Substance Abuse and Teens: A Recipe for Disaster
The first in a three-part series on adolescent substance abuse, this article emphasizes strategies to discourage temptation and identify signs that your child may be engaging in harmful behaviors.
By: Karyn Brodsky | Staff Writer
Navigating the complex and uncertain world of adolescence can be particularly daunting for parents. As children enter puberty, parents often struggle to maintain a connection with their kids who are starting to assert their independence and experience emotional fluctuations. When substance abuse enters the picture, fears for their well-being become very real.
Alarmingly, substance abuse is starting at younger ages, particularly within middle schools. Daily, around 7,000 youths under 16 have their first alcoholic drink (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), 2004), while 20% of 8th graders report experimenting with marijuana (http://www.teendrugabuse.us/statistics-on-teenage-drug-use/). However, Sergeant Courtney Pero of the Plano Police Department states that there are proactive measures parents can employ to prevent drug use before it begins, as well as equip their children to resist external pressures.
Equipping Your Child to Make Wise Decisions
“Start with open and honest conversations about the challenges these kids will encounter,” advises Pero. “Discuss decision-making and the impact of peer pressure, which is significant.” She also points out a concerning trend of young people misusing prescription drugs, especially in middle school. “There’s been a noticeable increase in the use of prescription and over-the-counter medications among middle schoolers.” To address this, Pero suggests telling your child “never to accept medication from anyone other than their parents or their doctor,” while being mindful of the language you use. Remind them that they should not take medicine meant for someone else. Her guidance is supported by a national statistic: teenagers whose parents frequently discuss the dangers of drug use are 42% less likely to engage in drug use compared to those without such conversations (http://www.teendrugabuse.us/statistics-on-teenage-drug-use/).
Can Overbearing Parenting Prevent Teen Substance Abuse?
Sergeant Pero believes that no level of parental involvement is excessive when it comes to combating substance abuse among youth. “When you first give a child a cell phone, it comes with considerable responsibility for both the parent and the child.” She recommends parents keep tabs on their children, reviewing their text messages, and even having texts forwarded to their phones. Monitoring electronic usage is crucial, and keeping electronics out of bedrooms is advisable. Parents should have access to all codes and passwords—children shouldn’t have privacy concerning this matter. Carrie Stevens, a substance abuse counselor at Plano West and the founder of the Collin County Substance Abuse Coalition (CCSAC), echoes this sentiment. “Look up ‘spyware for smartphones’ to discover applications available to help monitor your child’s texts, calls, and online activity.”
Although this approach may seem like an effective method to avert drug abuse, some teenagers may view it as excessive. For instance, Abby F., a 14-year-old eighth grader from Illinois, is comfortable with her parents monitoring her Facebook and Instagram, but finds the idea of them reading her text messages irritating. “It would be weird for my parents to see what’s happening with my friends,” she states. “I consider myself a good kid and wouldn’t ever try drugs.” Her mother Marla adopts a balanced perspective. “I believe if you discuss drug and alcohol dangers early and teach your child to make the right choices, there should also be some level of trust.” She emphasizes the importance of maintaining open dialogue, reassuring them they can approach you if they’re pressured to try drugs.
Is Drug Testing Your Child a Good Idea?
Yes, you read correctly: drug test your child. Pero strongly recommends doing so. The CCSAC, of which her department is a member, suggests parents “keep a drug test readily available at home and conduct random tests on your kids.” She adds, “One day, when they are confronted with drugs, they might say, ‘I can’t, my parents drug test me.’”
Some experts in the substance abuse awareness and treatment field oppose this stringent tactic. Cecily Craw, Senior Director of Outpatient Services at the renowned Caron Treatment Centers, advises, “A drug test should only be kept at home if parents suspect their child is engaging in drug-related behaviors. In such cases, having a drug test at home can serve as a reminder for the child to avoid drugs, but it should always accompany professional evaluation and support when necessary.”
Regardless of whether parents decide to drug test, there are certain warning signs of substance abuse that deserve attention. The professionals at Caron note that symptoms can mirror typical adolescent behavior, yet parents should monitor the following indicators:
- Changes in typical appearance, mood, or behavior.
- Missing money or frequent requests for cash.
- Sudden changes in friendships, being secretive or defensive about these friends, or withdrawing from family relationships.
