The Ecstasy Fact Card: Are We Saying It’s Ok To Use Illegal Drugs?

Every parent wants to protect their child from the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol. It has become increasingly difficult to control the places our teens go and the people they socialize with, so some people have taken on a different approach.

Los Angeles County Supervisor, Michael D. Antonovich, is criticizing a county Public Health Department flier warning rave attendees about the dangers of Ecstasy, and has asked the agency to stop distribution. The flier was intended to be handed out at large-scale rave dance parties in the city of Los Angeles. The flier explains the effects of Ecstasy overdose and "how to minimize potential harms," including warnings that taking Ecstasy with other substances, especially alcohol, can increase risks. The flier also advises to "aim low" in dose and frequency, because "Ecstasy risks increase with larger doses." The flier also advises rave attendees to not drive, to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks. It also advises that people "stay away" from Ecstasy, saying that "the only way to completely avoid the risks is to avoid the drug." In a statement, Antonovich stated, “Counseling young people on the use of the illegal drug Ecstasy is stupid and contrary to Los Angeles County's zero-tolerance policy on drugs.”

So, the question here is if this Ecstasy card is actually providing information on how to stay safe or giving the green light on taking illegal substances? The controversy is if acknowledging the use of ecstasy will cause teenagers to feel that drugs and raves have been accepted as part of their culture or will it actually help protect them. Most adverse events associated with the consumption of Ecstasy can be avoided or mitigated by taking common-sense steps, many of which are detailed on the fact card. Warnings about the dangers of Ecstasy appear often, including, "Most medical emergencies or deaths are from heart problems or complications from hyperthermia (increased body temperature) and hyponatremia (electrolyte imbalance from drinking too much water too fast)."Hyponatremia is a real concern. Encouraging people who consume Ecstasy to stay hydrated is vital, but it's equally important to emphasize the risks of drinking too much water too quickly. Any parent could see that it may actually provide insight and strike fear, in many cases preventing teenagers of getting involved with the substance.

According to a statement released by the county Department of Public Health, officials said the flier was intended to address the harmful effects of Ecstasy and provide potentially life-saving information to rave attendees who choose to use the illegal drug despite its consequences. The card was developed out of recommendations of a rave safety task force convened by the county Board of Supervisors.

So the question here is if this ecstasy card is actually providing information on how to stay safe or giving the green light on taking illegal substances? The controversy is if acknowledging the use of ecstasy will cause teenagers to feel that drugs and raves have been accepted as part of their culture or will it actually help protect them. Most adverse events associated with the consumption of Ecstasy can be avoided or mitigated by taking common-sense steps, many of which are detailed on the fact card. Warnings about the dangers of Ecstasy appear often, including, "Most medical emergencies or deaths are from heart problems or complications from hyperthermia (increased body temperature) and hyponatremia (electrolyte imbalance from drinking too much water too fast)."Hyponatremia is a real concern. Encouraging people who consume Ecstasy to stay hydrated is vital, but it's equally important to emphasize the risks of drinking too much water too quickly. Any parent could see that it may actually provide insight and strike fear, in many cases preventing teenagers of getting involved with the substance.

Over the years, it has been pretty obvious that no measures can be taken or have been taken to prevent ecstasy related deaths. Ignoring this social dilemma hasn’t in any way helped to change the outcome as well, so perhaps the Department of Public Health did the right thing by including this risk factor on the card. Isn’t it always better to be forewarned?

If your teen is abusing drugs reach out to us. We at Inspirations Teen Rehab 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 intervention, teen behavior, teen depression or other related matters.

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

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

Texas Teens and "Cheese" (heroin) Drug Use and Abuse

Although the headlines about "cheese" (heroin) overdose deaths have faded, Dallas County juvenile department’s substance abuse program has recently reported that they cannot keep up with teen admissions. Adolescents as young as 13 are been referred to addiction treatment for addiction to the mix of heroin and sleep aids. Dallas juvenile county manager says: “We're seeing several kids who have graduated to injecting heroin, not just snorting it."

According to a Dallas Morning News analysis of toxicology reports from the Dallas County medical examiner's office, from 2005 through 2009, 30 teens 18 and under died from cheese heroin overdose. As no deaths have been made public since then and there is no agency to keep track of heroin overdose deaths, we can’t provide you with recent data.

Data compiled by Dr. Jane C. Maxwell, senior research scientist for the Addiction Research Institute at the University of Texas at Austin says that the number of North Texas teens seeking treatment for heroin addiction in government-funded facilities has remained steady. Teens from Dallas County made up the majority of heroin addiction admissions statewide.

In response to several cheese heroin fatal overdoses Dallas County started a cheese task force in 2007. Since then the group has expanded its focus to include other drugs.

Executive Director Debbie Meripolski of the Greater Dallas Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse says: "I think a lot of people think it's gone away because it's not on the front page of the newspaper," Meripolski said. "But it's still out there."

As local drug addiction treatment centers in Dallas are scrambling to meet the demand of parents seeking treatment for their teens you may find Inspirations Teen Rehab your alternative of addiction treatment for your teen.

Inspirations teen rehab treatment center focuses on all aspects of teen behavioral issues. Family is the cornerstone of Inspirations’ treatment center. Teens attending Inspirations’ are using or abusing drugs, often beginning with but not limited to marijuana. Drug use becomes drug abuse and eventually leads to drug addiction. 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.

