Give your Child the Gift of Knowledge - Talk to Them About Prescription Drug Abuse

One of the biggest dangers facing our youth today is the abuse of prescription drugs, and abuse rates are increasing at an alarming rate. According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, one in five teens say they have taken a prescription drug without having a prescription for it themselves. In addition, 2,500 teenagers use a prescription drug to get high for the first time every day with many accessing these drugs readily available in their parent’s medicine cabinet.

Inspirations for Youth and Families, aka Inspirations Teen Rehab wants parents to learn the dangers of prescription drug abuse, as well as steps they can take to prevent it.

Teens are abusing prescription drugs for a variety of reasons. In some cases, they are using to party and get high, but some are also using to “manage” their lives. Many teens are abusing pain relievers like Lortab or Oxycontin to cope with academic, social or emotional stress.

Some are also abusing prescription amphetamines to lose weight; some are abusing prescription medications such as Ritalin or Adderall to give them additional energy and ability to focus when they’re studying or taking tests. Ultimately, many who are using are doing so because they are addicted and cannot stop.

Many people do not equate the dangers of prescription drug abuse with those of illicit drugs. However, one can easily overdose by mixing prescription drugs with over-the-counter mediation and/or alcohol. In addition, the longer-term use of prescription pain relievers and other prescription medications are potentially addictive.

So, this Holiday Season we suggest that you give your child the gift of knowledge on prescription drug abuse. Visit websites reporting on the subject and show them the end result of teens that have abuse prescription drugs. In addition to talking to your children about the dangers of prescription drug use and setting clear concise rules about them the same way you do about illicit drugs and alcohol use, there are steps you can take to prevent prescription drug abuse. The Partnership at DrugFree.org, suggests three basic steps to take: monitor, secure and dispose.

Monitor - Parents are in an influential position to immediately help reduce teen access to prescription drugs because these drugs are found in the home.

Start by taking note of how many pills are in each of your prescription bottles or pill packets.

Keep track of your refills. This goes for your own medication, as well as for your teens and other members of the household. If you find you need to refill your medication more often than expected that could indicate a problem.

If your teen has been prescribed a drug, be sure you control the medication, and monitor dosages and refills.

Make sure your friends and relatives – especially grandparents – are also aware of the risks. Encourage them to regularly monitor their own medicine cabinets.

If there are other households your teen has access to, talk to those families as well about the importance of helping safeguard medications.

Secure - Teens abuse prescription drugs because they are easily accessible, and either free or inexpensive. Approach your prescriptions the same way you would other valuables in your home, like cash or jewelry.

Take prescription medications out of the medicine cabinet and hide them in a place only you know about.

If possible, keep all medicines, both prescription and over- the-counter, in a safe place, such as a locked cabinet your teen cannot access.

Tell relatives, especially grandparents, to lock their medications or keep them in a safe place.

Talk to parents of your teenager’s friends. Encourage them to secure their prescriptions.

Dispose – Safely disposing expired or unused prescription medications is an important step in helping to protect your teens. Take an inventory of all the prescription drugs in your home. Start by discarding expired or unused prescription drugs, when your teens are not home.

Unbelievable though it may seem, teenagers will retrieve discarded prescription drugs from the trash. To help prevent this from happening, mix the medication with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter. Put the mixture into an empty can or bag and discard.

Unless the directions on the package say otherwise, do not flush medications down the drain or toilet.

To help prevent unauthorized refills and protect your and your family’s privacy, remove any personal, identifiable information from the prescription bottles or pill packages before you throw them away. 

What is Prescription Drug Abuse?

Prescription drug abuse is when someone takes a prescription drug that was prescribed for someone else or in a manner or dosage other than what was prescribed. Abuse can include taking a friend’s or relative’s prescription to get high, to treat pain, or because you think it will help with studying.

Do you know or suspect your child is abusing prescription drugs? He or she might still be in the pre-stages of addiction, either way you know you can't wait to get help.

If you have any questions, please know that Inspirations Teen Drug Rehab is 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 behavior, substance use, adolescent addiction, teen drug rehab, or other related matters.

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:

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

Young Adult and Adult Addiction Treatment Helpline:1-888-357-6237

http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com

Teen drug abuse is rampant say cops and counselors in Pleasanton, CA

With half of its student body confessing to smoking marijuana, the school administrators and parents of Hart Middle School, located in Pleasanton, California were shocked after a recent PTA meeting which discussed the dangerous trends amongst the schools’ students.

