever find myself in a dangerous or potentially dangerous situation, in regard to substance use, I will know that you are open to my calling you for guidance or help, at any time of the day or night.

I commit myself not to endanger my well being by using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.

I agree that I will not accept a ride with anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

 

                                        , parent                                                                  , youth

              Don’t Drink and Drive! Please Don’t!

I went to a party, Mum, I remembered what you said.

You told me not to drink, Mum, so I drank coke instead.

I really felt proud inside, Mum, the way you said I would.

I didn’t drink and drive, Mum, even though the others said I should.

                                                                                                                                                                           

I know I did the right thing, Mum, I know you are always right.

Now the party is finally ending, Mum, as everyone is driving out of sight.

As I got into my car, Mum, I knew I’d get home in one piece.

Because of the way you raised me, so responsible and sweet.

                                                                                                                                                                             

I started to drive away, Mum, but as I pulled out into the road,

the other car didn’t see me, Mum, and hit me like a load.

As I lay there on the pavement, Mum, I heard the policeman say,

the other guy is drunk, Mum, and now I’m the one who will pay.

                                                                                                                                                        

I’m lying here dying, Mum. I wish you’d get here soon.

How could this happen to me, Mum? My life just burst like a balloon.

There is blood all around me, Mum, and most of it is mine.

I hear the paramedic say, Mum, I’ll die in short time.

                                                                                                                                                      

I just wanted to tell you, Mum, I swear I didn’t drink.

It was the others, Mum. the others didn’t think.

He was probably at the same party as I.

The only difference is, he drank and I will die.

                                                                                                                    

Why do people drink, Mum? It can ruin your whole life.

I’m feeling sharp pains now. Pains just like a knife.

The guy who hit me is walking, Mum, and I don’t think it’s fair.

I’m lying here dying and all he can do is stare.

 

Tell my brother not to cry, Mum. Tell Daddy to be brave.

And when I go to heaven, Mum, put “daddy’s girl” on my grave.

Someone should have told him, Mum, not to drink and drive.

If only they had told him, Mum, I would still be alive.

                                                                                                                                  

My breath is getting shorter, Mum, I’m becoming very scared.

Please don’t cry for me, Mum, When I needed you, you were always there.

I have one last question, Mum, before I say goodbye.

I didn’t drink and drive, so why am I the one to die?

Alcohol

Why do some people drink socially, and others become alcoholics? Can anyone become an alcoholic? What is addiction anyway? How does a person know that he or she has crossed the line from use to abuse? If you have alcohol or drug addiction in your family, who is affected, and in what way?

Alcohol use is common in our society and widely accepted in our culture. What is not commonly known or accepted is that alcohol is a drug. In fact, there are 15-million Americans addicted to alcohol. It is the most commonly used and abused drug in America. It is the drug of choice for most people, especially teenagers. The effects of this chemical depend a lot on the drinker. 

Some teenagers are more at risk than others to develop alcohol and other drug-related problems. Highest on the list are those teenagers with a family history of substance abuse problems.

Alcohol is classified as a depressant—in the same drug class as a barbiturate or tranquilizer—as it puts the brain to sleep.

Immediate Effects of Alcohol Use: Euphoria, mild relaxed feeling, loss of inhibitions, impaired judgment, altered perception, and depression of the central nervous system (CNS) which causes slurred speech, blurry or double vision, and loss of coordination.

Long Term Effects of Alcohol Use: Heart disease, high blood pressure, liver /brain/ kidney/ & stomach damage, circulatory problems, seizures, and more.

Effect of Alcohol Overdose: Unconsciousness, respiratory failure, and death.

Alcohol is the most popular drug among youth and adults in our country. Alcohol is also one of the most deadly drugs available to our youth today. The leading cause of death for teens in this country is alcohol related traffic accidents.

It’s a fallacy for parents to believe it’s okay to let teens drink as long as they do it responsibly, and don’t drive. Alcohol may permanently stop the development of the hypothalamus–part of the brain–in growing adolescents. Addiction often occurs more quickly in bodies that are still growing. It can happen in months!