- Dropping out of previously valued activities, showing general indifference, and lying.
- Variations in energy levels, sleep patterns, weight (gain or loss), clothing choices, and the presence of red, bloodshot eyes, dilated or constricted pupils, or the smell of marijuana.
- Decreased performance that might lead to poor grades or attendance at school.
“The most crucial advice I want to give parents is to trust your instincts,” Stevens says. “If something seems off, follow your intuition and investigate. We love our children and wish to believe they are safe and making wise choices. However, it only takes one risky decision for them to experience severe consequences.”
For inquiries about adolescent drug abuse or suspicions regarding your teen’s use, numerous local resources are available:
Collin County Substance Abuse Coalition (CCSAC) (http://www.cc-sac.org/)
Carrie Stevens, the founder and ADHD and Substance Abuse Counselor, urges parents to reach out to their child’s school guidance counselor or substance abuse prevention specialist. All calls are confidential, and schools will recommend the best community resources to address these issues.
Chemical Awareness Resources & Education (CARE), Dallas. (http://www.care-dallas.org/) 214-526-8986
Collin County Substance Abuse Program, Plano. 972-633-3370 (http://www.co.collin.tx.us/substance_abuse/Pages/default.aspx)
Jim Utley Foundation, Plano. (http://donteventryit.org/)
Plano Police Department non-emergency number: 972-424-5678
Next issue: What drives kids to experiment with drugs, and how can we as parents assist?
Cracking Their Code: A Parent’s Guide to Street Names for Drugs
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has assembled an extensive database containing over 2,300 street terms linked to specific drugs or drug-related activities. Here’s a selection of common slang terms to keep in mind.
“N-Bombs”
Can lead to fatality. A synthetic variant of LSD taken in various forms including liquid, powder, tablets, or blotter paper, often disguised as candy like Sweet-Tarts. Commonly used by individuals aged 15 to 29.
“Wax”, “Dabs”
These terms refer to Butane Hash Oil. Marijuana mixed with butane extracts potent oil, increasing its THC concentration, meaning even small amounts can be very powerful. Dealers might blend it into candy, making it resemble Jolly Ranchers or Tootsie Rolls.
“710”
When flipped upside down, “710” spells “oil” and is a code for Butane Hash Oil. Merchants sell various novelty items bearing this number. Query your child if you see “710” on any of their possessions.
“420”
Denotes April 20th (4/20), often called National Pot Smoking Day. If you spot kids wearing attire with “420” or marijuana leaf designs, it could suggest they’re using and want to signal others.
“Bars”
A nickname for Xanax, a popular anti-anxiety medication that is frequently misused.
“White”, “Snow”, “Blow”, “C”
Typically refers to Cocaine.
“Tabs”, “X”
Refers to ecstasy tablets.
“Molly”
A synthetic stimulant and hallucinogen that behaves similarly to ecstasy.
“Candy”, “Dex”, “Red Devils”, “Skittles”, “Tussin”
These terms relate to dextromethorphan (DXM), a common ingredient in cough suppressants. At high doses, it can induce hallucinations. Users of DXM are referred to as “syrup heads.”
“Dexing”
Referring to the abuse of cough syrup, also known as “robotripping” or “robodosing,” named after the cough medicine Robitussin.
“Triple C” or “CCC”
This is shorthand for Coricidin HBP Cough and Cold. Teens may consume an entire blister pack at once, which can induce hallucinations and feelings of intoxication.
“Lean”
A mix of cough syrup and Sprite or another purple-tinged liquid. “Lean” has notable references in the lyrics of Lil Wayne, a rap artist popular among teens.
“Darty”
Be cautious of this term indicating a “Day Party” where kids gather and celebrate while their parents are away at work.
Resources
Sergeant Courtney Pero, Plano Police Department
Carrie Stevens, Plano West Substance Abuse Counselor and founder of the Collin County Substance Abuse Coalition (CCSAC).
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Offers information regarding commonly abused drugs, their street and clinical names, their effects on the brain and body, and various trends and statistics. (http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/commonly-abused-drugs-charts/commonly-abused-drugs-chart).
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). Features a database of over 2,300 street names relating to specific drug types or drug activities. (http://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp)
WebMD Teen Drug Slang: A Dictionary for Parents
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/teen-drug-slang-dictionary-for-parents
