Parent Resources

Drugs-Life

Parent Resources

Whether your child is in junior high school or college, here are tips to help guide your child to avoid peer pressure and getting involved with drugs and alcohol – and choose a healthy lifestyle.

 

It's essential to know what drugs are available and how to identify the signs of abuse. Like synthetic marijuana, new substances seem to emerge all the time and present unique challenges to parents and law enforcement officials. People of all ages also abuse prescription drugs at an alarming rate.

 

Even with these challenges, there are ways to prevent drug and alcohol abuse. By openly communicating with your child and educating him or her about the risks of drugs, you empower your child to make good and healthy decisions. Conversations are one of the most powerful tools parents can use to connect with — and protect — their kids. Talk to your kids early and often at every age about drugs and alcohol. They are listening.

 

We have compiled a list of commonly abused drugs, warning signs, and prevention methods to help you stay informed and protect your child.

 

The 10 Most Commonly Abused Drugs

  • Alcohol - Alcohol is the #1 abused substance in the United States. Nearly a quarter of the population participates in binge drinking (58.6 million), and 6.7% of the population reported heavy drinking (16.9 million). As a depressant, alcohol produces impaired coordination and judgment, slurred speech, and blackouts.
  • Tobacco - One-quarter of Americans (6.9 million) are users of a tobacco product, the second most used drug. Smoking stimulates the brain's pleasure centers by turning on the body's natural chemicals that produce euphoria. With over 7000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, smoking also causes long-term systemic effects, such as high blood pressure, and has been proven to increase cancer risk. (See section below on vaping)
  • Marijuana - Marijuana is the third most popular recreational drug in America and the #1 most abused illicit drug. The Cannabis plant's dried parts can cause distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, and problems with learning and memory. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the active ingredient in marijuana responsible for its "high" feelings. (See section below on vaping).
  • Prescription Drugs - With the surge of prescription drug abuse in the past decade, there should be no wonder that it ranks #4 on the list. Painkillers such as Vicodin and OxyContin are the most abused prescription drugs. Besides their analgesic properties, they can produce effects like heroin.
  • Cocaine - Nearly 1.5 million people in America are current users of this familiar white powder. Due to its short-lived yet influential euphoria effects, cocaine use results in severe psychological dependence and intense drug cravings. Tolerance builds quickly, and the phrase "dope fiend" was initially coined to describe the adverse side effects of constant cocaine use.
  • Inhalants - Inhalants are the vapors from toxic substances that can produce a high. The most often used are shoe polish, glue, gasoline, spray paint, cleaning fluid, "poppers," and nitrous oxide. Users experience feelings like anesthetics, with an initial high and loss of inhibition followed by drowsiness, slurred speech, and agitation.
  • Ecstasy - Ecstasy, also called MDMA, is one of the most popular drugs among youth today. It is the club drug of choice, producing feelings of euphoria, alertness, hallucinations, and feelings of closeness with others. However, nearly 65% of pills sold as Ecstasy contain other substances, making the effects both unpredictable and dangerous.
  • Hallucinogens - Although hallucinogens include half a dozen or more drugs such as PCP and Ketamine, LSD is by far the most popular. Also known as "acid," LSD is the most potent hallucinogen in the world. Often sold on blotting paper or "windowpanes," the effects of LSD are unpredictable, altering the user's mood, personality, and sensations of reality.
  • Methamphetamine - Meth, crank, or speed produces feelings of well-being and energy lasting from 4 to 16 hours, making it a popular drug for parties and night clubs. Highly addictive, meth burns up the body's resources and creates dependence relieved only by taking more drugs.
  • Heroin - Heroin, made from poppy plants' resin, is a highly addictive form of opiate. It can be injected, smoked, or sniffed, heroin.