 

Facts for Families • Alcohol is a drug. • Beer, wine and liquor all contain alcohol. • Alcohol is a “downer,” like sleeping pills. • Alcohol causes changes in a person’s body and mind. • People can become addicted to alcohol. • Alcoholism is a disease. • Alcoholism runs in families.

Realities of Alcohol Use/Abuse

·         Every 23 minutes a child between the ages of 15 and 19 will die as a direct result of alcohol.

·         20-million Americans suffer from alcoholism or alcohol related problems.

·         Alcohol is the direct or indirect cause of over 95,000 deaths each year.

·         3-million teenagers show signs of problem drinking.

·         Children of alcoholic parents are 50% more likely to become addicted than others.

·         Only about 5% of all alcoholics end up on the streets. Most alcoholics have families, jobs, a home, and a car. They often appear to have no problems at all, but 1 in 4 families are affected by alcoholism.

·         Alcoholics hurt their families, friends, co-workers, and strangers on the road.

Suggested Reading on Alcohol Abuse

Under the Influence, J. Milam

Co-Dependent No More, by Melody Beattie

Tobacco

Facts About Tobacco, Smoking and Teens

·         More than 3,000 teenagers become smokers each day.  Over 1/3 will eventually die from smoking.

·         Tobacco use causes over 419,000 deaths each year.  This is greater than those who die from AIDS, homicide, suicide, and fires combined.

·         More teenagers smoke now than at any time since the 1970s (35% of students in grades 9-12 smoke, a greater percentage than the 25% of all adults who smoke).

·         Cigarette smoke contains 4,000 chemicals, several of which are known carcinogens.

·         The tobacco industry spends more than $6.3 billion per year on advertising and promotions—that’s $600,000 per hour.

·         Although youth and the tobacco industry claim that it is “peer pressure” that causes them to use tobacco, advertising creates peer pressure by dictating cultural norms.  In essence, peer pressure is created and paid for by the tobacco industry.

 

“If it were legal to market to kids, we would.”

Walker Merriman, former CEO, Philip Morris

 

·         Young people perceive smokeless tobacco and cigars as “safe” alternatives to cigarettes.  However, they are just as addictive and just as deadly.

·         Cigars are becoming a booming industry.  More and more young people are starting to smoke cigars.

·         Over the course of a lifetime, the average smoker will spend over $50,000 on tobacco.

·         Some parents make little effort to get their kids off cigarettes, adding to the perception that tobacco is “no big deal”.

 

Nicotine

Nicotine is a highly addictive drug, even more dangerous because it is legal and communities tend to minimize its dangers.  Cigarette smoke contains some 4,000 chemicals, several of which are known carcinogens. Perhaps the most dangerous substance in tobacco smoke is nicotine. Nicotine is the substance that reinforces and strengthens the desire to smoke. Because nicotine is highly addictive, addicts find it very difficult to stop smoking.

The addictive properties of nicotine are comparable to heroin.

Some of the known poisons and deadly substances in cigarettes are:

·         Nicotine • Arsenic • Cyanide

·         Carbon Monoxide • Formaldehyde

Nicotine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It can be inhaled through the mouth (cigarette/cigar/pipe smoke), sniffed (dried snuff), chewed (chewing tobacco) or held between lips or between cheek and gums (wet snuff).

Immediate Effects: Relaxed or excited, energetic, dizzy, nauseated, tense, CNS stimulant.

Long Term Effects: Heart disease, emphysema, cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, esophageal, bladder and larynx, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, physical and psychological addiction, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, impaired sense of taste and smell, chronic bronchitis, and gum disease.

Smokeless Tobacco

We are starting to see a surge in the use of smokeless tobacco and cigars.  Adults and young people perceive these as being “safe” alternatives to cigarettes.  The truth is, they are just as deadly and just as addictive.

