Substance Abuse and Teens: A Prescription for Disaster
The first in a three-part series on teen substance abuse, this article focuses on measures to prevent temptation, as well as how to recognize signs that your child is partaking in destructive activity.
By: Karyn Brodsky | Staff Writer
Navigating the challenges of the teenage years can be especially difficult for parents. During puberty, parents often struggle to connect with their children as they assert their independence and experience mood swings. The fear surrounding potential substance abuse adds to this anxiety.
Worryingly, substance abuse is starting at younger ages, particularly in middle school. Each day, 7,000 young people under 16 have their first alcoholic drink, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA, 2004). Additionally, 20 percent of eighth graders report having tried marijuana. Sergeant Courtney Pero of the Plano Police Department asserts that parents can take proactive steps to prevent drug use and equip their children to resist peer pressure.
Equip Your Child to Make Wise Choices
“Start with open and honest conversations about the challenges they will face,” advises Pero. “Discuss decision-making and the impact of peer pressure.” She notes there’s an alarming trend of young individuals misusing prescription medications, especially in middle school. Therefore, she recommends telling children, “Do not take medication from anyone other than your parent or doctor,” with caution on how to communicate this message. Children must understand they should not consume prescriptions meant for others. Pero highlights that teenagers who frequently converse with their parents about the dangers of drug use are 42 percent less likely to engage in substance abuse than those without such discussions.
Can Being an Overprotective Parent Help Prevent Teen Substance Abuse?
Sergeant Pero believes that increased parental involvement is crucial for preventing substance abuse. “When handing a child a cell phone, significant responsibility falls on both the parent and the child,” she explains. “Check in on your child. Review their text messages; in fact, having their texts sent directly to your phone might be wise. Monitor their electronic use and keep devices out of bedrooms. Parents should have access to all codes and passwords. Children should not have privacy.” Carrie Stevens, a counselor in substance abuse at Plano West and founder of the Collin County Substance Abuse Coalition (CCSAC), echoes this sentiment. She advises parents to explore available apps that can help monitor their kids’ communications.
While Pero and Stevens advocate for such strategies to shield teens from drug abuse, some young people find these measures overly intrusive. Abby F., a 14-year-old eighth grader, is okay with her parents overseeing her Facebook and Instagram but resists supervision of her text messages. “It would be annoying for my parents to read my texts,” she states. “I’m a good kid and would never try drugs.” Her mother, Marla, opts for a balanced approach, suggesting that early discussions about drug risks and teaching decision-making should foster trust. “It’s essential to maintain open communication,” she adds, encouraging children to confide in parents if they are ever tempted to try substances.
Is Drug Testing Your Child a Good Idea?
Yes, you read that correctly—consider drug testing your child. Pero strongly recommends keeping a drug test kit readily available at home and performing random tests. This could deter drug use by giving children a reason to refuse drugs they might encounter.
However, some experts in substance abuse treatment caution against a strict approach. Cecily Craw, the Senior Director of Outpatient Services at the acknowledged Caron Treatment Centers, suggests that drug tests should only be kept at home if parents suspect their child might be using drugs. In such cases, it’s helpful to inform the child that the test is available and could be used at any time as a reminder to avoid substance use. Nevertheless, she recommends that any testing should be coupled with professional evaluation and, if necessary, treatment referrals.
Regardless of a parent’s choice to drug test, several indicators may suggest substance abuse. The professionals at Caron highlight that signs can often mimic typical teenage behavior, but parents should be alert for:
- Changes in the child’s usual appearance, attitude, or behavior.
- Missing money or increased requests for money.
- Sudden shifts in friends, being secretive and defensive about these friendships, or withdrawing from family.
- Abandoning previously enjoyed activities, showing general disinterest, and lying.
- Variations in energy levels or sleep patterns, unexplained weight changes, clothing choices, red or bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, or marijuana odors.
- Declining academic performance, including worsening grades or attendance.
“The key takeaway for parents is to trust your instincts,” Stevens emphasizes. “If something feels off, investigate further. We love our children and hope they are making safe choices, but it only takes one risky decision to lead to serious consequences.”
For inquiries about teen drug use or if you suspect your teen is involved, numerous local resources are available:
Collin County Substance Abuse Coalition (CCSAC)
Carrie Stevens, Founder and Plano West Substance Abuse Counselor, suggests contacting your teen’s school guidance counselor or substance abuse prevention specialists. This contact is confidential and will direct you to the best community resources.
Chemical Awareness Resources & Education (CARE), Dallas. 214-526-8986
Collin County Substance Abuse Program, Plano. 972-633-3370
Jim Utley Foundation, Plano.
Plano Police Department non-emergency phone number: 972-424-5678
Next issue: Why do kids get drawn into trying drugs, and what can we, as parents, do to assist?
Cracking Their Code: A Parents’ Guide to Street Names for Drugs
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has compiled a database of over 2,300 street terms referring to various drugs or drug-related activities. Below is a selection of notable code words to be aware of:
“N-Bombs”
Can cause death. A synthetic variant of LSD ingested in liquids, powders, tablets, or blotter paper, sometimes disguised as candy. Commonly used by individuals aged 15 to 29.
“Wax”, “Dabs”
Terms for Butane Hash Oil, which combines marijuana and butane to yield a high concentration of THC, making it more potent, even in small doses. Drug dealers may incorporate it into candy to resemble Jolly Ranchers or Tootsie Rolls.
“710”
Reading this number upside down spells “oil,” indicating Butane Hash Oil. It has become a popular logo for merchandise. Inquire about this number if you see it on any of your child’s belongings.
“420”
Signifies April 20th, often recognized as National Pot Smoking Day. If you see children wearing clothing emblazoned with “420” or images of marijuana leaves, it might indicate their use of the drug.
“Bars”
A code term for Xanax, a widely abused anti-anxiety medication.
“White”, “Snow”, “Blow”, “C”
These terms typically refer to Cocaine.
“Tabs”, “X”
Used for Ecstasy tablets.
“Molly”
A synthetic stimulant and hallucinogen producing effects similar to Ecstasy.
“Candy”, “Dex”, “Red Devils”, “Skittles”, “Tussin”
Dextromethorphan (DXM), a drug found in over-the-counter cough syrups, can cause hallucinations at high doses. Users often refer to themselves as “syrup heads.”
“Dexing”
The act of abusing cough syrup, also known as “robotripping” or “robodosing,” particularly in reference to Robitussin.
“Triple C” or “CCC”
Abbreviation for Coricidin HBP Cough and Cold. Some adolescents consume the entire blister pack at once, leading to hallucinations and feelings of intoxication.
“Lean”
A mix of cough syrup and Sprite or a purplish liquid. This term gained popularity in lyrical references by Lil Wayne, a hip-hop artist favored by teenagers.
“Darty”
A term indicating a “Day Party” where kids gather to socialize while their parents are away.
Resources
Sergeant Courtney Pero, Plano Police Department
Carrie Stevens, Plano West Substance Abuse Counselor and founder of the drug education organization Collin County Substance Abuse Coalition (CCSAC).
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), providing facts about commonly abused drugs, including both street and clinical names, their effects on the brain and body, and relevant statistics.
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has created a database of over 2,300 street terms related to specific drugs or drug activity.
WebMD Teen Drug Slang: Dictionary for Parents