New and Emerging Dangers

  • Vaping/E-Cigarettes/JUULs – Although cigarette rates have been trending down over the past few years, the emerging use of vaping and electronic devices for tobacco and marijuana have skyrocketed, especially among the youth. Vaping devices a small, compartmentalized machines that use chemicals such as diacetyl, propylene glycol, and glycerin to heat the tobacco or THC oil and deliver an aerosol that appears like a vapor. Inhaling aerosol and these chemicals create a new set of dangerous consequences for those who use them as well as those breathing in the second-hand aerosol. Although this product is relatively new, hundreds of reports of individuals are developing EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping associated lung illness). This disease causes great harm to the lungs, throat, and stomach. An additional danger of vapes and e-cigarette devices is that many of the youth do not believe they are inhaling anything other than vapor and flavor.
  • Synthetic drugs - Synthetic, or fake, marijuana is sold over the internet, in gas stations, smoke shops, and other "head shops" and marketed as a herb or incense. It has a potency from 100-800 times of your traditional marijuana, cocaine, and other stimulants, and in many states, it is legal. Synthetic marijuana has many different brand names and labels, but all are created with the same characteristics and similar chemicals. Such brand names include K-2, Spice, Krypto, Legal Bud, Genie, Wicked, Blue Dragon, Black Mamba, Blaze, Red-X Dawn, Bliss, Zohai, Mr. Smiley, and so on. Although the packaging usually indicates that it is not for human consumption, synthetic marijuana has been on the rise.
  • Smoking Alcohol - This practice is dangerous and is being practiced by young adults all over the country and causing severe medical emergencies and deaths as a result. Because this is a returning trend, unfamiliar to health care providers, there is no statistical data available concerning hospitalizations and deaths. The danger of smoking alcohol is related to the rapid absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream and its effects on the brain. When a person binge drinks too quickly, the result is nausea and vomiting. When alcohol is absorbed from the intestines, it makes a direct route through the liver, assisting in the detoxification. This reaction often prevents alcohol poisoning. But, when alcohol vapors are inhaled, these protective processes do not occur. Instead, large amounts of alcohol can enter the bloodstream, move directly to the brain, and cause alcohol poisoning (toxicity).
  • Molly – The drug is a pure powder form of Ecstasy in a pill. Often made in clandestine laboratories, this substance consists of a mixture of amphetamines and mescaline (a hallucinogen). It has been around for a while but has most recently resurfaced. The substance makes the user feel energized, euphoric, emotionally heightened, and have a distorted perception of their senses and time. At one time, it was known as a "rave drug" but has become more mainstream. Drug users sell this as the drug that will get a user high but not addicted. The risks of using Molly are involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision and chills, increased body temperature and sweating, severe dehydration, muscle breakdown, seizures, increased heart rate and blood pressure, kidney, liver, and heart failure.
  • Hookahs - Hookahs are water pipes that are used to smoke flavored tobacco. Groups sit around this mechanism and share mouthpieces that are attached to the pipe. Some people say this is a safe way to smoke tobacco, but it is NOT. Using tobacco in this way can cause cancer, oral infections, danger to a fetus, and decreased fertility due to more smoke being inhaled than cigarettes, charcoal being used to heat the tobacco, and sharing mouthpieces. Hookah bars and lounges have become a trend for adults; however, hookahs can be purchased online.

DepressedDrug and Alcohol Abuse Warning Signs

  • Changing to a new group of friends
  • Caring less about school or a drop in grades
  • Unusual behavior that you have never seen before
  • Caring less about extracurricular activities

Prevention Methods

  • Talk to your kids early and often at every age about drugs and alcohol. They are listening.
  • Set a positive example for your kid by quitting any bad habits that you have.
  • Tell your child about the legal consequences that drugs and alcohol can have on them.
  • Most importantly, spend time and get to know your child.
  • Make clear cut rules and consequences for any drug- or alcohol-related usage.
  • If your child is going to a social gathering, let your child know that you can pick them up if needed. Be sure to make them realize that they may still be reprimanded for breaking any rules.
  • Encourage your child to choose friends that aren't using drugs or alcohol.
  • Please get to know your child's friends and their parents.
  • Teach refusal skills through role-play and practice.
  • Engage in family activities to promote healthy habits.

