Thursday, January 27, 2011

Teen Marijuana Abuse the Gateway to Other Drugs

The most used illegal drug in the United States among teens is marijuana. Marijuana has maintained its popularity for decades as the number one illicit drug in America. Marijuana is often considered "safe," and is also considered a "gateway drug" because of the teens’ perception that it is mostly harmless. However, marijuana is mind altering substance, and it does have very real and lasting effects on the body.

Rumors about marijuana been better for your health than smoking tobacco is actually just that, a myth. In reality, marijuana smoke can have between 50 and 70 percent more harmful carcinogens than is found in tobacco smoke.

The Center for Behavioral Health Statistics, Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Treatment Episode Data Set, estimated 321,648 admissions in 2008. So it is important to note that marijuana use can cause problems, despite being considered "safe" by many.

Long-term studies of high school students and their patterns of drug use show that very few young people use other drugs without first trying marijuana. Though few young people use cocaine, for example, the risk of doing so is much greater for youth who have tried marijuana than for those who have never tried it. Although research has not fully explained this association, growing evidence suggests a combination of biological, social, and psychological factors are involved.

If you suspect your child is marijuana, seek professional help and remember these three C's: that 'you didn't Cause, can't Control and can't Cure' your child's problems. But you can and must take charge and seek help for your child. The earlier you act upon your child’s addiction problems the better off your child will be.

Inspirations for Youth and Families
Addiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com

Cove Center for Recovery Addiction Treatment for adults and young adults: 1-888-387-6237
http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com

Professionals and Families Helping Teens Face Addiction Problems

Drugs and alcohol addiction has reached the epidemic level in United States. Worse yet, there are kids that are dying using these substances. We all need help in addressing and fighting the adolescent drug addiction. Our kids need help to face abuse and addiction issues and get their lives back.

Unfortunately the statistics are not in our favor. Year after year the incidents of teen drug abuse and death from overdoses are going higher and higher. The problem is getting worse when you look into the ease with which teens have access to prescription medication. No one talked about teen prescription drug abuse a decade ago. Today we are learning about “pharm parties”, the type of party where teens bring pills from their homes and dump them into a large bowl for everybody to reach and pick one as if they were jelly beans. Mostly, they ingest the pills but other times they crush the pills and snort, smoke or inject the powder. In the case of OxyContin, this has led to heart attacks and comma, when the pain medication, meant as a time-release drug, quickly reaches the bloodstream. These parties are a tragedy waiting to happen.

We at Inspirations for teens offer hope and inspiration to our teens and parents. During all the years that we have been providing treatment for alcohol and drug abuse, there has not been one single case that a child came into our substance abuse treatment facility and did not have a dream for his or her future. Kids, regardless of how carelessly they throw away their hopes and future, still dream about a better tomorrow and a better life. We owe it to our kids to show them the path back to a normal and productive life. As Karen Walsh, co-founder of Inspirations Youth and Families, says: “Every child has a dream. If we can show them that they haven’t destroyed it, then we have something to work with.” As professionals and the family, we and you have to work together in the hardest times of our kid’s life to help them rescue their future.

In such critical and vulnerable ages of our teens lives, it is sad to know that not even one third of adolescents who need help for substance abuse, received specialty treatment, in part because such facilities are few and far between.

Inspirations Youth and Families staffed with masters level therapists has specific programs designed to address the present and future of teen addiction. Inspirations focuses on continued education with its on-site school programs and its 90-day residential addiction treatment program emphasizes on living skills. Each of our youth is responsible for cooking, keeping their apartment in the villa, laundry and grocery shopping. They also have the opportunity to re-enter the real world, participating in outdoor activities such as going to the movies, attending a gym, bowling, skating and participating of several local seasonal recreational activities.

