what every parent should know about teens and substance...

What every parent should know about teens and substance abuse.

Truth + Consequences.indd 1 11/3/17 2:51 PM

2

NOPE Task Force (Narcotics Overdose Prevention & Education) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was formed in Palm Beach County, Florida in 2004, to combat the illegal use of prescription drugs and narcotics, as well as other abused substances. NOPE Task Force is comprised of community leaders and concerned families working to save lives.

NEW PHOTO?

3

www.nopetaskforce.org

TreatmentTreatment is costly, and for many, unaffordable. The ultimate goal of NOPE is to seek out and support the best treatment programs, and provide assistance to adolescents and young adults seeking further help.

SupportNOPE partners with local agencies within Chapter locations

to offer group emotional support services to families who have lost loved ones to drug related deaths. Groups meet once a month and are run by a mental health professional at no cost to group members.

AwarenessCandle Light VigilThe NOPE National Candle Light Vigil brings communities together each year during Red Ribbon Week to remember those lost to and suffering from substance abuse, and in an effort to bring awareness to the consequences our nation faces with the illegal use of prescription and illicit drugs. The NOPE Vigil strives to reduce the stigma surrounding the disease of addiction so that those suffering will openly seek help.

Anti-Drug LegislationNot nearly enough action is being taken at the state and

federal levels to combat the proliferation of illegal drugs, and the illegal distribution of powerful prescription drugs. NOPE

brings its message to both public and private forums in order to focus attention on this epidemic that is killing our children, and to put a human face on the debate. The message is simple: Kids cannot die from a drug overdose if they do not have access to drugs. West Palm Beach, FL 33407

NARCOTICSOVERDOSE PREVENTION & EDUCATION

MissionTo diminish the frequency and impact of drug overdose death through community education, family support and purposeful advocacy.

Our VisionA world free of overdose deaths.

School Presentations The cornerstone of the NOPE mission is the high impact presentation which is delivered to middle and high school students. The NOPE presentations are purposefully blunt and evoke powerful emotions. The response from students, parents and teachers has been very positive. Many students seek guidance after the presentation for

themselves or to get help for their friends.

NOPE For Parents, Communities and UniversitiesNOPE offers parents/caretakers, communities and universities interactive presentations that inform participants about the reality our nation faces regarding substance abuse and overdose deaths along with suggestions and parenting strategies to combat the issues.

Efficacy Lynn University of Boca Raton, Florida provides ongoing quantitative and qualitative research for NOPE programs to determine whether or not NOPE presentations change students’ core attitudes, opinions, perceptions and behaviors relative to alcohol and other drug issues. The research completed to date has shown the NOPE presentations to be effective in changing students’ attitudes and knowledge in regards to our three main messages. We believe that measurable changes in these important variables will translate to less overdose deaths.

Truth + Consequences.indd 2-3 11/3/17 2:51 PM

Each day in the United States, approximately 129 people die as a result of a drug overdose.(Source: DEA)

More Americans die from drug overdoses than from car accidents. (Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

The majority of deaths are largely due to misuse and abuse of prescription drugs. In the majority of deaths, more than one drug is found. (Source: Leonard J. Paulozzi, M.D., M.P.H., Medical Epidemiologist, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

2.5 million hospital emergency department visits are attributed to drug misuse or overdose. (Source: Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), 2011 National ED Estimates)

Every day in the US, 2,500 youth (12 to 17) abuse a prescription pain reliever for the first time. (Source: drugfreeworld.org)

20% of teens who have abused prescription painkillers did so before age 14. (Source: Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS) 2012)

1 in 4 teens see little or no risk in trying prescription drugs.(Source: Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS) 2012)

There are as many new abusers age 12 to 17 of prescription drugs as there are of marijuana. (Source: Partnership for Drug-Free Kids)

Two-thirds of teens who misused pain relievers in the past year say that they got them from family and friends, including their home’s medicine cabinets. (Source: SAMHSA, 2016)

