According to smoking statistics, approximately 80% of adult smokers began smoking as teens. Each day more than 3,000 youth become new smokers. Smoking is the number one preventable cause of death, killing more than 440,000 people in the United States each year. It is the cause of more deaths than motor vehicle accidents, alcohol, and AIDS combined. Raising awareness of the prevalence and dangers of teen smoking may assist in keeping our youth tobacco free.
It is important to talk to every child about tobacco use from a young age. However, some teens are at greater risk for this self destructive behavior than others. According to a study done by the Mayo Clinic, only 2% of teen smokers do not have a parent who also smokes. Setting a good example might be the most powerful tool for preventing teen tobacco use. Some other contributing factors of teenage smoking include a low socio-economic status, lack of parental involvement/support, low self-esteem, and peer pressure.
Teen smoking is associated with other behavioral issues, such as drug and alcohol use, violence, and high risk sexual behavior. Plus, it is a major risk for lung cancer or other types of cancer and lung illness. Smoking is so addictive that even most teens who smoke regularly state the desire to be able to quit. Even though they will admit they knew it was unhealthy when they took up the habit, they still made the decision to smoke. However, there are many tactful approaches for raising tobacco free teens.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Teen Marijuana Use
Marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit substance among teens. Although it is one of nature's herbs and considered a natural substance, this drug contains THC, a mind altering substance, as well as 400 other chemicals. Many of these chemicals are carcinogenic. Plus, marijuana is often combined with other illicit substances. Use of this drug affects judgment and decision making abilities, impairs driving, and has been associated with decreasing one's personal motivation. Although there are multiple associated risks, marijuana use continues to be a problem among our youth.
Contrary to popular belief, not all, or even most teens use marijuana. In fact, fewer than one in five high school seniors is a current marijuana user. One recent survey showed that only 15.6% of 16 to 17 year olds report using marijuana in the past month. The teens who are using marijuana often do so because of peer pressure, the attention the drug gets in the media, and the examples of older siblings or other family members. However, marijuana is illegal because it's effect on behavior and health can be dangerous. Plus, some experts consider it to be a “gateway drug” that leads to harder drug use.
Marijuana posed several immediate and long term risks. It affects many of the skills needed for driving. A recent study in Memphis revealed that of a group of 150 reckless driver, 33% tested positive for marijuana use. Other tests have shown that smoking marijuana creates that same lack of coordination that is associated with drunk driving, causing delayed responses to sights and sounds. In addition, marijuana use has been associated with an increased risk for teen pregnancy and other reckless behaviors. Long term marijuana use may lead to cancer or addiction in some individuals.
Talk to your teens about the dangers of marijuana use. Encourage them to make good decisions and respond appropriately to peer pressure. If you suspect your teen may be using marijuana or another illicit substance, seek professional guidance, 4drugrehab.com is a great resource for all types of treatment centers.
Contrary to popular belief, not all, or even most teens use marijuana. In fact, fewer than one in five high school seniors is a current marijuana user. One recent survey showed that only 15.6% of 16 to 17 year olds report using marijuana in the past month. The teens who are using marijuana often do so because of peer pressure, the attention the drug gets in the media, and the examples of older siblings or other family members. However, marijuana is illegal because it's effect on behavior and health can be dangerous. Plus, some experts consider it to be a “gateway drug” that leads to harder drug use.
Marijuana posed several immediate and long term risks. It affects many of the skills needed for driving. A recent study in Memphis revealed that of a group of 150 reckless driver, 33% tested positive for marijuana use. Other tests have shown that smoking marijuana creates that same lack of coordination that is associated with drunk driving, causing delayed responses to sights and sounds. In addition, marijuana use has been associated with an increased risk for teen pregnancy and other reckless behaviors. Long term marijuana use may lead to cancer or addiction in some individuals.
Talk to your teens about the dangers of marijuana use. Encourage them to make good decisions and respond appropriately to peer pressure. If you suspect your teen may be using marijuana or another illicit substance, seek professional guidance, 4drugrehab.com is a great resource for all types of treatment centers.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
LSD, Acid, or Lysergic Acid Diethylamide
LSD, commonly referred to as acid, is an illicit, psychedelic drug comprised of potent mood changing chemicals. Psychedelic drugs are hallucinogens which can create an altered audio, visual, and somatosensory reality, resulting in paranoia or a dream-like state. LSD derives from a fungus that grows on rye and other grains, and is extremely potent. Normally, it is taken orally on an absorbent piece of blotter paper, in pill form, or inside a sugar cube or gelatin. LSD was a cultural phenomenon during the 1960's and 1970's, before experiencing a steady decline in use. However, it appears to be regaining popularity with today's urban society.