Chris Walsh, also co-founder of Inspirations, worked on secluded facilities prior to establishing his own adolescent addiction treatment and he found that patients who relapsed, most often, were those who were not ready to deal with the outside world. He says. “ We bring the world to the teens and make sure they are engaging it …… we want them to use the tools available to make healthy choices.”

If you suspect your child is abusing drugs or alcohol, seek professional help and remember these three C's: that 'you didn't Cause, can't Control and can't Cure' your child's problems. But you can and must take charge and seek help for your child. The earlier you act upon your child’s addiction problems the better off your child will be.

Inspirations for Youth and FamiliesAddiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com/
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com/

Cove Center for Recovery Addiction Treatment for Young Adults and Adults : 1-888-387-6237 http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com/

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Signs of Teen Marijuana Use - Teens Smoking Pot

It can be difficult to identify marijuana use if you don't see your child after he or she has smoked, when they are still experiencing the effects of the drug. But below are a few signs you should watch for:

• Blood shot eyes
• Clothing and hair frequently smell like smoke
• Drug paraphernalia in the room, or carried about (most notably a bong)
• Memory seems to be deteriorating
• Starts to lose interest in outside activities, including work, family and school
• Dramatic changes in weight and/or sleeping habits

If you suspect your child is smoking pot, seek professional help as marijuana may lead to other drugs. The earlier you act upon your child’s addiction problems the better off your child will be.

When choosing a teen marijuana rehab treatment program, it's important to ensure that the program is specifically for teens due to their developmental needs. Also, if the teen has mental health issues, the facility should be able to treat them at the same time. Some adolescent teen rehabs provide alongside addiction treatment an educational program which will help your child in keeping their school credits while away from home in a treatment center.

Some specialized addiction treatment facilities for teens offer extra-curricular activities such as sports and special outings. These types of activities will help teens complete the treatment and will positively influence teen’s social behavior like team play skills, trust in others, sense of responsibility and self confidence.

Inspirations for Youth and FamiliesAddiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com

Cove Center for Recovery Addiction Treatment for adults and young adults: 1-888-387-6237
http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com

Teen Marijuana Abuse the Gateway to Other Drugs

The most used illegal drug in the United States among teens is marijuana. Marijuana has maintained its popularity for decades as the number one illicit drug in America. Marijuana is often considered "safe," and is also considered a "gateway drug" because of the teens’ perception that it is mostly harmless. However, marijuana is mind altering substance, and it does have very real and lasting effects on the body.

Rumors about marijuana been better for your health than smoking tobacco is actually just that, a myth. In reality, marijuana smoke can have between 50 and 70 percent more harmful carcinogens than is found in tobacco smoke.

The Center for Behavioral Health Statistics, Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Treatment Episode Data Set, estimated 321,648 admissions in 2008. So it is important to note that marijuana use can cause problems, despite being considered "safe" by many.

Long-term studies of high school students and their patterns of drug use show that very few young people use other drugs without first trying marijuana. Though few young people use cocaine, for example, the risk of doing so is much greater for youth who have tried marijuana than for those who have never tried it. Although research has not fully explained this association, growing evidence suggests a combination of biological, social, and psychological factors are involved.

If you suspect your child is marijuana, seek professional help and remember these three C's: that 'you didn't Cause, can't Control and can't Cure' your child's problems. But you can and must take charge and seek help for your child. The earlier you act upon your child’s addiction problems the better off your child will be.

Inspirations for Youth and FamiliesAddiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com

Cove Center for Recovery Addiction Treatment for adults and young adults: 1-888-387-6237
http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com

Kids Do Not Perceive Drugs as Dangerous or Addictive

Kids who begin to use drugs think they will not become addicted. But addiction is a disease characterized by a compulsive drug-seeking behavior regardless of the consequences. Research conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse clearly shows that virtually all drugs that are abused have a profound effect on the child’s brain. Prolonged use of many drugs including cocaine, heroin, marijuana and amphetamines can change the brain in fundamental and long-lasting ways, resulting in drug craving and addiction.

