Archive for September, 2007

Teen Drug Addiction Prevention

September 7th 2007

To a certain extent, parents can influence the decisions their teen make in life by a few simple steps early on. Have honest conversations about drug use and teen drug addiction. Make it clear that drug addiction has very strong potential to overtake and ruin a life, hurting many others in the process. If parents do not discuss such things with children, they will get their drug education elsewhere – and it may not be what parents want them to hear. A little preventative education can go a long way.

To prevent drug addictions from developing, parents should also remain aware of their children’s social lives throughout junior high and high school. Who are their friends? Where are they going? When will they be home? Will there be chaperones? Set curfews and house rules. Get to know the parents of your children’s friends and exchange phone numbers in order to call and compare stories, ensuring your children are truly where they say they are.

Telltale signs of drug use can help a parent identify the problem early on and perhaps intervene before it develops into a full-blown drug addiction.

Signs of a potential developing drug addiction include:

  • Appetite loss
  • Weight loss
  • Decreased interest in personal hygiene
  • Decreased motivation
  • Social withdrawal
  • Depression
  • Hostility
  • Mood swings
  • Evasiveness
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia

Many of these symptoms are typical of adolescence, regardless of drug addiction. Thus it may be difficult to tell whether your child is developing a drug addiction. Ask questions frequently and compare notes with other parents. If a child is persistently answering evasively or breaking house rules, punish them accordingly by taking away privileges.

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Facts of Crystal Meth

September 7th 2007

Crystal meth first soared in popularity in the 1960’s, valued for its intense, powerful and addictive high. Its popularity continued for two decades until cocaine became more popular in the 1980’s, virtually erasing crystal meth from the drug scene completely. Now, crystal meth is back with a vengeance. Below are some facts about the drug:

  • Crystal meth sent 138,950 Americans to the emergency room in 2005.
  • Crystal meth is manufactured using common household items like Coleman’s fuel, red phosphorus from matchbook strips and pseudoephedrine from cold medicines.
  • The duration and intensity of a crystal meth high is unpredictable, as there is no set formula for cooking crystal meth. Crystal meth is commonly known as a cheap, easy drug.
  • Crystal meth is typically smoked or injected.
  • Its high is nearly immediate and can last up to 12 hours.
  • A University of Michigan survey showed that about 5 percent of high school seniors used crystal meth once in their lifetime and 3 percent used it within the year preceding the study.
  • Crystal meth is also known by the following street names: super ice, crysty, tina, hot ice, stovetop, quartz, L.A. glass, L.A. ice, crystal glass, blade and shards
  • Crystal meth does take on an ice-like appearance.
  • Crystal meth can cause increased heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure, stroke, convulsions, violent tendencies, paranoia, anxiety, confusion, extreme insomnia, long-term psychosis (even after the user has stopped using the drug), liver and kidney disease, collapsed veins, pneumonia and even death.
  • Crystal meth is highly addictive and many teens abusing it.

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