45% of those who begin drinking alcohol before the age of 14 become alcohol dependent at some time in their lives, compared with 10% of those who wait at least until age 21. (Source: Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine)

More teens are in treatment with a primary diagnosis of marijuana dependence than for all other illicit drugs combined. (Source: Treatment Episodes Data Set (TEDS) 1999-2009, SAMHSA, 2011)

The facts don’t lie

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

4

The Gateway Drugs Tobacco, alcohol and marijuana are the drugs that young people use most often. Each of them is destructive in its own right, and the use of any one of them may “open the door” to involvement with other drugs.

TobaccoSmoking, chewing and dipping all involve the use of nicotine. The nicotine in tobacco is one of the most addictive of drugs. Long-term use of tobacco often results in high blood pressure, heart attack, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema and/or cancer of the lungs, throat and mouth.

AlcoholLike cocaine or marijuana, alcohol is a drug. It can alter moods, cause changes in the body and become habit-forming. The most widely used drug among teenagers, and Americans in general, is alcohol. Drinking is the third leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. and is a factor in over half of all fire deaths, drownings, injuries, traffic fatalities, and murders in the U.S. Long-term use of alcohol can result in memory loss, high blood pressure, enlarged heart, liver ailments, impotency and ulcers, as well as alcoholism.

MarijuanaToday’s marijuana is 10-20 times more potent than that used in the 1960’s. The active ingredient in marijuana (THC) accumulates in the body with the chemicals from just one joint taking 3-6 weeks to leave the body. Smokers continue to build up these chemicals with long term use, adversely affecting the lungs, heart, brain, reproductive system, and the body’s immune response to infections and disease. The younger the user, the more damaging the effects. It is rare for younger people ever to use any other illegal drug without having first used marijuana.

5


Cocaine Coke, Snow, Nose Candy, Flake, Blow, Big C, Ladywhite, Snowbirds

Commonly Abused Substances

Highly addictive stimulant that appears as a fine, white, crystalline powder inhaled through the nose or dissolved and injected. Sources: National Drug Intelligence Center and www.DEA.gov

Restless, irritable, anxious, increased temperature, heart attack, respiratory failure, stroke and seizure, and sudden death when combined with alcohol.

Highly addictive and powerful stimulant that is derived from powdered cocaine. Crack typically is available as rocks, white or off white, varies in size, and is smoked. Sources: National Drug Intelligence Center and www.DEA.gov

Aggressive and paranoid behavior. Users may experience respiratory problems, lung trauma and bleeding, seizure and cardiac arrest.

Cough suppressant available in over-the-counter cough and cold medications. Sources: National Drug Intelligence Center andwww.DEA.gov

Hypothermia, nausea, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, headache, seizures, brain damage, and death.

6

Highly addictive and rapidly acting opiate-specifically if it is produced from morphine. The appearance may vary dramatically but is generally sold as a white or off-white powder. Heroin is snorted, smoked or injected. Sources: National Drug Intelligence Center and www.DEA.gov

Both new and experienced users risk overdose. Risks include addiction, shallow breathing, convulsions, coma and death.

Inhalants are a diverse group of substances that include volatile solvents, gases, and nitrites that are sniffed, snorted, huffed, or bagged to produce intoxicating effects similar to alcohol. These substances are found in common household products like glues, lighter fluid, cleaning fluids, and paint products. Sources: National Drug Intelligence Center and www.DEA.gov

Dizziness, hallucinations, belligerence, weight loss, disorienta-tion, depression, chronic abuse may cause brain damage. Death may occur from a single use or after prolonged use. SSD (sudden sniffing death) may result within minutes of abuse.

Elevated blood pressure and body temperature, suppressed appetite, sleeplessness, chronic recurring hallucinations, tremors.

Increased blood pressure, sweating, nausea, hallucinations.