If and when a child drug abuser becomes addicted depends on the individual. Research shows that children who use alcohol and tobacco are more likely to use marijuana than children who do not use these substances. Children who use marijuana are more likely to use other addictive drugs. Certain genetic, social, and environmental risk factors make it more likely that certain individuals will become addicted to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. These include:

• children of alcoholics who, according to several studies, may have inherited genes that make them more prone to addiction, and who may have had more stressful upbringings;
• sensation-seekers who may like the novelty of feeling drunk or high;
• children with psychological problems, such as conduct disorders, who self-medicate to feel better;
• children with learning disabilities, and others who find it difficult to fit in or become frustrated learning;

• children of poverty who lack access to opportunities to succeed and to resources when they're in trouble.

The more risk factors children have, the greater their vulnerability.

Regardless of how "cool" drugs may look, there is nothing glamorous about the reality of addiction, a miserable experience for the addict and everyone around him. Addiction causes an all-consuming craving for drugs, leading a caring person to destroy relationships, work, and family life and many times getting caught up with the criminal system.

If you suspect your child is using illegal drugs, abusing alcohol or prescription drugs, seek professional help and remember these three C's: that 'you didn't Cause, can't Control and can't Cure' your child's problems. But you can and must take charge if you find your child involved with drugs and alcohol. The earlier you act upon your child’s addiction problems the better will be the outcome for your child.

Don’t let your child become a statistic. Reach out to us.

Inspirations for Youth and FamiliesAddiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com


Cove Center for Recovery Addiction Treatment for adults and young adults: 1-888-387-6237

Spring Break Camp for Troubled Teens

Spring Break is right around the corner and the kids are out of school. The question for many parents is how to get their teens safe and busy during spring break. For those of us parents of troubled teens this question takes on special importance. We, like all parents, want to entertain and keep our teens active; however our concern about our teens safety is more than non troubled teen parents.

Looking for an ordinary spring break camp is not the answer anymore. Troubled teens need exceptionally tight supervision, approved educational activity that have therapeutic values and counseling from certified counselors.

Traditional spring break camps are not equipped to handle troubled teens, such as teen suffering from drug addiction, alcohol addiction, ADHD, obesity and other behavioral problems.

Nationally recognized, Inspirations for Youth and Families, offers an excellent program for teens with behavioral problems. The indoor and outdoor activities for troubled teens at Inspirations offers structured activities that combines counseling by certified counselors mixed with fun to create a safe summer vacation for teens ages11 to 18.

Art, music, fun activities and exercise at one of the established gyms are all part of the daily program at Inspirations for Youth and Families.

If you are a friend or family member of a teen struggling with behavior, drug and or alcohol abuse problems and need a spring break camp for your child call now for reservations.

Inspirations for Youth and Families
Teen Behavior Problems &
Addiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com/

Inhalants Abuse and Addiction - Huffing

One in five students in America has used an inhalant to get high by the time he or she reaches the eighth grade. The largest demographic to abuse are teenagers ages 12 to 17. The next group that follows them is the 18 to 25 age group. Huffing is extremely dangerous. Huffing involves inhaling volatile substances, in order to get high.

One of the greatest dangers of huffing is that it can kill a person in the very first time they try. About 22% of deaths that occur because of huffing are by people who did it for the first time. If huffing does not kill you the first time, the effects of huffing can kill your body slowly. The volatile substances can kill brain cells. Once these cells are lost, they will never come back. In addition to this, huffing can cause memory loss, impaired concentration, hearing loss, loss of coordination, and permanent brain damage. Chronic use can cause permanent heart, lung, liver, and kidney damage as well. Another long term effect of huffing is the psychiatric issue such as, depression, mood changes, irritability, and inattentiveness.