Inspirations designed a treatment center and treatment programs that provide addiction prevention, as well as treatment and aftercare services. For those teens that have moved beyond drug abuse, Inspirations’ teen drug rehab provides recovery that meets teenagers at their place in life. In designing our teen addiction treatment programs, emphasis has been put on helping the teen and family establish recovery and learn the life skills necessary for the teen reach personal goals, academic goals, gain the insight and ability to hold one’s self accountable for decisions and actions, as well as capable of making appropriate choices, living a life without drugs or alcohol impairment. For more information contact us at 1-888-387-6237. See our commercial at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koJ5QImBOgo

TEEN DRUG ADDICTION – THE FIRST SIGN OF CHANGE, WORKING TOWARDS A SOLUTION

Teen drug addiction is becoming a common topic in conversations, news reports, health reports, and a variety of news and media. It is no longer a taboo issue. As parents and family members, teachers and guidance counselors, and anyone involved with the daily lives of teenagers approach the issue and dilemma of teen drug addiction, they seldom know where or how to find the solution to the problem.

Parents and teens both experience the pain of teen drug addiction. It is common knowledge that most teens struggling with drug addiction do not seek help voluntarily. In fact, statistics show that most teens do not recognize their behavior as problematic. Therefore, the parents or guardians of a teen are usually more likely to be the first people to initiate a move towards finding a solution.

Solutions to drug addiction begin with the most basic act of seeking help. The decision of a parent to seek help is the first sign of change and hope in the midst of chaos, heartbreak, fear, and confusion in the home and life of the parent and teen. The act of seeking help is a powerful and motivating factor in working toward a solution. As a parent begins to seek help for a troubled teen, it is beneficial for the parent to recognize his/her efforts as a moment of change and the first step toward finding a solution. Every decision and effort thereafter can become a positive, rewarding step toward a solution to the problem of teen drug addiction.

A teen begins to work toward a solution to his/her drug abuse or addiction, by engaging in the conversation of drug addiction and possibly addiction treatment. Even the smallest effort or briefest conversation creates a moment of change. If a parent has conducted an intervention, a teen who has participated in the intervention is demonstrating a change regarding the problem. It is also considered a “shift” in the cycle of teen addiction. A teen might disagree that a problem exists or disagree to entering a teen rehab program during the initial conversation. It is important to acknowledge a teen’s participation in a discussion of his/her behaviors and use the opportunity to empower the teen. Ownership of change is an important position for most teens. Ownership of the act of change is a position of accountability and independence and instills the power of choice for the teen.

Although there are many more actions, conversations, and therapeutic interactions that must occur, as the parent and teen works towards finding a solution to teen addiction, the initial moments of change are critical and require acknowledgement and praise in hopes of achieving a successful outcome.

Written by: Karen Corcoran-Walsh
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com/

4/09/2010

Why Early Intervention?

"Early intervention" means that your teen will be entering addiction treatment before the addiction takes over their lives. Take control of the situation while your teen is on his/her pre-stage of addiction. It is important to interfere as soon as you suspect your child is using drugs or abusing alcohol. Adolescents are more likely to abuse multiple substances (with prescription pills enjoying a recent surge in popularity). Also, studies have shown that teens are more likely to attempt suicide than addicted adults. Usually teens start substance abuse in a social setting and before they realize, drugs starts running their lives. Their daily focus turns into getting drugs and “getting high”. There is no one best way to talk your child into getting help and get them into an addiction treatment center. Most often then not, they do not admit they have a problem. They think everything under control. It is up to you as a parent to find out what is happening to your teen and get professional help when needed.

Sometimes your child’s pediatrician or family doctor can help. Most often parents will need professional "interventionists" to help their teens understand the need for treatment. Our teen addiction treatment center provides counselors to help with interventions. We at Inspirations Youth and Families understand that intervention is always a difficult situation, but we know, the alternative of doing nothing is the worst thing a parent can do.

Inspirations is here to help your teen and your family through this difficult process. To learn more about our teen addiction treatment services, please contact us.

Teen Drug Treatment Center

Getting Help from a Private Drug Treatment Center for your Teenager

Inspirations Youth and Families offer psychotherapeutic treatment for chemical dependencies such as drug addiction and alcohol addiction for teens age 13 to 17. At our youth treatment center we provide a positive environment to help teen addicts or teens that are in the pre stage of addiction to deal with their physical and physiological dependencies.

Our licensed teen residential addiction treatment offers a powerful combination of programs: Teen Intensive individual addiction treatment program, family and group therapeutic sessions, educational program for teens in recovery, teen life skills management, and recreational/sports program . Our teen addiction treatment programs combine a motivational treatment program with the "accountability" concept, emphasizing, respect for family, respect for others, and a teamwork approach towards daily goals and accomplishments.

Behavior modification is a very important part of your teen's addiction treatment program. During enrollment at our Teen Addiction Treatment Center, one of our licensed psychiatrist meets with the parents and collects information about their teen's behavior and past activities. Other family members and sometimes even teachers are welcome to complement the observations through a questionnaire or letter. The information/observations gathered will bring a better understanding of your child to us. Understanding your teen and his/her daily activities and surroundings will help us understand the behavior he/she is displaying. Additionally, understanding your child's daily life will help us with the greater goal of understanding the cause and effect of the behaviors, thus helping to affect change towards a clean and sober life.

In many cases, some form of behavior modification along with cognitive therapy and medication therapy are the preferred methods of treatment for disorders such as ADD, ADHD and Conduct Disorders that does or does not include the use of substance abuse and dependency. Behavior modification and cognitive therapy are also commonly used in the treatment for disorders such as Eating Disorders, Mood, Depression and Anxiety Disorders.

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 at our toll free 1-888-387-6237. 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. If you would prefer, please fill out our short form and one of our counselors will respond.