1 Current Drug Trends in Youth: What a parent needs to knowProperty of REACH Council 2015

2 107 S 4th St., Midlothian, TX 972-723-1053 www.REACHCouncil.orgBrought to you by: Cassandra Street, LMSW Certified Prevention Specialist Program Director, REACH Council 107 S 4th St., Midlothian, TX REACH Council 2015

3 What will we cover? Brain Basics- The “Why” teen substance use is a big deal Current drug trends, signs of use, and slang terms for: Prescription Pills/OTCs K2 Marijuana Paraphernalia and concealment Parenting for Prevention

4 http://youtu.be/iQDhYlYp81c http://youtu.be/iQDhYlYp81cREACH Council 2015

6 Brain Development REACH Council 2015

7 Brain Basics The brain controls usPeople have different experiences with the same thing The brain can change in response to experiences, but also by chemicals (drugs) 1. The brain is not only the organ that tells us who we are, what we are doing, and what we have done, but it also controls some very basic and critical body functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. Drugs can strongly affect these functions. 2. Everybody’s brain is “wired” differently, so it can cause different people to have very different experiences with the same thing. Some people enjoy roller coasters, other’s don’t. 3. The brain, especially in children and young adults, has a remarkable capacity to change in response to experience; this is called plasticity. (Learning, reading, etc.) 4. The ability of the brain to change can be modified by chemicals, whether taken for medical benefit or for recreational purposes. REACH Council 2015

8 How does the brain develop?The brain develops from back to front and outside to inside. This means that we first develop our motor skills, language skills, coordination, etc. Lastly we develop our judgment, reasoning, decision making skills, control impulses, etc. These are our more advanced functions REACH Council 2015

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10 We Know Teens are Prone to:Poor decision making Not thinking about the future Giving in to peer pressure Risk taking Impulsivity and self-control Unformed identity But Why?? • Poor decision making: Teens are less able to process information quickly and thoughtfully in real-world situations. Their ability to make good decisions in situations that require a fast and well-thought out response is sometimes flawed because they do not have the ability to process the ramifications of the action quickly. • Not thinking about the future: Teens are less likely than adults to consider the long-term consequences of their actions. This reduces their fear of punishment in the future—such as the possibility of going to jail— and leads them to choose the fun of the present over the pain of the future. • Giving in to peer pressure: Adolescents are more easily influenced by, pay more attention to, spend more time with, and are more responsive to their peers than adults are with friends. Teens are more likely to change their decisions or alter their behavior in response to peer pressure—to use drugs or initiate risky behavior in group situations in order to elevate their status or avoid real or imagined peer rejection. • Risk taking: Teenagers engage in more risky behavior than adults. There are two “blind spots” that adolescents have when it comes to assessing risk that work together to increase their risk-taking behavior: 1) While teens demonstrate that they understand the level of risk associated with a given behavior under ideal (and simulated) conditions, they fail to consider these same risks in real-world situations; and 2) adolescents are more “reward sensitive” (the rush of driving fast) and less “risk averse” (getting a ticket or being in an accident) than adults. • Impulsivity and self-control: Adolescents are more reckless than adults because they are still developing the ability to control impulses. In addition, adolescents experience more rapid and extreme changes in mood than adults do. High levels of emotional arousal, whether anger or elation, have been connected to difficulties with self-control. The combination of moodiness and impulsivity leads adolescents to have more difficulty in controlling their behavior than adults. • Unformed identity: The development of one’s sense of self—one’s values, plans, attitudes, and beliefs—is one of the fundamental tasks of adolescence. During adolescence, identity is fluid, constantly changing and evolving as teens try to figure out who they are. An important part of the process of forming one’s identity is experimentation with different activities and roles, which often includes risky behavior and sometimes includes engaging in crime. REACH Council 2015

11 The adolescent brain is a work in progress…The brain is not finished growing and developing until about mid 20’s. Most of the development that occurs after the age of 12 has to do with our pre-frontal cortex. A teen is not able to fully access all areas of the pre-frontal cortex. Which is why teens are more impulsive, risk-takers and more prone to addiction. A developing brain is more affected by the influence of outside chemicals. Everything we do can change and influence our brains, but more so when it is still developing. Immature brain regions may place teenagers at elevated risk to the effects of drugs. REACH Council 2015