Warning signs for parents to look for:
- Drunk, dazed, or dizzy appearance
- Slurred or disoriented speech
- Uncoordinated physical symptoms
- Red or runny eyes and nose
- Spots and/or sores around the mouth
- Unusual breath odor or chemical odor on clothing
- Signs of paint or other products where they wouldn't normally be, such as on face, lips, nose or fingers
- Nausea and/or loss of appetite
- Chronic Inhalant Abusers may exhibit symptoms such as hallucinations, anxiety, excitability, irritability, restlessness or anger.

While several of these warning signs may point to occasional problems most teens experience at some point during the teenage years, don't be fooled. Know what specific signs may signal real trouble for your child.

In addition to this, you should recognize other telltale behavior signs of Inhalant Abusers:
- Painting fingernails with magic markers or correction fluid
- Sitting with a pen or marker by the nose
- Constantly smelling clothing sleeves
- Showing paint or stain marks on face, fingers or clothing
- Having numerous butane lighters and refills in room, backpack or locker (when the child does not smoke)
- Hiding rags, clothes or empty containers of the potentially abused products in closets, under the bed, in garage etc

Huffing is an addictive behavior and a growing addiction among the adolescent/teen population. Seek professional assistance immediately. Inspiration’s Teen Rehab specializes in residential adolescent addiction treatment with individualized treatment for “huffing” abuse and/or addiction. A call today can save your teen’s life.

We at Inspirations understand the unique challenges of being a parent. If you have any questions, please know that we are here to provide you with support and guidance, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions free of charge about teen drug rehab, teen substance abuse, adolescent addiction, teen behavior, or other related matters. If you would prefer, please fill out our short form and one of our counselors will respond.

Inspirations for Youth and FamiliesAddiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com

Cove Center for Recovery Addiction Treatment for adults and young adults: 1-888-387-6237
http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com

Cough Syrup Abuse – Is your child robo-tripping?

Cough syrup medications are fast becoming another common drugs of abuse among teens. The active ingredient of many cough syrups is dextromethorphan (DXM), which if taken in large doses can cause visual hallucinations and a heightened sense of awareness - in other words, a cheap high.

DXM is taken orally, usually as a liquid syrup or pill. Some people have begun to use a powder form of the drug. People who abuse it in excessive amounts sometimes refer to DXM as robo-tripping, skittling, dex, or candy.

In very large quantities, DXM can cause effects similar to that of ketamine or PCP, because DXM affects similar sites in the brain. These drugs are called "dissociative," which means they create feelings of not being oneself or of being separate or detached from the environment; they distort perceptions and emotions.

Other effects of DXM abuse can include impaired motor function, numbness, nausea and vomiting, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. On rare occasions, hypoxic brain damage occurs. That means little or no oxygen can get to the brain because of the side effects of the combination of DXM and decongestants also often found in these medications.

If you suspect that your child is abusing cough syrup you should talk to him/her about your suspicions avoiding direct accusations. This talk should take place when he/she is straight, and you’re calm. This will show your child that you still love him/her, but you are most concerned with what he/she is doing to him/herself.

Taking time to discuss the problem without turning away from it is an important first step to take care of the problem. Most important, act fast, seeking counseling from a certified mental health professional with experience in youth and substance abuse is critical. Depending on your teen’s behavior and level of addiction your child will have a greater chance of recovery by attending a residential adolescent addiction treatment. Try to choose a treatment program that also offers an educational program so that your child will not miss out on school credits.

Inspirations for Youth and Families
Addiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com/
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com/

Cove Center for Recovery
Addiction Treatment for adults and young adults: 1-888-387-6237
http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com/

Suspicious Your Child Might be Using Drugs?

Since mood swings and unpredictable behavior are frequent occurrences for preteens and teenagers, parents may find it difficult to spot signs of alcohol and drug abuse. But if observe one or more of these signs drug abuse may be at the heart of the problem: reduction in academic grades or attendance, poor attitude when not related to chores or basic requests, avoidance of family members coupled with isolation and withdrawal, sleep changes, eyes are red-rimmed and/or her nose is runny in the absence of a cold, mood swings, change in peer group, change in hygiene and health, missing money, missing items such as IPOD’s MP3 players, electronics and computer games as they are sold or traded for substances.