Tobacco users in the U.S. are turning over a new leaf. Annual cigarette consumption dropped from nearly 650 billion cigarettes in 1982 to about 500 billion in 1992 says the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But during the same period, consumption of moist snuff - the most dangerous form of smokeless tobacco - increased from around 33 million pounds to about 47 million pounds.

As a result, the nation may face an epidemic of oral cancer, warns former Surgeon General Novello. She reports that in 1991 about 20% of high school males had used either chewing tobacco or snuff during the previous 30 days. A study cited in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that among baseball players, 72% of moist snuff users had oral lesions that could lead to cancer.

Parents As Role Models

Children who smoke often have parents who smoke. Children who smoke are 50% more likely than those who don’t to have at least one smoker in their families. Having a mother who smokes seems to play a particularly strong role in making smoking acceptable.

Children of smoking parents are hospitalized for bronchitis and pneumonia at twice the rate of children whose parents don’t smoke. They also suffer higher rates of ear infections. In addition, studies have shown that these children tend to have significantly smaller overall lung capacity and diminished lung function.

“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them”... James Baldwin

Children worry a lot about parents who smoke.

Among children with parents who smoke, 86% fear their mothers or fathers may get sick and die from smoking; 74% worry that their parents’ smoking is harming others in the family, including themselves; 48% worry about a possible fire caused by their parents’ smoking; and 48% object to the odor of cigarette smoke in the house and on their clothes and hair.

For your kid’s sake and your own, consider quitting.

 

Smokers Start Early

·         90% of people who smoke start before the age of 19.  60% of these start before the age of 14. The majority of them (56%) say they tried their first cigarette before age 12.

·         For smokeless tobacco, the age of initiation is around 9 years of age.

·         Most children who smoke (60%) report that their parents know about it, but only 13% say their parents have urged them to quit; 70% say they smoke at home.

With the age of initiation at 12,

it’s never too early to start prevention.

It’s Time to Act

Communities need to mirror the behaviors and values we want young people to emulate. If we want our youth to be tobacco free, our community environment must reflect this. That means public buildings, schools, homes, businesses, and people should all put forth the same message—that smoking is not acceptable. If parents use tobacco, they should restrict exposure of their young people to tobacco.

Teens say that it is peer pressure that makes them use tobacco.  But, ask them, and yourself, where does peer pressure come from? Can it be bought? There is clearly a link between advertising and how people behave. Despite the fact that the tobacco industry is pouring money into the recruitment of new smokers, communities can fight back. Why does the tobacco industry spend $6.3 billion on advertising? Communities can take back their neighborhoods from the tobacco industry. There are many people interested in promoting tobacco free youth as a priority.  Acting in concert, adults and youth together give a strong message to businesses (and the tobacco industry) to stay away from our neighborhoods and to conduct business in an ethical and legal manner.

Set standards for your household. Will you have a tobacco-free home? Talk about the danger of all tobacco use.

 

Suggestions on Stopping

Quitting tobacco is just the beginning. Permanently stopping is the real challenge. Teenagers can follow these tips to stay stopped!

·         Think of yourself as an ex-tobacco user. Consider how much better you look, feel, smell and how your sense of taste is returning.

·         Give yourself rewards. Decide on at least one pleasure you’ll experience regularly to replace the pleasure you derived from smoking. How about a weekly “pleasure purchase” with the money you save by not buying tobacco (new clothing, a movie, a new book or CD)?

·         Begin a regular fitness program. Walking, swimming, bicycling or running will counter the urge to eat and the extra calories you could gain after you’ve stopped.

·         Pick something else to handle. Use a coin, pen or pencil, “worry beads”; try doodling or chew on paper straws or minted toothpicks.

·         Prove to yourself tobacco doesn’t solve problems. Reduce tension other ways - take deep breaths, call a friend, talk over feelings. Work on keeping your “cool”.

·         Make it difficult to start again. Don’t just throw away your cigarettes, cigar, and pipe. Also, pitch your matches, lighter and ashtrays into the trash.