After interviewing the students of Hart middle school, counselor Tammy Schoonover estimated that 25% of the students drank alcohol and 50% smoked marijuana.

Officer Ryan Tujague, a member of the police department's special enforcement unit warned parents that even the brightest of students were succumbing to marijuana, OxyContin, heroin and other substances, often fooling their unsuspecting parents who could never imagine their daughter/son was purchasing and using illegal drugs to achieve dangerous highs.

Tujague also pointed out the growing crime rate correlated with the growing number of addicts, so often young teens, who are committing the pettiest of crimes in order to be able to purchase drugs and feed their addiction.

For information on teen drug abuse, recent trends on teen drug abuse, teen drug addiction problems, teen drug addiction treatment and teen rehabs with educational programs visit:

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

Young Adult and Adult Substance Abuse Help: 1-888-387-6237
http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com/

Ohio's Youth Drug Abuse Problems

Commonly known as “dog food” and boy”, and currently being purchased for as low as 10 dollars a hit, heroin continues to be the drug of choice in central Ohio along with other the parts of the state.

The Ohio substance abuse monitoring network which assesses the quantity and type of drugs available throughout the state, has disclosed that studies from June 2010 to January 2011 showed an increased availability in heroin across the state of Ohio, with black tar heroin being the most common form of the substance in central parts of the state. Furthermore, studies showed that in the Columbus region, adolescents as young as fourteen were seeking addiction treatment for their heroin abuse.

In addition to heroin, lesser known drugs such as psilocybin mushrooms, LSD’s and ecstasy still constitute major problems for communities across Ohio. The substance abuse monitoring network also concluded that marijuana, like in most states, is Ohio’s most available drug, with widespread availability on almost every street and corner and its use transcending race, age and gender.

If you would like to get more information on teen substance abuse and teen addiction treatment in Ohio, visit Inspirations Teen Rehab @ http://www.inspirationsyouth.com/Teen-Rehab-Ohio.asp

Inspirations for Youth and Families, aka Inspirations Teen Rehab, is a nationally recognized, licensed residential addiction treatment center, for teens ages 14 to 18 and their families, who are struggling with the chaos of teen behaviors and the consequences associated with alcohol and/or drug addiction, which may include mental health issues, more commonly known as dual-diagnosis. At Inspirations Teen Rehab we understand your concern for your teenager and the changing behaviors causing heartbreak and fear for your teen’s safety and future.

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

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

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

The need to implement effective prevention and treatment of drug and alcohol abuse for teens

In a study sponsored by MetLife Foundation, released on April 6, 2011, the trend in alcohol and drug abuse in teens was shown to be in need of immediate attention.

In a study sponsored by MetLife Foundation, released on April 6, 2011, the trend in alcohol and drug abuse in teens was shown to be in need of immediate attention.

The 2010 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study consists of two nationally projectable samples: a survey that measures attitudes and behaviors of parents with children ages 10 to 19 that relate to substance abuse and a teen sample for students in grades nine through 12.

New data from the study on alcohol use shows that drinking is often considered to be acceptable behavior among teens – less risky and more approved of than abuse of other substances. These beliefs are critically important: data from the University of Michigan’s annual “Monitoring the Future” survey of 8th, 10^th and 12^th grade high school students, going back to 1975, show that teens’ perceptions of the risk and social disapproval of drug use correlate very closely with drug taking behavior – more closely than demographic characteristics such as race / ethnicity, socio-economic status or geography.

The average age of first use among teens is 14 years old. One quarter had their first drink by the age of 12 and by age 15 six out of 10 teens have had their first drink. Age of first use is critically important: research has shown that more than 40 percent of those who start drinking at age 14 or younger developed alcohol dependence, compared with 10 percent of those who began drinking at age 20 or older.

Underlying this abuse of alcohol among teens is a low sense of risk in use. Almost half of teens do not see a “great risk” in heavy daily drinking. In addition only one in three strongly disapprove of “getting drunk” which means that seven out of 10 do not strongly disapprove of the behavior.

Teens believe that alcohol is drunk by kids because it is fun, makes parties more fun, and helps them fit in with their peers and not feel left out. Teens who have drunk alcohol in the past year say the primarily reason why they do it is because it is fun. At the same time, while having fun and social motivations are the most frequently endorsed reasons for use, over a third of teens are drinking to cope with problems. Drinking alcohol for coping reasons in adolescence is a predictor of later problem use.