Parent Resources

Whether your child is in junior high school or college, here are tips to help guide your child to avoid peer pressure and getting involved with drugs and alcohol – and choose a healthy lifestyle.

 

It's essential to know what drugs are available and how to identify the signs of abuse. Like synthetic marijuana, new substances seem to emerge all the time and present unique challenges to parents and law enforcement officials. People of all ages also abuse prescription drugs at an alarming rate.

 

Even with these challenges, there are ways to prevent drug and alcohol abuse. By openly communicating with your child and educating him or her about the risks of drugs, you empower your child to make good and healthy decisions. Conversations are one of the most powerful tools parents can use to connect with — and protect — their kids. Talk to your kids early and often at every age about drugs and alcohol. They are listening.

 

We have compiled a list of commonly abused drugs, warning signs, and prevention methods to help you stay informed and protect your child.

 

The 10 Most Commonly Abused Drugs

  • Alcohol - Alcohol is the #1 abused substance in the United States. Nearly a quarter of the population participates in binge drinking (58.6 million), and 6.7% of the population reported heavy drinking (16.9 million). As a depressant, alcohol produces impaired coordination and judgment, slurred speech, and blackouts.
  • Tobacco - One-quarter of Americans (6.9 million) are users of a tobacco product, the second most used drug. Smoking stimulates the brain's pleasure centers by turning on the body's natural chemicals that produce euphoria. With over 7000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, smoking also causes long-term systemic effects, such as high blood pressure, and has been proven to increase cancer risk. (See section below on vaping)
  • Marijuana - Marijuana is the third most popular recreational drug in America and the #1 most abused illicit drug. The Cannabis plant's dried parts can cause distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, and problems with learning and memory. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the active ingredient in marijuana responsible for its "high" feelings. (See section below on vaping).
  • Prescription Drugs - With the surge of prescription drug abuse in the past decade, there should be no wonder that it ranks #4 on the list. Painkillers such as Vicodin and OxyContin are the most abused prescription drugs. Besides their analgesic properties, they can produce effects like heroin.
  • Cocaine - Nearly 1.5 million people in America are current users of this familiar white powder. Due to its short-lived yet influential euphoria effects, cocaine use results in severe psychological dependence and intense drug cravings. Tolerance builds quickly, and the phrase "dope fiend" was initially coined to describe the adverse side effects of constant cocaine use.
  • Inhalants - Inhalants are the vapors from toxic substances that can produce a high. The most often used are shoe polish, glue, gasoline, spray paint, cleaning fluid, "poppers," and nitrous oxide. Users experience feelings like anesthetics, with an initial high and loss of inhibition followed by drowsiness, slurred speech, and agitation.
  • Ecstasy - Ecstasy, also called MDMA, is one of the most popular drugs among youth today. It is the club drug of choice, producing feelings of euphoria, alertness, hallucinations, and feelings of closeness with others. However, nearly 65% of pills sold as Ecstasy contain other substances, making the effects both unpredictable and dangerous.
  • Hallucinogens - Although hallucinogens include half a dozen or more drugs such as PCP and Ketamine, LSD is by far the most popular. Also known as "acid," LSD is the most potent hallucinogen in the world. Often sold on blotting paper or "windowpanes," the effects of LSD are unpredictable, altering the user's mood, personality, and sensations of reality.
  • Methamphetamine - Meth, crank, or speed produces feelings of well-being and energy lasting from 4 to 16 hours, making it a popular drug for parties and night clubs. Highly addictive, meth burns up the body's resources and creates dependence relieved only by taking more drugs.
  • Heroin - Heroin, made from poppy plants' resin, is a highly addictive form of opiate. It can be injected, smoked, or sniffed, heroin.