·         Eat well. Drink plenty of fresh vegetable juices and eat lots of fresh fruit and salads. These foods will help flush the nicotine from your system very rapidly, probably in a week or less.

·         Satisfy your oral cravings.  Keep sugarless gum at home, at work and in the car. Keep a bowl of fresh raw carrots, cauliflower, radishes and celery in the refrigerator to satisfy your desire to snack without putting on pounds.

·         Speak up when other peoples’ smoke bothers you. Ask to be seated away from smokers. A Thank You for Not Smoking sign displayed conspicuously in your home saves you the trouble of asking your guests not to smoke. You will be surprised at how people respect you for expressing your wishes courteously but firmly.

·         Recognize that you have an opportunity to develop new, healthier, more enjoyable ways to cope. Don’t sit at the table after meals if that’s when you crave tobacco the most. Go for a walk or move to another room.

·         Above all, don’t worry. Have confidence in your ability to quit. Your coughing will decrease, your sense of taste and smell will sharpen, your sleep will improve and your energy will increase. Soon you will find smoking distasteful; you may even find the odor of smoke unpleasant. By breaking your addiction, you will enjoy a significant boost in your sense of autonomy.

·         Don’t believe you can have just one. Sometimes people fool themselves into believing they could smoke just once in a while. Smoking is extremely addictive.

·         If a friend offers tobacco to you, REFUSE. Explain that you have quit and that you are happy about it. Help them understand you are quitting for yourself, not your friends.

Postscript: If quitting didn’t stick this time, ask yourself what factor(s) caused you to break down your resolve. Don’t be harsh on yourself.  Learn from the experience and say, I’ll be successful next time.

Suggested Reading to Stop Smoking:

The No Nag, No-Guilt,Do-It-Your-Own-Way Guide To Quitting Smoking, by Tom Freguson, M.D.

 

 

Club Drugs

In recent years several drugs have emerged and become popular among teens and young adults at dance clubs and “raves.” These drugs, collectively termed “club drugs,” include MDMA/Ecstasy (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), and Ketamine (ketamine hydrochloride).

Other Drugs

Listed Alphabetically

Cocaine

Cocaine is a drug extracted from the leaves of the tropical Erythroxylon cocoa plant. Chemically, it’s a double-acting drug—a stimulant that lights up the central nervous system like a short-circuiting pinball machine, and an anesthetic that numbs whatever tissue it touches. Cocaine is highly addictive and is one of the most frequently mentioned substances in drug-related deaths in Contra Costa County.

Description:

Powder:  White crystalline powder that is inhaled or “snorted,” from spoons or straws; can be injected producing an intense, fast-acting stimulation that peaks in minutes and disappears in about half an hour. It is also “laced” in marijuana joints creating “cocoa-puffs.”

Freebase:  Purified form made by applying solvents to ordinary cocaine. Effects are intense and brief: a 3-5 minute euphoria quickly fades into a restless desire for more freebase.

“Crack”:  Rock-like chunks of processed cocaine, which is 95% pure. These rocks reach the brain within 8 seconds of being smoked and produce a 3-5 minute rush of stimulation. The low-cost of a single dose, ease of manufacture and rapid onset of effects all contribute to its widespread use.

Cocoa-Paste:  A crude cocoa preparation, usually smoked on tobacco cigarettes.

How It Is Used: Snorted, injected or smoked; can also be put on marijuana joints or in cigarettes.

Paraphernalia: Straws or anything shaped like a hollow tube for snorting, mirrors, razor blades, small vials or baggies, glass pipes.

Immediate Effects: Increased: heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and metabolism, dilated pupils, increase in energy and self-confidence, reduced need for sleep, reduced appetite, restlessness, irritability, anxiety, depression, and impulsive violence can occur shortly following cocaine use. Permanent heart damage or sudden death can occur after using even a small dose only one time.