Hallucinations, impaired motor coordination, inability to feel physical pain, respiratory attack, depression, anxiety, disorientation, fear, panic, paranoia, aggressive behavior and violence, exposure to HIV if injected.

Liver cancer, sterility, masculine traits in women and reverse, aggression, depression, acne, mood swings.

Tablets, capsules, and liquid form. It is an odorless, colorless substance with a slightly bitter taste that is usually ingested orally. It is often added to absorbent paper and divided into small decorated squares, each representing one dose. Sources: National Drug Intelligence Center and www.DEA.gov

Mescaline Psilocybin obtained from certain mushrooms indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States. Mushroom cap eaten, brewed and drunk in teas. Sources: National Drug Intelligence Center and www.DEA.gov

White crystalline powder, readily dissolves in water. On the illicit market the color ranges from tan to brown, commonly applied to a leafy material, such as parsley, mint, oregano, or marijuana, and smoked. Sources: National Drug Intelligence Center and www.DEA.gov

Synthetically produced variants of the naturally occurring male hormone testosterone. The full name for this class of drugs is androgenic (promoting masculine characteristics) anabolic (tissue building) steroids (the class of drugs). Sources: National Drug Intelligence Center and www.DEA.gov

7

STREET NAME AND DESCRIPTION PARAPHERNALIA RISK

Heroin Dreamer, Junk, Smack, Horse, Mud, Brown Sugar, Black Tar, Big H, Dope

Inhalants

LSD Acid, Microdot, Tabs, Doses, Trips, Hits, Sugar Cubes

Mescaline Psilocybin Shrooms, Caps, Magic Mushrooms

PCP Angel Dust, Ozone, Rocket Fuel, Peace Pill, Elephant Tranquilizer, Dust

Steroids Rhoids, Juice

Crack Cocaine Ready Rock, Gravel, Rock, Freebase

DXM Dextromethorphan


Prescription Drug AbusePrescription drug abuse is the use of prescription medication to create an altered state, to get high, or for reasons – or by people – other than those intended by the prescribing physician.

Every day 2,500 teens in the United States try prescription drugs to get high for How are teens getting prescription drugs?Contrary to popular belief, the most common way that children obtain these drugs is not “on-line” or from “doctor shopping.” Most children pilfer these medications from their parents’, friends’, and grandparents’ medicine cabinets.

How can I keep my child from abusing prescription medications?Safeguard all drugs at home. Monitor quantities and control access.

Take note of how many pills are in a bottle or pill packet, and keep track of refills. This goes for your own medication, as well as for your teen and other members of your household.

If you find you have to refill medication more often than expected, there could be a real problem — someone may be taking your medication without your knowledge.

If your teen has been prescribed a drug, be sure you control the medication, and monitor dosages and refills.

Set clear rules for teens about all drug use, including not sharing medicine and always following the medical provider’s advice and dosages.

Make sure your teen uses prescription drugs only as directed by a medical provider and follows instructions for over-the-counter (OTC) products carefully. This includes taking the proper dosage and not using with other substances without a medical provider’s approval.

Teens should never take prescription or OTC drugs with street drugs or alcohol. If you have any questions about how to take a drug, call your family physician or pharmacist.

Be a good role model by following these same rules with your own medicine.

(Source: http://www.theantidrug.com/drug_info/prescription_what_can_you_do.asp)

8

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

9

Life saving home work for Parents…Prescription drugs can be beneficial and essential for treating many illnesses when prescribed and taken as directed under a physician’s supervision. However, when taken in larger amounts or for other reasons, or by other persons than those intended by the prescribing physician, they can be dangerous and even deadly.

1. Examine the contents of your medicine cabinets for any expired or unnecessary prescription medications and discard according to the Department of Environmental Protection regulations.