LSD statistics show, LSD is most commonly used among the 18-25 age group, LSD can be found at raves, in night clubs, or in concert settings. According to a recent study, 9.7% of Americans aged 12 or older report using this drug at least once during their lifetime. Among the adult population, it is estimated that 15.9% of people have used the drug once or more. There are approximately 5,000 emergency room visit that are related to LSD use each year.
Short term effects of using LSD can include dilated pupils, a decrease in body temperature, nausea, vomiting excessive sweating, rapid heart beat, and convulsions. It impairs a person's ability to perform certain tasks like driving a car and increases the risk for personal injury. Anxiety, agitation, paranoia, depression, and disorientation are also associated effects.
There have been few comprehensive studies about the long term effects of LSD, but it is not uncommon to build a tolerance to the drug and experience prolonged depression and anxiety. In addition, intense re-experiences of part of a previous trip can occur days, even months after using the drug. These are commonly referred to as acid flashbacks, which may lead to ongoing anxiety and feelings of disorientation.
The Drug Enforcement Agency believes LSD to be a danger to our society. Harsh penalties are enforced for possessing LSD in order to discourage use. The controlled Substances Act of 1970 states that the mandatory minimum sentence for possession of 1 gram of LSD is 5 years in prison.
LSD statistics show, LSD is most commonly used among the 18-25 age group, LSD can be found at raves, in night clubs, or in concert settings. According to a recent study, 9.7% of Americans aged 12 or older report using this drug at least once during their lifetime. Among the adult population, it is estimated that 15.9% of people have used the drug once or more. There are approximately 5,000 emergency room visit that are related to LSD use each year.
Short term effects of using LSD can include dilated pupils, a decrease in body temperature, nausea, vomiting excessive sweating, rapid heart beat, and convulsions. It impairs a person's ability to perform certain tasks like driving a car and increases the risk for personal injury. Anxiety, agitation, paranoia, depression, and disorientation are also associated effects.
There have been few comprehensive studies about the long term effects of LSD, but it is not uncommon to build a tolerance to the drug and experience prolonged depression and anxiety. In addition, intense re-experiences of part of a previous trip can occur days, even months after using the drug. These are commonly referred to as acid flashbacks, which may lead to ongoing anxiety and feelings of disorientation.
The Drug Enforcement Agency believes LSD to be a danger to our society. Harsh penalties are enforced for possessing LSD in order to discourage use. The controlled Substances Act of 1970 states that the mandatory minimum sentence for possession of 1 gram of LSD is 5 years in prison.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Teen Crack Cocaine Use
Crack cocaine is known as one of the hardest illicit substances that is abused. It can destroy lives, severely affect one's health, or even cause death. The body quickly becomes dependent on this substance, creating a crack addiction, otherwise known as a fatal disease. Some of the common street names for cocaine include base, chalk, hardball, kryptonite, and rock. However, crack it not just found on the streets, it is found within our U.S. schools. Alarmingly, 4% of high school seniors admit to using crack at some point in time. Even 1% of all eighth graders have experimented with this dangerous drug. Efforts need to be made in order to stop the growing issue of teen crack cocaine use.
Crack cocaine is typically smoked. It comes in the form of chips or rocks that are generally white or off-white in color. The body reacts faster to crack and experiences a greater high than what is experienced when using cocaine in it's more natural form. Also, unlike the high of cocaine and other illicit substances, the crack high only lasts for about 5-10 minutes before the drug needs to be taken again. For these reasons, it is highly addictive and often leads to a downward spiral of a life on drugs.
Teens who are abusing crack cocaine often present with warning signs and symptoms. The first warning signs of drug use in teens include a change in friends, personality, and performance. Teens who use crack will often demonstrate periods of unexplained agitation, altered sleep patterns, extreme paranoia, weight loss, the inability to concentrate, restlessness, anxiety, and animosity towards family members. Personal hygiene may suffer and money and valuables may begin to disappear around the house. Crack addiction is so powerful that often people will find themselves doing things they never thought they were capable of to score their next high. Teens who use crack will often isolate themselves and begin to perform poorly in school.
Professional treatment is strongly recommended for overcoming a crack addiction. Physicians can treat the symptoms of withdrawal, while long term behavioral therapy can assist an addict in recovery. Residential treatment centers exist for everyone. Some of them even work specifically with teen addictions. If your teen or someone you know is using crack cocaine or any other illicit substance, seek professional help immediately. The sooner they get help, the better their chance of a successful recovery.
Crack cocaine is typically smoked. It comes in the form of chips or rocks that are generally white or off-white in color. The body reacts faster to crack and experiences a greater high than what is experienced when using cocaine in it's more natural form. Also, unlike the high of cocaine and other illicit substances, the crack high only lasts for about 5-10 minutes before the drug needs to be taken again. For these reasons, it is highly addictive and often leads to a downward spiral of a life on drugs.