Long Term Effects: Paranoia, severe depression and/or suicidal tendencies, drastic mood swings, panic attacks, an inability to experience pleasure due to changes in brain chemicals, weight loss, disruption in sleep patterns, sexual dysfunction, irregular heartbeat, seizures, chest pains, cardiac arrest, strokes, nasal damage, suppressed immune system. Social consequences, such as career and financial disasters, family/relationship problems, and legal problems.

Ecstasy/MDMA

Common Street Names: Rave, XTC, X, Adam, Eve, Go, Cristal, Hug Drug, Disco Biscuit

Description: Producing both stimulant and psychedelic effects, MDMA/Ecstasy enables partygoers to dance and remain active for longer periods of time. Usually sold in capsule or tablet form.

How It Is Used: Can be swallowed or injected.

Immediate Effects: Effects can vary with individual. Some effects may include increased heart rate, faster respiration, excess energy, and perception distortion. Some users experience enhanced sensory perceptions in a pleasurable way.

Using MDMA/Ecstasy can cause psychological effects that include confusion, depression, anxiety and paranoia and may last weeks after ingestion. Physically a user may experience nausea, faintness, and significant increases in heart ate and blood pressure.  It can also cause muscle breakdown and kidney and cardiovascular system failure.

Following an ecstasy experience, users have been known to become extremely depressed and suicidal.

GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate)

Common Street Name: GHB, Liquid Ecstasy, Gibb, Soap, Scoop, Max, Goop

Description:  A liquid, synthetic drug usually produced with commonly available chemicals, GHB, tasteless and odorless liquid or white powder is a depressant that can create a peaceful euphoria.

How It Is Used: Very popular at raves, GHB, which is legally available as a prescription drug in Europe, can create a “peaceful euphoria,” but in higher doses can cause a coma or death. GHB, frequently combined with alcohol, can e used in the commission of sexual assaults due to its ability to sedate and intoxicate unsuspecting victims. It is illegal to sell in California, but is being passed around in clubs where people have no idea of the consequences.

GHB, produced in small amounts by the body naturally, is a powerful and quick-acting central nervous system depressant, according to the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Short Term Effects: Dizziness, feeling a buzz.

Long Term Effects: Loss of consciousness; in larger doses can slow the heart and cause vomiting, seizures, and even a coma.

Heroin

Heroin is a drug often thought of as belonging in the big cities, or. .  “The drug used by the street people, . . . the real druggies, . . . the hard core users.” When we think of heroin today we no longer need to think of needles and shooting up or slamming. Heroin is being snorted and smoked, like cocaine and methamphetamines. The barrier of the needle has been eliminated and thus heroin has become part of our suburban, adolescent environment. Heroin is in our schools and it is in our communities! Our adolescents are using it!

Street Name: Big H, Dope, Smack, Horse, Downtown, Schoolboy

Description: White, yellowish or brown powder.  Odorless and bitter tasting.

How It Is Used: Snorted, smoked, or injected into the bloodstream.  It can be mixed with other drugs such as: marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, LSD, etc.

Immediate Effects: Suppresses the central nervous system. Pupils constrict, reduces normal thirst and hunger, pulsating euphoria, drowsiness and relaxation. There is danger of infection from dirty needles (including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis). Reactions from impure heroin and death from overdoses are common.

Heroin becomes both psychologically and physically addicting very quickly.

Long Term Effects: Extremely painful withdrawal, constipation, dulled sexual desire, dry skin problems and itching, hallucinations.

Inhalants

Inhalants are a chemically diverse group of substances commonly found in adhesives, lighter fluids, cleaning fluids, paint, paint thinner, correction fluid, turpentine, and other household and paint products.

Inhalants may be sniffed directly from an open container or “huffed” from a rag soaked in the substance and held to the face. Deeply inhaling the vapors or using large amounts over a short time may result in disorientation, violent behavior, unconsciousness or death. Small amounts can be instantly fatal.

Once inhaled, the surface of the lungs allows rapid absorption of the substance and blood levels peak rapidly. Entry into the brain is so fast that the effects of inhalation can resemble the intensity of other psychoactive drugs.