New and Emerging Dangers

  • Vaping/E-Cigarettes/JUULs – Although cigarette rates have been trending down over the past few years, the emerging use of vaping and electronic devices for tobacco and marijuana have skyrocketed, especially among the youth. Vaping devices a small, compartmentalized machines that use chemicals such as diacetyl, propylene glycol, and glycerin to heat the tobacco or THC oil and deliver an aerosol that appears like a vapor. Inhaling aerosol and these chemicals create a new set of dangerous consequences for those who use them as well as those breathing in the second-hand aerosol. Although this product is relatively new, hundreds of reports of individuals are developing EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping associated lung illness). This disease causes great harm to the lungs, throat, and stomach. An additional danger of vapes and e-cigarette devices is that many of the youth do not believe they are inhaling anything other than vapor and flavor.
  • Synthetic drugs - Synthetic, or fake, marijuana is sold over the internet, in gas stations, smoke shops, and other "head shops" and marketed as a herb or incense. It has a potency from 100-800 times of your traditional marijuana, cocaine, and other stimulants, and in many states, it is legal. Synthetic marijuana has many different brand names and labels, but all are created with the same characteristics and similar chemicals. Such brand names include K-2, Spice, Krypto, Legal Bud, Genie, Wicked, Blue Dragon, Black Mamba, Blaze, Red-X Dawn, Bliss, Zohai, Mr. Smiley, and so on. Although the packaging usually indicates that it is not for human consumption, synthetic marijuana has been on the rise.
  • Smoking Alcohol - This practice is dangerous and is being practiced by young adults all over the country and causing severe medical emergencies and deaths as a result. Because this is a returning trend, unfamiliar to health care providers, there is no statistical data available concerning hospitalizations and deaths. The danger of smoking alcohol is related to the rapid absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream and its effects on the brain. When a person binge drinks too quickly, the result is nausea and vomiting. When alcohol is absorbed from the intestines, it makes a direct route through the liver, assisting in the detoxification. This reaction often prevents alcohol poisoning. But, when alcohol vapors are inhaled, these protective processes do not occur. Instead, large amounts of alcohol can enter the bloodstream, move directly to the brain, and cause alcohol poisoning (toxicity).
  • Molly – The drug is a pure powder form of Ecstasy in a pill. Often made in clandestine laboratories, this substance consists of a mixture of amphetamines and mescaline (a hallucinogen). It has been around for a while but has most recently resurfaced. The substance makes the user feel energized, euphoric, emotionally heightened, and have a distorted perception of their senses and time. At one time, it was known as a "rave drug" but has become more mainstream. Drug users sell this as the drug that will get a user high but not addicted. The risks of using Molly are involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision and chills, increased body temperature and sweating, severe dehydration, muscle breakdown, seizures, increased heart rate and blood pressure, kidney, liver, and heart failure.
  • Hookahs - Hookahs are water pipes that are used to smoke flavored tobacco. Groups sit around this mechanism and share mouthpieces that are attached to the pipe. Some people say this is a safe way to smoke tobacco, but it is NOT. Using tobacco in this way can cause cancer, oral infections, danger to a fetus, and decreased fertility due to more smoke being inhaled than cigarettes, charcoal being used to heat the tobacco, and sharing mouthpieces. Hookah bars and lounges have become a trend for adults; however, hookahs can be purchased online.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Warning Signs

  • Changing to a new group of friends
  • Caring less about school or a drop in grades
  • Unusual behavior that you have never seen before
  • Caring less about extracurricular activities

Prevention Methods

  • Talk to your kids early and often at every age about drugs and alcohol. They are listening.
  • Set a positive example for your kid by quitting any bad habits that you have.
  • Tell your child about the legal consequences that drugs and alcohol can have on them.
  • Most importantly, spend time and get to know your child.
  • Make clear cut rules and consequences for any drug- or alcohol-related usage.
  • If your child is going to a social gathering, let your child know that you can pick them up if needed. Be sure to make them realize that they may still be reprimanded for breaking any rules.
  • Encourage your child to choose friends that aren't using drugs or alcohol.
  • Please get to know your child's friends and their parents.
  • Teach refusal skills through role-play and practice.
  • Engage in family activities to promote healthy habits.