12 Brain Development is Not an Excuse…Teenagers can make rational decisions and realize the difference between right and wrong. A teenager’s brain has a well-developed accelerator, but only a partly developed brake. The prefrontal cortex is primarily responsible for how much priority to give incoming messages like “Do this now” versus “Wait! What about the consequences?” Because the emotional, “Do this now” regions, predominantly located behind the front of the brain, have progressed more with the pruning process, it is difficult for the “Wait” part of the brain to exert much influence…a teenager’s brain has a well-developed accelerator, but only a partly developed brake. REACH Council 2015

13 Study with Adolescent RatsAdolescents seem to be more effected by drug use than adults. Studies with adolescent rats showed: The adolescent rats could drink more before their brains signaled them to stop Adolescent rats received more social comfort from drinking. This can lead to binge drinking, and greater tolerance of alcohol at a younger age, which could lead to alcoholism. Also causes more damage to the frontal cortex, and greater damage to the working memory. Damage most often occurs when a chemically sedated brain cell reactivates. Binge drinking and marijuana use have greater impacts on the teen brain compared to an adult brain. *Adolescent rats could typically consume two to three times as much alcohol for their body weight as adults. Adolescent humans also show this diminished sensitivity to intoxication; their higher metabolic rates allow them to consume higher amount of alcohol. *A lower sensitivity to alcohol's effects would be consistent with the observation that young people are capable of drinking large amounts of alcohol without feeling all that intoxicated. Hormones have a role here. Hormones encourage novelty-seeking and promote social competitiveness. The revved-up hormonal production during adolescence may promote drug use to the extent that such use represents a novel experience to the youth who is also seeking social approval from peers during the experience. That may seem “fun and dandy” now, but what this means is that the chance of becoming an alcoholic is raised. When your tolerance level starts out high, you have to drink more and more to get the initial effect. REACH Council 2015

14 40% Of adult alcoholics started drinking at or before the age of 15 24.5% Of adult alcoholics started drinking at the age of 17 10% Of adult alcoholics started drinking at the age of 21-22 This does not mean that if you start drinking at a younger age you WILL become an alcoholic, but the chances of it are higher. This happens in part because adolescent years are a time of learning (quickly!) and cementing those pathways in the brain. Substance use and addiction are a form of learning to but it also triggers the reward system in the brain. REACH Council 2015

15 Prescription Pills and OTCsREACH Council 2015

16 Prescription Pills and OTCsTrue or False: Prescription Pills are now the second most abused substance by youth? True REACH Council 2015

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18 Prescription Pills and OTCsWhat type of prescription pills are the most abused? A. Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin) B. Narcotics/Painkillers (Hydrocodone, Oxycotin) C. Depressants (Xanax, Valium) REACH Council 2015

19 Prescription Pills and OTCs Correct AnswerB. Narcotics/Painkillers This followed by ADHD medications in a close second and then Tranquilizers (Xanax and Valium) and Cough and Cold medicines REACH Council 2015

20 Prescription Pills True or False: Prescription Pills are sometimes legal versions (either man made or appropriately dosed) versions of illegal (aka illicit) drugs. REACH Council 2015

21 Prescription Pills Correct AnswerTrue! That means they are NOT safer than illegal drugs. They are often highly addictive and easy to overdose on. Examples include: Methadone- a synthetic version of Heroin prescribed for Heroin addicts and occasionally for severe pain management. Morphine & Oxycodone (opiods) are made from opium which is where Heroin comes from too. Hydrocodone is a synthetic (man made) opiod used for pain relief. REACH Council 2015

22 Prescription Pills Where do the majority of prescription pill abusers get their prescription pills from? REACH Council 2015

23 Prescription Pills Correct AnswerFrom a friend or a family member And they usually get them for free. 55.3% of cases in of nonmedical users got the drug they most recently used from a friend or a family member for free. It is a felony to sell or possess controlled substances (prescription pills) without a prescription. What can you do to prevent prescription pill abuse? Count your medication Dispose of unused or expired medication properly Store your medication in a safe place, where people do not have easy access to it. REACH Council 2015