Short Term Effects: Nausea, nosebleeds, altered breathing, increased heart rate, uncontrollable bowel movements and urination, unconsciousness, death.

Long Term Effects: Seizures, blue skin color, glaucoma, sleep disorders, loss of appetite, nerve damage, severe depression, accumulation of body lead levels, lung damage, kidney and liver damage, brain damage, fatigue, coma, throat and nasal damage.

Ketamine

Ketamine, a tranquilizer most often used on animals, produces hallucinatory effects similar to those of PCP and LSD. Ketamine, which has gained popularity over the last 5 to 10 years, can be produced as a liquid or a powder. The liquid form can e injected, mixed into drinks, or added to smokable materials. The powder form can also be mixed into drinks as well as snorted or smoked.

Common Street Names: K, Special K, Jet, Super Acid, Super C, Green, Honey Oil

LSD

Common Street Names: Acid, Sunshine, Window Pane, Fry, Sugar Cube, Blotter, Illusion

Description: Tablets and capsules of various sizes and colors, clear liquid, sugar cubes, dots or symbols on paper, (“blotter”, “stamps”).

How It Is Used: It can be absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, when taken orally, or can be dropped in the eye.

Immediate Effects: Increased heart rate and blood pressure, pupil dilation, flushed appearance, decreased appetite, time and visual distortions and paranoia. People may become extremely emotional and dazed in appearance.

Long Term Effects: Possible flashbacks, trails, loss of memory, chromosomal damage, depression, self-inflicted wounds, panic and psychosis.

Marijuana

Marijuana is the second most popular drug with youth today.  Marijuana comes from a hemp plant called cannabis. The flowers, leaves and stems of the plant can be smoked in cigarettes (called joints), pipes and bongs. It can also be eaten.

Because marijuana is illegal, no one can be sure what is really in it. People who sell marijuana sometimes add ordinary leaves like parsley and oregano. Sellers sometimes spray ordinary leaves with rat poison, oven cleaner, weed killer, or other drugs and sell it as marijuana. Sellers frequently lace marijuana with cocaine, methamphetamines, PCP, heroin or LSD. There is no easy way to tell if marijuana contains any of these additives.

Common Street Names: Grass, Pot, Weed, Acapulco Gold, Ganja, Smoke, Chronic, Dirt, Herb, Boom, Mary Jane, and 200 other slang terms for Marijuana

Paraphernalia: Pipes, bongs (water pipes), rolling papers, plastic bags, roach clips, and “stash boxes”.  Eye drops and breath fresheners are frequently used to cover up the signs of use of this drug.

Immediate Effects: Relaxed inhibitions, disorientation, blood shot eyes, excessive laughter, increased appetite and increased sleepiness.

Long Term Effects: Marijuana can be both physically and psychologically addictive. Symptoms of long-time use include short term memory loss, loss of motivation, impaired judgment, shifting sensory images, rapidly fluctuating emotions, hallucinations or image distortions, risk of cancer.

 According to the Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Department, one joint is equivalent to the lung damage caused by 16-20 cigarettes, and is four times more likely to cause cancer than smoking cigarettes. It remains the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States.

 

MDMA/Ecstasy (see Ecstasy)

Methamphetamine/Amphetamines

Methamphetamines/Amphetamines belong to the classification of drugs called stimulants.

Amphetamines are prescription drugs known as Benzedrine, Dexedrine, Ritalin, etc. These are drugs that alter the mind of the user and excite the central nervous system.  Although there are legitimate uses for this class of drug they have become increasingly popular among athletes, high school and college students, truck drivers, housewives and soldiers, because of their properties to decrease fatigue and appetite while increasing alertness and elevating mood.

Methamphetamines are synthetic amphetamines also known as “bathtub drugs” because they are usually manufactured right in the community in a neighborhood house.

Common street names: Speed, Crosstops, Meth, Crystal, Crank, and Ice.

Description: Pills, capsules and powders of various shapes and colors. Colorless pellets (“ice”) resembling rock salt.