2. Take the remaining necessary prescriptions out of the medicine cabinet and count the number of pills in each bottle.

3. Construct a medication log for the remaining prescriptions.

4. LOCK THEM UP! Lock the commonly abused medications in a secure location.

Depressants Chemical agents used to induce sleep, relieve stress and anxiety. Alcohol is one of the most universal depressants. Hundreds of substances have been developed that produce central nervous system depression. They are referred to as downers, sedatives, hypnotics, minor tranquilizers, anxiolytics and anti-anxiety medications.

Stimulants Reverse the effects of fatigue on both mental and physical tasks. Two commonly used stimulants are nicotine and caffeine. A number of stimulants are under regulatory control of the CSA and are available by prescription for legitimate medical use. Stimulants include amphetamines such as Adderall®, Dexedrine®, and Ritalin®. Abrupt cessation is commonly followed by depression, anxiety, drug craving and extreme fatigue known as a “crash.” Risks include chest pain with palpitations, hostility, aggression, suicidal or homicidal tendencies, paranoia, hallucinations, convulsions, cardiovascular collapse, and death.

Narcotics Used therapeutically to treat pain, suppress a cough, alleviate diarrhea and induce anesthesia. Narcotics include morphine, codeine, heroin, oxycodone (Oxycontin®). Use is associated with drowsiness, inability to concentrate, apathy, dilation of blood vessels, respiratory depression, severe depression, pain in bones and muscles, dependence and addiction.

Every day in the United Statestry prescription drugs to get high for the first time.

2,000 teens


Commonly abused pharmaceuticals

10 11

AcetaminophenPropoxyphene

Dilaudid4mg

Adderall 30mg

Klonopin1mg

Adderall XR 30mg

Methadone

Ativan1mg

Percodan2.25mg

Darvon-365mg Temazepam

30mg

Demerol100mg Vicodin ES-7.5mg

Adderall 5mg

Fentanyl

Adderall XR 5mg

Lorazepam2mg

Alprazolam 1mg

Morphine

Ativan2mg

Percodan4.5mg

Darvon65mg Valium

2mg

Diazepam5mg Xanax

1mg

Adderall 10mg

Hydromorphone2mg

Adderall XR 10mg

Lorcet10mg

Alprazolam 2mg

Oxycontin10mg

Ativan.5mg

Ritalin20mg

Darvon-N100mg Valium

5mg

Diazepam10mg Xanax

2mg

Adderall 15mg

Hydromorphone4mg

Adderall XR 20mg

Alprazolam 5mg

Oxycontin20mg

Clonazepam1mg

Roxicet5mg-325mg

Demerol TabletValium10mg

Diazepam2mg Xanax

.5mg

Adderall 20mg

Klonopin.50mg

Adderall XR 25mg

Meperidine50mg

Alprazolam.25 mg Percocet

5mg

Darvocet-N100mg

Temazepam15mg

Suboxone2mg

Soma350mg

Demerol50mg Vicodin

5mg

Dilaudid2mg Xanax

.25mg

Oxycontin710

Oxycontin160mg

Oxycontin80mg

Lorcet-Plus 7.5mg


12 13

Underage DrinkingThe average brain does not fully develop until age 24, therefore, everything that is placed in the body before that time has an effect on the developing brain. Young drinkers age 12-14 are more likely to get their alcohol from family or at home than from any other source. Understand the law and set the law at home. It is illegal to buy, possess or use alcohol if you are under the age of 21, and it is illegal to purchase and/or serve alcohol to youth under the age of 21.

Teens who drink with their parents are more likely to:

• Drink more• Drink more elsewhere• Score higher on a measure of “problem drinking” two years later (CADCA, 2010)

Combining DrugsMixing drugs and alcohol is hazardous and unpredictable. Prescription drugs and alcohol magnify the impact of many commonly used drugs and increases the risk of overdose. Sudden respiratory arrest can result from many alcohol-drug combinations.