About one in seven teens feels they may have a problem with alcohol – either reporting they are worried about their drinking or they drink because it is a habit. Again, heavy alcohol use at an early age, when teens’ brains are still developing, can alter reward pathways in the brain and foreshadow later problem use.

Parents concede that they think most teens will try beer occasionally; however, the majority doesn’t believe their child has drunk alcohol at all.

Additionally, based on this study, a disturbing trend confirmed the significant increases in adolescent abuse of marijuana and Ecstasy.

All measures of marijuana use (ever tried, past year, past month) continue last year’s significant increases versus 2008.

Past year and past month Ecstasy use continue last year’s significant increases versus 2008.

The 2010 data also indicated that downward trends in LSD and cigarette use, which began flattening out in 2007, may be poised for an increase.

This study provides a significant support to the argument that families need to take action in identification and treatment of alcohol and drug abuse amongst teens. If there is any hope in stopping the destructive effects of addictions in society, specifically the lives of the most impressionable members of the society, that hope is to implement effective prevention and treatment of drug and alcohol abuse now.

If you would like more information on teen drug and alcohol abuse visit Inspirations for Youth and Families, aka Inspirations Teen Rehab an addiction treatment facility specialized in teens struggling with alcohol and/or drug addiction, which may include mental health issues, more commonly known as dual-diagnosis.

At Inspirations Teen Rehab we understand your concern for your teenager and the changing behaviors causing heartbreak and fear for your teen’s safety and future. Inspirations’ teen addiction treatment programs focuses on all aspects of teen behavioral issues. Family is the cornerstone of Inspirations’ teen addiction treatment center. Teens attending Inspirations’ are using or abusing drugs, often beginning with marijuana. Often, marijuana is the only drug or substance used by a teen. However, drug use becomes drug abuse and eventually leads to drug addiction. Marijuana historically leads to other drugs. Drugs combined with behaviors that demonstrate disrespect for parents, home rules, boundaries, and lack of accountability for actions, are typically an explosive combination that leads to significant and sometimes irreversible consequences.

For more information on our therapies and programs please visit us on the web.

Recovery from addiction is just a click or a phone call away.
Addiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237

http://www.inspirationsyouth.com
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com

Addiction Treatment for Adults and Young Adults: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.covercenterforrecovery.com
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com

Prescription for Opioids Often Precedes Teen Addiction

With recent studies suggesting a strong link between teen opioid abuse and a history of prior opioid prescriptions, many believe the only way to end the cycle of teen opioid addiction is to prevent them from getting their hands on it in the first place; suggesting the reduction or potential elimination of legally prescribed opiates by doctors to teens.

Results from a medical record review presented at the American Society of Addiction Medicine's 42nd annual medical-scientific conference revealed that the majority (67%) of 125 teenagers seeking treatment for opiod addiction had a history of at least one prescription for opiate within 2 years of their addiction.

Studies revealed that the common drugs abused included hydrocodone, codeine and tramadol. It was also noted that on average females receive more than twice as many prescriptions as males do; with their mean totaling 6.6, compared to that of males which is totals 3.0.

Dr. Junig, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the Medical College of Wisconsin, who also runs a private clinic in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, recently stated that the use of opioids at young age reinforces "addictive thinking — an inappropriate focus inward and the desire to change one's mood using medications". He also says that opioids should be prescribed only for those who have failed back surgeries or those who have phantom limb pain, for example — people who have failed conservative measures. As teens rarely fall into this category, Junig believes that they are not appropriate candidates for opiods. When prescribing opiods to adolescents one disregards the huge problems that will appear down the line- including tolerance, psychological dependency and withdrawal.

Inspirations for Youth and Families co-founder Karen Walsh says: "Forty percent of the teens admitted to our facility for prescription drug addiction treatment had been prescribed opiods in the past. The remaining sixty percent are teens who started their addiction by experimentation." Last year alone the majority of teens treated for drug addiction at their residential facility reported starting they drug abuse with prescription drugs, and about fifty percent of all admissions at Inspirations Teen Drug Rehab were related to prescription drug dependency.

To learn more about the recent trends on teen drug abuse or if you are looking for a specialized teen residential addiction treatment visit: Inspirations for Youth and Families, aka, Inspirations Teen Rehab.

Addiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237

http://www.inspirationsyouth.com
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com

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

OxyContin Most Abused Prescription Drug

Over nine years ago some ordinary people and some law enforcement individuals saw the dangers of OxyContin abuse first hand. They suspected this drug abuse to be different than any other drug addiction and abuse they had seen before. Never the less they refused to call it an epidemic and even under-estimated the devastating effect of the new phenomenon.

To get a glimpse of their belief here is the excerpt of an article about OxyContin being most common abused drug on the streets of Western Pennsylvania

“Authorities expect to be fighting OxyContin abuse for at least another six to 12 months. But as the buzz begins about the next hot street drug, it's liable to just fade away.”

"OxyContin is just fashionable right now. It's sort of a fad drug. Predictions are that in a year or two the fad will pass and we'll have to worry about something else," said Leon Rodriguez, first assistant U.S. attorney in Pittsburgh.

As we all know that didn’t happen and today, nine years later, OxyContin is still a formidable drug addiction that destroys lives, families and properties.

Some were wondering whether enough emphasis and resources is being poured in that fight against drug abuse.

By Jonathan D. Silver, the writer of the article wrote: “Although Pennsylvania has joined Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia on the short list of states with widespread OxyContin problems, no one is calling it an epidemic.”

He again writes in that article “with startling speed and sometimes deadly consequences, the prescription painkiller OxyContin has shifted from sensation to scourge in Western Pennsylvania.”

"It just took off overnight," said Rod Miller, the chief detective in the Cambria County district attorney's office and a task force supervisor.

The users of OxyContin were reported to range from teens to 70 year old addicts. They were from Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair, from the private schools to low income neighborhoods.

In Johnstown, there were reports of pharmacy break-ins and strong-arm robberies where only OxyContin is taken. Addiction to OxyContin was described by those abusing it to be powerful and overwhelming.

One 20 year old addict that was interviewed for that article described his addiction this way "On a regular day, a good day, I'd do up to about 250 milligrams a day, 300 easy," he said. "Ten, 15 minutes after I'd wake up, I'd need something in me to get me down the stairs to talk to my wife and kid."

The ground zero for abuse in the article printed 9 years ago was described to be Cambria County, which had seen at least eight OxyContin-related deaths since 1999, running just ahead of Blair County's seven deaths, according to the coroners in both counties. There also have been deaths attributed to OxyContin in Butler, Crawford, Erie, Mercer and Somerset counties.

These days, prescription drug abuse is one of the major reasons for a drug addict to check in to a rehab facility. Drug rehab facilities have learned and have changed a lot from 9 years ago. There are special programs in place in many good drug rehab facilities dealing specifically with prescription drug abuse by teens or by adults. Two such facilities are Inspiration Teens and Families, a teen rehab center, catering to 12 to 18 year old alcohol and drug abusers and Cove Center for Recovery, an adult male and female rehab center for 18 year olds and up.

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:

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/

Risks of Teen Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drugs when abused - that is, taken by someone other than the patient for whom the medication was prescribed, or taken in a manner or dosage other than that it was prescribed can produce serious adverse health effects, including addiction.

Similarly, some OTC medications, such as cough and cold medicines containing dextromethorphan, have beneficial effects when taken as recommended; but they can also be abused and lead to serious adverse health consequences. Parents should be aware of the potential for abuse of these medications, especially when consumed in large quantities, which should signal concern and the possible need for intervention.

Risks of Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs Used by Teens Opioids (used to treat pain):

• Addiction. Prescription opioids act on the same receptors as heroin and therefore can be highly addictive. People who abuse them sometimes alter the route of administration (e.g., snorting or injecting vs. taking orally) to intensify the effect; some even report moving from prescription opioids to heroin.

• Overdose. Abuse of opioids, alone or in combination with alcohol or other drugs, can depress respiration and lead to death. Overdose is a major concern: the number of fatal poisonings involving prescription pain relievers has more than tripled since 1999.

• Heightened HIV risk. Injecting opioids increases the risk of HIV and other infectious diseases through use of unsterile or shared equipment.

CNS Depressants (used to treat anxiety and sleep problems):

• Addiction and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. These drugs are addictive and, in chronic users or abusers, discontinuing them absent a physician's guidance can bring about severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures that can be life-threatening.