How It Is Used: Taken orally (pills), snorted, injected, smoked.  It can also be put in marijuana joints or on cigarettes.

Paraphernalia: Straws (or anything shaped like a hollow tube for snorting), mirrors, razor blades, small vials or baggies, glass pipes.

Because Meth can be inexpensively made and distributed it has become extremely popular with our high school students. Adolescents, as well as adults, with eating disorders, are also prime candidates for getting involved with amphetamines/ methamphetamines because of the drug’s ability to increase energy while taking away the user’s appetite.

Of significant importance is the alluring affect amphetamines/methamphetamines have on the user in the beginning. An example: an adolescent will experience a new high after using these drugs which enables him/her to exercise, complete homework, complete his chores at home and still have energy left over, excel in activities, etc.  These seemingly positive behaviors mask the fact that this adolescent is using a very dangerous drug. Although they appear positive, these behaviors are short lived and a rapid slide downwards occurs (see the effects listed below).

Immediate Effects: Euphoria, dilated pupils, blurred vision, increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, increased chances of stroke, or heart attack, increased respiration, nervousness, talkative, loss of appetite, sweating, sleeplessness followed by long periods of sleep, and irritability.

Other Effects: Physical and psychological addiction, paranoia, rapid mood swings, assaultive behavior, panic, prolonged depression and prolonged hallucinations.

It was once thought that the above symptoms developed after long-term use only, but researchers now find that such problems can be induced by one large dose of the drugs or a number of moderate doses, depending on the individual’s metabolism and sensitivity.

Long Term Effects: Weight loss, skin eruptions (called speed bumps), repeated itching and digging at skin until sores appear (in response to a feeling of bugs crawling under the skin), holes in septum of nose (from snorting drugs), liver and kidney disease.

Overdose: Rapid/irregular heartbeat, chest pain, rapid respiration, heart attack, death.

PCP

Common Street Name: Angel Dust, Super Cools, Monkey Dust, Elephant Tranquilizer or Animal Trank, Ozone, Sherms

Description: Clear liquid with a chemical odor, capsules, tablets, or crystalline form.

How It Is Used: Smoked, snorted, swallowed or injected. May be absorbed through the skin. A very popular way to use PCP in the Bay Area is to lace it with marijuana and smoke it.

Immediate Effects: Loss of muscle coordination, jerky eye movements, paranoia, bizarre (possibly violent) behavior, hallucinations, distorted body image. Effects can last 1 to 48 hours, depending on the dose.

Long Term Effects:  Flashbacks, permanent brain damage, psychological and emotional addiction, fetal addiction, amnesia and psychosis.

Peyote /Cactus

Common Street Names: Mesc, Peyote, Buttons

Description: Peyote cactus can be eaten fresh or dried into peyote or mescal buttons.

How It Is Used:  Eaten or boiled and drunk as a tea. Can be ground up and eaten in powder form.

Immediate Effects: Effects last up to 12 hours. Effects are similar to those caused by LSD. Each use of peyote is usually accompanied by a severe episode of nausea and vomiting.

Psilocybin/Mushrooms

Common Street Names: Magic Mushrooms, Shrooms

Description: Round button type mushroom. Dried pieces of mushrooms.

How It Is Used: Usually eaten, can be made into a tea or put on foods such as pizza. Effects are similar to those caused by LSD.

Psychedelics

Psychedelics (hallucinogens) are popular again, at least in the high schools in the Bay Area. Although not a drug that is typically used on a daily basis they are widely used among our adolescents.

Rohypnol

Rohypnol is a brand name for flunitrazepam (a benzodiazepinc), a very potent tranquilizer similar in nature to valium (diazepam), but 10 times stronger; becoming the “date rape drug of choice.”

Common Street Name: Roofies, Rophies, Ruffies, Roche, R-2, Rib, Rope, Roaches, Circles, Forget Me Drug, Mexican Valium

Description: Odorless and tasteless Rohypnol is usually found in pill form and often distributed on the street in its original “bubble packaging” which makes it appear legal.