Teens who are abusing crack cocaine often present with warning signs and symptoms. The first warning signs of drug use in teens include a change in friends, personality, and performance. Teens who use crack will often demonstrate periods of unexplained agitation, altered sleep patterns, extreme paranoia, weight loss, the inability to concentrate, restlessness, anxiety, and animosity towards family members. Personal hygiene may suffer and money and valuables may begin to disappear around the house. Crack addiction is so powerful that often people will find themselves doing things they never thought they were capable of to score their next high. Teens who use crack will often isolate themselves and begin to perform poorly in school.
Professional treatment is strongly recommended for overcoming a crack addiction. Physicians can treat the symptoms of withdrawal, while long term behavioral therapy can assist an addict in recovery. Residential treatment centers exist for everyone. Some of them even work specifically with teen addictions. If your teen or someone you know is using crack cocaine or any other illicit substance, seek professional help immediately. The sooner they get help, the better their chance of a successful recovery.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Teen Pain Killer Abuse
What is in your medicine cabinet? A recent national study suggests that teens are more likely to use prescription medications to get high than illegal drugs. In fact, a growing trend among teens is hosting “pill parties,” where instead of bringing gifts, they arrive with medications found in their homes. Pain killers, such as OxyContin, Vicodin, Loritab, and Percocet, are among the most popular drugs abused by high school students.
Many teens don't realize how highly addictive and dangerous prescription pain killers can be. Taking an controlled substance without a prescription is abuse. However, often teens do not just take the drugs, they go out of their way to make them more dangerous. Pills are being snorted for an instantaneous high. Teens crush up pills that have up to a 12 hour time release, so they can experience the entire opiate at once. After a short time of consistent use, they may notice withdrawal symptoms when they go without the pain killers. The body builds a dependence and eventually, won't feel normal without the pills, making addiction very common.
In additions to addiction, the risks associated with teen prescription drug abuse can include irreversible liver damage and accidental death by overdose. Pharmaceuticals taken without a prescription or a doctor's supervision can be just as dangerous as taking illicit drugs. Often teens are mixing pain killers with other drugs or accepting pills without knowing what they are taking. Plus, prescription pain killers taken with alcohol can quickly become a lethal combination.
Talk to your teen about the dangers of pain killer abuse. In order to discourage them from participating in this trend, it is important to keep all medications in a safe place. The medicine cabinet is a place that a teen will readily search if they are looking for drugs. Storing pain killers in a locked box or a safe is a more responsible option. If you suspect your teen is abusing prescription medications, seek professional help immediately.
Many teens don't realize how highly addictive and dangerous prescription pain killers can be. Taking an controlled substance without a prescription is abuse. However, often teens do not just take the drugs, they go out of their way to make them more dangerous. Pills are being snorted for an instantaneous high. Teens crush up pills that have up to a 12 hour time release, so they can experience the entire opiate at once. After a short time of consistent use, they may notice withdrawal symptoms when they go without the pain killers. The body builds a dependence and eventually, won't feel normal without the pills, making addiction very common.
In additions to addiction, the risks associated with teen prescription drug abuse can include irreversible liver damage and accidental death by overdose. Pharmaceuticals taken without a prescription or a doctor's supervision can be just as dangerous as taking illicit drugs. Often teens are mixing pain killers with other drugs or accepting pills without knowing what they are taking. Plus, prescription pain killers taken with alcohol can quickly become a lethal combination.
Talk to your teen about the dangers of pain killer abuse. In order to discourage them from participating in this trend, it is important to keep all medications in a safe place. The medicine cabinet is a place that a teen will readily search if they are looking for drugs. Storing pain killers in a locked box or a safe is a more responsible option. If you suspect your teen is abusing prescription medications, seek professional help immediately.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Teen Drug Addiction
More and more teens seem to be turning to drugs as a means to cope with their problems or for recreational purposes. As a result, many of them develop a dependency to the substance they are using. Teen drug addiction is a serious issue in the United States and can be a fatal disease. Many teens who are addicted to drugs will not see a problem with their behavior or drug use. However, it can quickly destroy their lives and greatly affect the entire family.
According to a survey by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, about 50% of high school seniors report some type of illicit drug use during their lifetime. Using hard drugs is less common among teens, however this same study showed that 8.1% of the students had used cocaine and 1.5% reported heroin use. As many as 30% of these youth have tried an illicit drug by the 8th grade. Parents don't often realize the availability of drugs to our youth. As alarming as these statistics are, hopefully they raise an awareness for parents to talk to their kids about drugs.
It is important to be aware of the warning signs of teen drug use, so you can know if your teen is in trouble. Teens who abuse drugs often show dramatic changes in personality. They tend to isolate themselves from their friends and family and begin spending time with a new crowd of peers. Poor academic performance, mood swings, altered sleeping patterns, weight loss, and unexplained agitation can all be associated with drug use. Also, if money or other valuable items start to disappear or your teen begins lying to you when faced with questions, it could be indicative of a drug problem. Teens who use and become addicted to drugs may exhibit behaviors that you never thought were possible.