• Overdose. High doses can cause severe respiratory depression. This risk increases when CNS depressants are combined with other medications or alcohol.

Stimulants (used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy):

• Addiction and other health consequences. These include psychosis, seizures, and cardiovascular complications.

Teen Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment:

Psychology plays a bigger role in the addicted teens than other groups of addicts. Inclusion of family, especially in the teen's drug rehabilitation treatment, is critical to the success of the treatment. This is the reason that rehab facilities include parents and family members in their addiction therapy programs.

Another important part of teen’s addiction treatment is addressing his or her educational needs. It is crucial to minimize the impact of treatment on the child’s education and his chance of graduating from high school, while away from home in the treatment center. For this reason, most specialized adolescent teen rehab facilities, provide educational program alongside the addiction treatment.

Most parents recognize when their child needs help. If you find out that your teen is struggling with prescription drug abuse or any other substance seeking help early can prevent a tragic outcome and stop your loved one from becoming another statistics.

Inspirations Teen Rehab, Adolescent Addiction Treatment Center will help you navigate the path of finding the right rehab center and point you, at least, in the right direction.

You can contact one of their licensed therapists by calling 1-888-757-6237, or get information about their facility by visiting their website at: http://www.inspirationsyouth.com/http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com/

They also have a separate facility offering addiction treatment for young adults and adults. Contact their adult facility by calling 1-888-387-6237 or visit their website at http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com/

Most Popular Prescription Drugs Abused by Teens

According to Prescription Drug Abuse, prescription drugs are the second most commonly abused category of drugs, running a close second behind marijuana and well ahead of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines. In 2000, about 43 percent of emergency room visits for drug overdoses occurred because of the misuse of prescription drugs. The top 10 most abused prescription drugs may be listed in differing order depending on the statistical information used.

Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone belongs to the class of drugs called opioids, which are used for pain control in individuals who have moderate to severe pain. Opioids can be taken by mouth, crushed and snorted or injected. A number of deaths have been reported with injection of drugs intended for slow release in the body such as OxyContin, which is a derivative of hydrocodone. Opioids may cause constipation and drowsiness and can depress the rate of breathing and lead to death.

Codeine
Codeine is another opioid. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), codeine may cause respiratory depression and arrest, nausea, confusion, constipation, sedation and coma. The Drug Enforcement Administration says codeine is the most widely used narcotic in medical treatment and is one of the starting materials used to develop hydrocodone. It is usually taken in pill form and can be found in combination with acetaminophen or aspirin or as a cough suppressant in liquid form.

"Xanax"
"Xanax" is used for anxiety disorders, panic disorders and anxiety caused by depression. Drinking alcohol with "Xanax" increases the effects of the alcohol. According to drugs.com, "Xanax" is habit forming and should never be prescribed for people with a history of abuse or addiction to prescription drugs. Side effects can include risk-taking behavior, depression, hyperactivity, light-headedness, seizures, muscle twitching, jaundice and less frequent urination.

Adderall
Adderall is another stimulant that gained national attention when the son of former Vice President Al Gore was arrested for possessing Adderall, marijuana and Valium. Adderall is used to get a speedy high or "pull an all-nighter" to study.

Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant designed to increase alertness, attention and energy. It is commonly prescribed to children who have attention deficit disorder but is now a drug of choice among college students who are interested in staying up longer and studying harder. According to NIDA, the medication is usually taken orally, but people also dissolve it and inject the solution. However, it contains insoluble fillers that can block small blood vessels and cause tissue death.

Valium
Valium is the registered brand name of Diazepam. It is an anti-anxiety drug that changes the chemical balance in the brain and is often prescribed for alcohol withdrawal, shakiness, agitation and muscle pain. According to Prescription Drug Abuse, it is very common and easy to obtain. The body builds up a tolerance over just one month. Symptoms of abuse depend upon how long and at what level the person has been using the drug.

If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug abuse or addiction and is in need of help, Inspirations Teen Rehab offers a flexible and affordable teen addiction treatment program. Our aim is to treat the whole person, and not just an isolated symptom. During the addiction treatment process we will work with the teen to identify the factors that may have contributed to the prescription drug abuse and addiction – home, friends and medical history. We also believe that families have a vital role to play in the recovery process, and each addiction treatment program has a place for family participation, to educate them in the treatment process and to equip them for their role as supporters.

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:

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

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