The presence of pipes, rolling papers, small medicine bottles, eye drops, or butane lighters in your home signal that your child may be using drugs. Other clues include homemade pipes and bongs (pipes that use water as a filter) made from soda cans or plastic beverage containers. If any of these indicators show up, parents should start discussing what steps to take so they can present a united front.

If you suspect that your child is using illegal drugs, alcohol or prescription drugs you should talk to him/her about your suspicions avoiding direct accusations. This talk should take place when he/she is sober or straight, and you’re calm. This will show your child that you still love him/her, but you are most concerned with what he/she is doing to him/herself.

Taking time to discuss the problem without turning away from it is an important first step to take care of the problem. Most important, act fast, seeking counseling from a certified mental health professional with experience in youth and substance abuse is critical. Depending on your teen’s behavior and level of addiction your child will have a greater chance of recovery by attending a residential adolescent addiction treatment. Try to choose a treatment program that also offers an educational program so that your child will not miss out on school credits.

Even in the face of mounting evidence, parents often have a hard time acknowledging that their child has an alcohol, illicit drug or prescription drug abuse problem. Anger, resentment, guilt, and a sense of failure are all common reactions, but it is important to avoid self-blame. Drug abuse occurs in families of all economic and social backgrounds, in happy and unhappy homes alike. Most important is that the faster you act, the sooner your child can start the better is the outcome.

We must remember that every teen is a child with a dream. Teen drug abuse and teen addiction can steal a parent and child’s dreams for their future. Don’t let your child become a statistic. Reach out to us.

Inspirations for Youth and FamiliesAddiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com

Cove Center for Recovery Addiction Treatment for adults and young adults: 1-888-387-6237
http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com

Teen Drug Abuse on the Rise

New research sheds new light on the increasing rate of teen drug abuse. As our youths and teens increasingly participate in the rise of teen drug abuse, so do the overdoses and the deaths of these teens. The study reported that the rate of overdoses today is ten times higher than the rate in the late 1960s.

This rate increase is not just from the baby boomers and hippies as some would be led to believe, but the rate is higher amongst all age groups, including teens and youths. The rate is especially high for white Americans, with this trend on the rise and no signs of the rate of teen drug abuse leveling off any time soon.

This increase or rise of drug abuse among all age groups including the teens are said to be accredited to the trend of abusing prescription drugs. Before in the 1960s, the rate of deaths due to drug abuse was 1 in every 100,000 people. In 2007, 15 white women out of every 100,000 died from drug abuse. For black women the rate was 17 out of every 100,000. The rates for black and white men were even larger jumps.

The abuse of prescription drugs is evident in playing a major role in the rise of these deaths. Abusing prescription medications include painkillers and Vicodin, which are the most commonly abused prescription drugs. With almost half of Americans taking prescription drugs, the opportunities for these drugs to be abused is increased, which leads to the increase of addiction, all scenarios that come with serious, if not deadly, consequences.

Do not wait! Death from prescription drugs are becoming very common. After the death of a 17 year old teenager who ingested a pain killer pill at a party, many people started to pay attention. Teens are not just abusing prescription pain killers but also, anti-anxiety medication, and over the counter cough medications.

If your teenager or someone you know is abusing prescription drugs or struggling with any other addiction or any other destructive behaviors, please call Inspirations Teen Rehab. The one of a kind program which is very successful and well known; featured on the Dr. Phill Show.

Reach out to us. Recovery from addiction is just a click or a phone call away.

Teen Addiction Help: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com/Teen-Prescription-Drug-Addiction-Treatment.asp

Addiction Treatment for Young Adults and Adults : 1-888-387-6237 http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com