Raising a drug free teen takes a proactive effort. Start talking to your child about drugs at a young age. Providing a structured environment with a supportive family will decrease their risk of drug use. As your child grows, give them ample opportunity to make decisions and build confidence in those decision making skills. Also, building self esteem, encouraging healthy activities, and knowing where your teens is and who they are with are good preventative methods. If you suspect your teen is using any type of illicit substance, seek help immediately. Addiction recovery may require professional help from a residential treatment facility.
According to a survey by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, about 50% of high school seniors report some type of illicit drug use during their lifetime. Using hard drugs is less common among teens, however this same study showed that 8.1% of the students had used cocaine and 1.5% reported heroin use. As many as 30% of these youth have tried an illicit drug by the 8th grade. Parents don't often realize the availability of drugs to our youth. As alarming as these statistics are, hopefully they raise an awareness for parents to talk to their kids about drugs.
It is important to be aware of the warning signs of teen drug use, so you can know if your teen is in trouble. Teens who abuse drugs often show dramatic changes in personality. They tend to isolate themselves from their friends and family and begin spending time with a new crowd of peers. Poor academic performance, mood swings, altered sleeping patterns, weight loss, and unexplained agitation can all be associated with drug use. Also, if money or other valuable items start to disappear or your teen begins lying to you when faced with questions, it could be indicative of a drug problem. Teens who use and become addicted to drugs may exhibit behaviors that you never thought were possible.
Raising a drug free teen takes a proactive effort. Start talking to your child about drugs at a young age. Providing a structured environment with a supportive family will decrease their risk of drug use. As your child grows, give them ample opportunity to make decisions and build confidence in those decision making skills. Also, building self esteem, encouraging healthy activities, and knowing where your teens is and who they are with are good preventative methods. If you suspect your teen is using any type of illicit substance, seek help immediately. Addiction recovery may require professional help from a residential treatment facility.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Teen Violence
Teen violence is on the rise. An average of 15 young people are killed every year, most of them with guns. In one high school that was recently surveyed, 17% of students admitted to bringing a weapon on campus for protection within the last month. Each year there are more than half a million violence related injuries involving teens. Bullying, fighting, and even threatening text messages occur throughout our U.S. school systems everyday. Why do these teens have so much anger and how do you keep yours from becoming violent?
There are several risk factors that can make individual teens more likely to become violent. One of the biggest risk factors in any kind of gang activity. Often, when a teen is associated with a gang, they are encouraged to participate in or initiate violent acts in order to be accepted by the other gang members. Also, teens who use drugs, particularly harder drugs like cocaine or heroin, are more likely to be perpetrators of misconduct. The intense highs and lows that are associated with drug use and withdrawal often cause feelings of irritability, paranoia, or invincibility. Plus, there are often disputes about drug deals among teens that don't go as planned. Violence in the home is also a contributing factor. Teens without a structured and supportive family may turn to violence, especially those who are often left unsupervised or physically abused themselves.
While the statistics for teen violence seem bleak, school seems to be the safest place for these kids. Less than 1% of violence related deaths occur inside of a school building. If your child is a victim or a perpetrator of violent activities, you should contact the school counselor and find out where to get help. Teens who are violent need to be counseled and taught ways to express their anger that are not harmful to themselves or others. Parents should be involved in their teen's lives. Know who their friends are and encourage positive activities. Communicate with them about non violent ways to solve problems from a young age and always ensure that they have a safe and violent free home.
There are several risk factors that can make individual teens more likely to become violent. One of the biggest risk factors in any kind of gang activity. Often, when a teen is associated with a gang, they are encouraged to participate in or initiate violent acts in order to be accepted by the other gang members. Also, teens who use drugs, particularly harder drugs like cocaine or heroin, are more likely to be perpetrators of misconduct. The intense highs and lows that are associated with drug use and withdrawal often cause feelings of irritability, paranoia, or invincibility. Plus, there are often disputes about drug deals among teens that don't go as planned. Violence in the home is also a contributing factor. Teens without a structured and supportive family may turn to violence, especially those who are often left unsupervised or physically abused themselves.
While the statistics for teen violence seem bleak, school seems to be the safest place for these kids. Less than 1% of violence related deaths occur inside of a school building. If your child is a victim or a perpetrator of violent activities, you should contact the school counselor and find out where to get help. Teens who are violent need to be counseled and taught ways to express their anger that are not harmful to themselves or others. Parents should be involved in their teen's lives. Know who their friends are and encourage positive activities. Communicate with them about non violent ways to solve problems from a young age and always ensure that they have a safe and violent free home.
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