• Seizures, body tremors

• Dilated pupils

• Confusion

• Hallucinations

• Cold, clammy skin

A drug overdose occurs when a person accidentally or intentionally misuses any drug or combination of drugs to such excess that it results in direct physiological harm. A drug overdose does not have to be of the same drug, it can also occur when one drug interacts with another.

Don’t think you can let someone “Sleep it off”. Respiratory depression from a central nervous system depressant and pain reliever overdose can cause brain damage or death if not treated promptly by a medical professional. If you see any of the symptoms listed above seek emergency medical treatment immediately!

Make the Call! Dial 911

Signs of drug overdose

• Slow breathing, loud snoring

sound

• Respiratory arrest, not breathing

• Very fast, slow or absent pulse

• Unconsciousness

If you see anyone displaying the signs and symptoms of a drug overdose, place them in the recovery position and call 911 immediately.

Sometimes you sleep it off…never


14 15

Physical evidence of drug useAny drugs or drug paraphernalia found on your child or in your home are indications of drug use, even if he or she insists they “belong to a friend.”

“Stash cans” often disguised as cola or beer cans

Bong pipes, small screens, roach clips or rolling papers

Excess burning of incense or use of room deodorizers

Liquor missing or watered down

Mouthwash, breath spray, Visine or other eye drops

Prescription medication disappearing

Household money disappearing

Fake ID

Changes in eating and sleeping habitsDifficulty falling asleep, insomnia, sleeping habits have changed, up all night, sleeping during the day, inappropriate napping

Significant weight loss or gain

Poor appetite or sudden appetite (especially for sweets)

Spends the night in unsupervised homes

Changes in physical appearanceLack of personal cleanliness, messy appearance

Red eyes and frequent use of eye drops

Runny nose, congestion, coughing in absence of a cold

Wearing dark glasses when not necessary

Pale face, circles under eyes

Changes in behavior and personalityAbrupt changes in mood

Hostility, defiance of rules

Withdrawn, depressed, “I don’t care” attitude

Lack of responsibility, not doing chores or homework, forgetting family occasions

Blaming, lying, making excuses

Memory loss, shortened attention span, disordered thought patterns

Withdrawal from family, isolation, secretiveness

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

Changes in friends and interestsNew friends or different friends, especially ones who use drugs or express or display receptivity to drugs or alcohol

Friends are rarely introduced and seldom come to the house

More time spent in room or away from home, overall the child is more insular, private and withdrawn

Secrecy about actions and possessions. Hobbies, sports or extra-curricular activities are given up

Stays out past curfew or sneaks out at night alone or to join friends

Changes in school or job performanceDiscipline problems

Quitting or getting fired from job

Lowered grades, neglected homework

Frequent tardiness and absenteeism

Falling asleep in class

Has a positive attitude towards drugs and alcoholPro-drug messages on posters, clothing, social networking sites

Strong defense of the occasional use of drugs by peers

Easily angered when confronted about substance use

Social NetworkingJust as you monitor where your teens go and with whom they spend their time, you also should monitor their digital activities. Your teen’s browsing history, social networking page (such as Facebook and Twitter), or their email files (as a minor, your child’s privacy is at your discretion) may reveal clues as to whether or not your child is receptive to or using drugs or alcohol.

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●


What should I do if I suspect my child is using drugs?Two words: Take action. Don’t be afraid to be a strong parent! If the problem becomes too much for you to handle alone seek professional help, such as counseling, a support group or a treatment program.

If you suspect that your child may be using alcohol or drugs, share your concerns, with your child. Choose a time when there will be no interruptions. Do not discuss when your child is high. Share the previous check list with your child and express your concerns. Explain why you are opposed to any drug use and how you intend to enforce that position.

Do not be misled by:“I’ve only tried it once.” “It’s not mine.”“I was just holding it for a friend.”“Everyone is doing it.”“It’s only a little pot.”“I’ve quit.”

16

If you find evidence of your child using cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ecstasy or any prescription or over-the-counter medications, consider this discovery an emergency situation! Your child needs a professionally administered substance abuse assessment.