How It Is Used: Rohypnol is often combined with alcohol, marijuana, or cocaine to produce a rapid and very dramatic “high.” It is also often unknowingly slipped into soda or other beverage. Rohypnol is often used in the commission of sexual assaults due to its ability to sedate and intoxicate unsuspecting victims. It is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant.

Short Term Effects: Even when used by itself, users can appear extremely intoxicated, with slurred speech, no coordination and blood-shot eyes...with no odor of alcohol.

Rohypnol produces a sedative effect, amnesia, muscle relaxation and a slowing of psychomotor responses. Sedation occurs 20-30 minutes after administration and lasts for up to 8 hours. It can produce general sedative and hypnotic effects. In large doses it can cause loss of muscle control, loss of consciousness and partial amnesia. It is often added to punch or other drinks, and when combined with alcohol, Rohypnol can be deadly.

Steroids (Anabolic-Androgenic)

Steroids are a group of powerful compounds closely related to the male sex hormone testosterone. In combination with a program of muscle-building exercise and diet, steroids may contribute to increases in body weight and muscular strength. Users subject themselves to more than 70 side effects ranging in severity from acne to cancer, as well as other psychological and physical reactions. The liver, cardiovascular and reproductive systems are most seriously affected by steroid use.

Most illicit anabolic steroids are sold at gyms, weight-lifting competitions and through mail order operations. There are also bogus or counterfeit products sold as anabolic steroids.

Short Term Effects: Rapid muscle development, water retention, insomnia, increased sex drive, severe acne, kidney infection, increased blood pressure.

Long Term Effects: High cholesterol, kidney damage, impotence, heart attack, disruption of menses and ovulation, impaired liver function, intestinal bleeding, steroid-induced cancers, “masculinization” in women, stroke, hardening of arteries, shrinkage of testicles, sterility, stunted growth, immune system failure, extreme depression.

How to Help—Role Modeling

Children learn about the use of drugs from depictions in advertising, television, movies, and music and even from parents themselves.  According to research from the University of Washington in Seattle, parent modeling of use, such as when parents involve their children in drug use (i.e. asking your son to get you a beer from the refrigerator, allowing your daughter to light your cigarette), increases the likelihood that children will see themselves as future users of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana.  Parents who involve their children in their own use of drugs in this manner are setting an example that says, “It’s okay to smoke or drink because I do it.”

It is important that parents not underestimate the impact their modeling has on their children.

Helping Your Teen Stay Healthy

·         Talk with your teen about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. You can help change ideas your teen may have that everybody drinks, smokes or uses other drugs.  Statistics show that the majority of young people do not use.  However, youth tend to generalize the experiences of a few to a universe of “everyone.”

·         Learn to really listen to your teen. Your teen is more likely to talk with you when you give verbal and nonverbal cues that show you’re listening.

·         Help your teenager feel good about himself or herself. Praise efforts as well as accomplishments. (“You must feel very proud of your great effort...”) Criticize the action rather than the person.

·         Help your teenager develop strong values. A strong sense of values can help a teenager say “no” rather than listen to friends.

·         Be a good role model or example. What you do makes a stronger impact than what you say. Your habits and attitudes may strongly influence your teen’s ideas about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

·         Help your teen deal with peers. A teenager who has been taught to be gentle and loving may need your “permission” to say “no” to negative peer pressure.

·         Make family rules. Make specific family rules about your teen not using alcohol or other drugs or smoking cigarettes or cigars. Be clear about the consequences for failure to adhere to the rules.

·         Team up with other parents. Give yourself permission to talk to parents of your teen’s friends—they are likely anxious to get to know and feel comfortable with you. You can also join parents in support groups that reinforce the guidance you provide at home.

·         Know what to do if you suspect a problem. Try to stay ahead of the game. You can learn to recognize the telltale signs of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use and get help.

 

Resources begin on page 136, Web Sources on 165