Showing posts with label teen ecstasy drug rehab. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teen ecstasy drug rehab. Show all posts

Thursday, February 17, 2011

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




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

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Adolescents and MDMA/ Ectasy


MDMA (or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is often called a "club drug" because people frequently take it at all-night dance parties ("raves"), bars, clubs, and concerts. Other club drugs include ketamine, GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), and methamphetamine. People may take MDMA to have enough energy to keep dancing or partying all night or for a feeling of emotional warmth and a general sense of well-being. MDMA acts as both a stimulant and a hallucinogen. Unfortunately, users may not realize that MDMA may hurt them. In some cases, its abuse can be fatal.

MDMA is usually taken orally, in a pill, tablet, or capsule. It may also be crushed and snorted or injected. Each tablet contains between 60 and 120 milligrams of MDMA, plus other unknown "fillers."

MDMA is not a safe drug-even if taken only once in a while. It can change the way the brain functions, impairing the senses, memory, judgment, and coordination.
Side effect are:

Confusion
Anxiety
Sleep problems
Heatstroke (hyperthermia)
Nausea
Muscle tension
Blurred vision
Faintness
Chills
Sweating
Teeth clenching
Depression the following day

Teens using MDMA may experience the following:

Forgetfulness
Loss of coordination, dizziness, or fainting
Depression
Confusion
Sleep problems
Dental problems
Excessive thirst

Drugs in general are highly addictive and addiction is a medical condition. A user is trying to achieve the same high that they felt on their first time of use, however, a user can never get the same high. It only takes one use of a drug to become addicted. It only takes one use to overdose or die. Like all medical conditions, treatment is necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug abuse or addiction, call Inspirations Teen Rehab for help. Inspirations offers a one of a kind teen addiction treatment program that is very flexible to fit the needs of each teen including the opportunity to continue their high school academics without losing time or high school credits. The teen drug and alcohol rehab program has been featured on the Dr. Phill show, in a segment called Dangerous Fads in subject of “Huffing” one of teens’ new addiction.

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.

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.com
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com

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