If your child is using drugs, he or she needs your help. Be understanding, firm and supportive. Try not to be accusatory, sarcastic or self-blaming.

Taking the time to discuss the problem openly is an important first step. It shows that your child’s well-being is important to you and that you still love him or her, although you hate what is taking place.

Remember, drug abuse occurs in families of all economic and social backgrounds – in happy and unhappy homes alike. The faster you act, the sooner your child can start to become well again.

Source: “Growing Up Drug Free, A Parent’s Guide to Prevention.”US Department of Education

No one who begins to use drugs thinks he or she will become addicted. Addiction is a disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking behavior regardless of the consequences.

Research conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that virtually all drugs that are abused have a profound effect on the brain. Prolonged use of

many drugs including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines can change the brain in fundamental and long-lasting ways resulting in drug

craving addiction. Certain risk factors make it more likely that individuals will become addicted to alcohol and other drugs, these Risk Factors include:

Early age of first useChildren of alcoholicsChildren with psychological problemsChildren with learning disabilitiesChildren of povertySensation – seekersPerceived external approval of drug useAffiliation with deviant peersHaving above average disposable income Source: “Dangerous Drugs” by Carol Falkowski

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

17


18

Middle and high school are critical developmental times in our children’s lives. The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids’ PATS research indicates that parents are the most important influence in a teen’s decision about drug and alcohol use. Kids are 36-65% less likely to use drugs and/or alcohol if they talk with their parents about drugs and alcohol.

Facts Parents Need To Know 1. Get involved in your child’s life by establishing time together. 2. Learn to communicate effectively. 3. Set an example by living your value system. 4. Set and enforce rules and guidelines. 5. Praise and reward good behavior. 6. Have 5 family meals a week. 7. Get to know your child’s friends and their

parents. 8. Monitor your child’s

whereabouts. 9. Give a clear no-use

message about drugs and alcohol.

10. Maintain an open and honest dialogue with your child about drugs, alcohol and the consequences of using either.

19

Emergency 911Poison Control www.aapcc.org 1-800-222-1222Suicide Hot Line www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org 1-800-273-TALKTreatment Referral Helpline 1-800-622-HELP

CHEMICAL DEPENDENCYAlcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) www.aa.org 212-870-3400Cocaine Anonymous (C.A.) www.ca.org 310-599-5833Crystal Meth Anonymous (C.M.A.) www.crystalmeth.org 855-METH-FREEMarijuana Anonymous (M.A.) www.marijuana-anonymous.org 800-766-6779Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) www.na.org 818-773-9999Nicotine Anonymous (N.A.) www.nicotine-anonymous.org 877-TRY-NICA

COMPULSIVE GAMBLINGDebtors Anonymous (D.A.) www.debtorsanonymous.org 800-421-2383Gamblers Anonymous (G.A.) www.gamblersanonymous.org 626-960-3500

EATING DISORDERSAnorexia Nervosa& Associated (Eating) Disorders (ANAD) www.anad.org 630-577-1333Overeaters Anonymous (O.A.) www.oa.org 505-891-2664

FAMILY SUPPORTAdult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA) www.adultchildren.org 310-534-1815Al-Anon/Al-Ateen www.al-anon.org 888-425-2666Nar-Anon www.nar-anon.org 800-477-6291Co-Dependents Anonymous (CODA) www.coda.org 888-444-2359NOPE Task Force www.nopetaskforce.org Parents Toll-Free Helpline 855-DRUGFREENational Suicide Prevention Lifeline www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org 800-273-TALKFind Help www.samhsa.gov/find-help


.

10Survival tips for Parents.


NOPETASK FORCE

126 E. Baltimore AvenueMedia, PA 19063P: 814-419-NOPE


©NOPE Task Force 2017

Truth + Consequences.indd 26 11/3/17 2:51 PM

what every parent should know about teens and substance...

Documents