Prevention is Key

Who’s at risk?

• Any body at any time!

Signs/symptoms

Signs:

• Appearance
• Declining grades
• Change in friends
• Change in behavior
• Loss of interest in activities

Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Changes in weight
• Chronic cough
• Glassy, red eyes
• Silly or excited behavior for no apparent reason

**These lists are not inclusive and depend on the substance being used.**

What if you suspect use?

~Ask your child

~Check their text messages, voice mails, Facebook etc.

~Lock your alcohol, cigarettes and medications (prescription and over the counter)

~Watch for changes in your child’s behavior and daily life

~Crack down on your rules and expectations

~Talk to their friends and parents of their friends

~Get them drug tested

Talking points with kids

• 7^th grade – statistically when kids start using
• 90% - of addiction starts in teenage years
• 5^th grade – when kids get DARE education in schools

Younger kids (grades K-5):

Start with basic drug education and what drugs and alcohol do to your body.

Give kids examples of “correct” cigarette and alcohol use (legal age, moderation etc.)

Discuss different ways to have fun and reduce stress.

Stress to them that drug/alcohol use is not the norm.

If they ask you a question don’t be afraid to answer it honestly…ask someone if you need help how.

Older kids (grades 5-8):

If you have not already covered the K-5 points do so first.

Discuss legal aspects and ramifications of drug/alcohol use.

Discuss peer pressure to use and that drug/alcohol use is not the norm.

Discuss how their life could change if they begin using.

It is never too early to begin talking to your kids about drugs and alcohol.

Inhalants

Types: Sniffing, huffing, bagging, dusting

Effects: Loss of coordination, Memory impairment, Cardiovascular damage, CNS damage, Coma, Sudden death

Signs & Symptoms: Initial excitement followed by drowsiness, excessive sniffing, bloody nose, watery eyes, Headache, Slurred speech, Unconsciousness, Nausea & vomiting, Muscle cramps, Weakness/faintness, Choking
 

Products most commonly used: Typewriter correction fluid, air conditioning coolant, gasoline, propane, felt tip markers, spray paint, air freshener, butane, cooking spray, paint, air duster...commonly used products used in homes, garages and schools

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Spice

Slang: Algerian Blend, Genie, k2, Smoke, Chill X, Sense, Yucatan Fire, Spice Diamond, Spice Silver, Spice Gold.
Signs & Symptoms: Extreme anxiety and paranoia, hallucinations, increased blood pressure, vomitting, numb or tingling feeling, severe agitation, change in skin color, difficutly breathing, lack of eye convergence, rigid muscle tone, dizzy

**According to the American Poison Control Centers the country logged more than 6,300 calls about synthetic marijuana last year.

 

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Ecstasy

Slang: Hug Drug, Love Drug, Hug, Disco Biscuit, Adam, Beans 

Effects: Confusion , Increased heart rate, Cardiac toxicity, Increased blood pressure, Kidney failure, Liver toxicity
Signs & Symptoms: Blurred vision, Dilated pupils, Chills & sweating, Muscle tension, Insomnia, Faintness, Nausea, Involuntary teeth-clenching

Cocaine

Slang: Snow, coke, candy, blow, bump, C

Signs/symptoms: Increased heart rate, high blood pressure, increased temperature, sweaty, shaky, seizures, aggression, paranoia, anxiety, mania

Possible affects on body: Constricted blood vessels, increased risk of depression, damaged nasal septum, cardiac arrest, death

~Powder form is hydrochloride salt derive from the processed leaves of coca plant.

~Crack is a type of processed cocaine formed into a rock-like crystal.

Bath Salts

Slang: Bliss, Snow Blow, Cloud 9, Ivory Wave, Ocean burst, blizzard, blue silk, charge +, ivory snow, vanilla sky

Signs/symptoms: panic, anxiety, extreme paranoia, agitation, seizures, intense cravings for more, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, chest pains, delusions, hallucinations

Possible affects on body: Risk of stroke, risk of heart attack, sudden death, emotional & physical "crash like" feelings of depression, high risk of overdose

~Synthetic, stimulant powder substance that contains amphetamine-like chemicals, including mephedrone.

~Affects of bath salts have been compared to that of meth.

Marijuana

Slang: Mary Jane, bud, mj, blunt, reefer, weed, 420, pot, ganja, dope, herb, joint, green

Signs/symptoms: Shortened attention span and distractibility, anxiety and panic attacks, increased heart rate, dilated pupils, impaired coordination, chronic cough, weakened immune system, shortness of breath

Possible affects on body: Cancer, structural and functional brain deficits, weakened communication and verbal skills, lower learning capabilities, increased risk of depression and schizophrenia

~Nationally: Higher rate of illegal marijuana use among youth in medical marijuana states.

~Now known as a gateway drug.

~There are more teenagers in treatment for marijuana addiction than all other drugs combined.