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

Over the Counter (OTC) Teen Cold Medication Abuse

DXM is a cough suppressor found in more than 120 over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications, either alone or in combination with other drugs such as analgesics (e.g. acetaminophen), antihistamines (e.g. chlorpheniramine), decongestants (e.g. pseudoephedrine) and/or expectorants (e.g. guaifenesin). The typical adult dose for cough is 15 or 30 mg taken three to four times daily. The cough-suppressing effects of DXM persist for 5 to 6 hours after taken. When taken as directed, side-effects are rarely observed.

DXM when abused in high doses causes euphoria and visual and auditory hallucinations. Some of the many psychoactive effects associated with high-dose DXM include confusion, inappropriate laughter, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations and other sensory changes, including the feeling of floating and changes in hearing and touch.

Abusers take various amounts depending on their body weight and the effect they are attempting to achieve. Some abusers ingest 250 to 1,500 milligrams in a single dosage, far more than the recommended therapeutic dosages described above. Illicit use of DXM is referred to on the street as "Robo-tripping," "skittling” or “dexing." The first two terms are derived from the products that are most commonly abused, Robitussin and Coricidin HBP. DXM abuse has traditionally involved drinking large volumes of the OTC liquid cough preparations. More recently, however, abuse of tablet and gel capsule preparations has increased. These newer, high-dose DXM products have particular appeal for abusers: They are much easier to consume; they eliminate the need to drink large volumes of unpleasant-tasting syrup; and they are easily portable and concealed, allowing an abuser to continue to abuse DXM throughout the day, whether at school or work. DXM powder, sold over the Internet, is also a source of DXM for abuse. (The powdered form of DXM poses additional risks to the abuser due to the uncertainty of composition and dose.) DXM is also distributed in illicitly manufactured tablets containing only DXM or mixed with other drugs such as pseudoephedrine and/or methamphetamine. DXM is abused by individuals of all ages but its abuse by teenagers and young adults is of particular concern. This abuse is fueled by DXM’s OTC availability and extensive "how to" abuse information on various web sites. The 2006 Monitoring the Future (MTF) showed that 4%, 5%, and 7% of 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students, respectively, reported nonmedical use of DXM during the previous year. This was the first year MTF added DXM to the survey for students.

Long-term abuse of DXM is associated with severe psychological dependence. Abusers of DXM describe the following four dose-dependent "plateaus:"

Plateau Dose (mg) Behavioral Effects
1st 100–200 Mild stimulation
2nd 200–400 Euphoria and hallucinations
3rd 300– 600 Distorted visual perceptions Loss of motor coordination
4th 500-1500 Out-of-body sensations.

Most DXM-related deaths are caused by ingesting the drug in combination with other drugs. DXM-related deaths also occur from impairment of the senses, which can lead to accidents.

Teen Drug Treatment for OTC drug abuse and addiction is found in a teen drug rehab that incorporates an individual treatment plan and an educational component for Over The Counter drug abuse, in the teen drug rehabilitation program. The purpose of choosing to send a teen to a teen drug rehab is to address the drug abuse behavior immediately and prevent permanent damage to the teen. In teen rehab, teens will learn the skills necessary to live a fun sober life. Teens will gain an understanding of the cycle of addiction, gain knowledge of the 12 steps to recovery, cultivate individual accountability for daily life responsibilities, and begin to focus on family life and participation in the family, respecting and adhering to family structure, rules, boundaries, and guidelines. Teen rehab also provides numerous therapies to address issues that may have led to a teen “self medicating”. Therapies include individual, group, family, trauma, coping skills, education, music and art therapy, as well as a variety of experiential and holistic therapies.

If you know or suspect a teen is abusing or addicted to Over The Counter drugs, call for help. Inspirations Teen Rehab is a nationally recognized adolescent drug treatment center, designed to meet the needs of teens and their families.

Reach out to us. Recovery from addiction is just a click or a phone call away. If the information you are looking for is not found here contact us:

Teen Addiction Help: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com/
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com/

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

Teen Marijuana Abuse, Addiction and Treatment

Teens use Marijuana in many ways. The most common method is smoking loose marijuana rolled into a cigarette called a “joint” or “nail.” Sometimes marijuana is smoked through a water pipe called a “bong.” Others smoke “blunts”—cigars hollowed out and filled with the drug. And some users brew it as tea or mix it with food.

Some people mistakenly believe that “everybody's doing it” and use that as an excuse to start using marijuana themselves. Well, they need to check the facts, because that’s just not true. According to a 2009 survey called Monitoring the Future, about 7 percent of 8th-graders, 16 percent of 10th-graders, and 21 percent of 12th-graders had used marijuana in the month before the survey. In fact, marijuana use declined from the late 1990s through 2007, with a decrease in past-year use of more than 20 percent in all three grades combined from 2000 to 2007. Unfortunately, this trend appears to be slowing, and marijuana use remains at unacceptably high levels, as the most commonly used illegal drug.

When people smoke marijuana for years they can suffer some pretty negative consequences. For example, because marijuana affects brain function, your ability to do complex tasks could be compromised, as well as your pursuit of academic, athletic, or other life goals that require you to be 100 percent focused and alert. In fact, long-term users self-report less life satisfaction, poorer education, and job achievement, and more interpersonal and mental health problems compared to non-users.

Many people don’t think of marijuana as addictive—they are wrong. In 2007, the majority of youth (age 17 or younger) entering drug abuse treatment reported marijuana as their primary drug abused. Marijuana increases dopamine, which creates the good feelings or “high” associated with its use. A user may feel the urge to smoke marijuana again, and again, and again to re-create that experience. Repeated use could lead to addiction—a disease where people continue to do something, even when they are aware of the severe negative consequences at the personal, social, academic, and professional levels.

If you are a friend or family member of a teen struggling with marijuana abuse and or addiction, call now for help.It is never too late to prevent and/or stop an addiction. You as a parent of a family member can prevent a tragic outcome. Don't let your child become a statistic.

Teen Addiction Help: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com

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

The Dangers of 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.

Lastly, here are some sign that you should be aware of:
-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.

Reach out to us. Recovery from addiction is just a click or a phone call away. If the information you are looking for is not found here and you need immediate attention you may contact us:

Addiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com/

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