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25 Prescription Pills and OTCsTrue or False: Lean is an energy drink False REACH Council 2015

27 Street Names Opiods (Hydrocodone, Vicodin, Oxycodone, OxyContin, Percocet, Methadone) Vikes, OC, Oxy Depressants (Valium, Xanax, Clonazepam) Xanies, Bars, Candy, Downers, Tranks, Benzos Over-the-Counters (Cough & Cold Meds) DXM, CCC, Triple C, Skittles, Robo, Robo-trippin’, Purple Drank, Sizzurp, Syrup, Lean REACH Council 2015

28 Signs of Pill and OTC UsePrescription Depressants Slow brain function Slowed pulse and breathing Lowered blood pressure Poor concentration Confusion Fatigue Dizziness Slurred speech Fever Sluggishness Visual disturbances Dilated pupils Disorientation, lack of coordination Depression Difficulty or inability to urinate Prescription Pain killers Drowsiness Slowed breathing Constipation Unconsciousness Nausea Coma Prescription Stimulants Loss of appetite Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature Dilation of pupils Disturbed sleep patterns Bizarre, erratic, or violent behavior Hallucinations, hyper excitability, irritability Panic and psychosis Convulsions, seizures and death from high doses OTCs Visual hallucinations Hyper excitability Insomnia Lethargy Physical dependence (with prolonged use) Dizziness Slurred speech Delusions Sweating High blood pressure Liver and brain damage REACH Council 2015

29 K2 REACH Council 2015

30 K2 (AKA Spice) Which drug has K2 said to imitate? REACH Council 2015

31 Correct Answer MarijuanaK2 has been called imitation marijuana, and fake marijuana, but it is NOT marijuana. Its effects are similar to those of marijuana, although more intense. Research shows that the effects can be up to 10 times more intense than marijuana. Also sometimes called: Black Mamba, Bliss, Bombay Blue, Fake Weed, Genie, Spice, Zohai, Cake REACH Council 2015

32 K2 (AKA Spice) Use of has declined in recent years among youth but is still used, especially among youth trying to fool drug tests. REACH Council 2015

34 Correct Answer B. Lowered heart rate and blood pressureK2 causes higher heart rates and blood pressure. In addition to the nausea, vomiting, hallucinations and seizures, it can also cause severe agitation, anxiety, numbness and tingling, agitation, pale or grey appearance, paranoia, and panic attacks. Some people feel effects up to a week after using. Research has shown that K2 can become addicting, and many people who are chronic K2 users report a continuous need for the product. Physical withdrawal symptoms include unrest, drug craving, nightmares, sweating, nausea, tremors, headache, high blood pressure, and racing heartbeat. REACH Council 2015

35 K2 K2 or Spice refers to a variety of herbal mixtures that produce experiences similar to marijuana, but in some cases more powerful and unpredictable. They are more popular among boys than girls. Some teens have had heart attacks after smoking them. K2 won’t show up on standard drugs tests but there are special tests now that can test for it. Spice products contain dried plant material, but chemical analyses show that their active ingredients are synthetic (or designer) cannabinoid compounds. These compounds are illegal in Texas but K2 can still be found behind the counter in some gas stations and smoke shops. Can also be ordered online. REACH Council 2015

36 Marijuana REACH Council 2015

37 Marijuana: A.K.A. Hash Dro Grass Kush Bud Oil* Mary Jane Shake BluntPot Dope Joint Weed Herb Rope J Ganja Burnie Skunk Dabs* Charge Roach Wax* Reefer Corn Common Names in our area include Kush, Weed, Corn, Grass. Dabs, Wax and Oil refer to different ways marijuana is processed. REACH Council 2015

38 Marijuana Short-Term Effects may include: Long-Term Effects may include: Feelings of calmness and relaxation, as well as clumsiness and slowed-down reactions, drowsiness Heightened senses Forgetfulness and reduced ability to concentrate Distorted sense of space and time increased heart rate and changes in blood pressure Increased appetite Anxiety, occasionally panic attacks and/ or paranoia Decreased motivation and interest, as well as difficulties with memory and concentration Chronic coughing and lung infections Cancer Psychological and physical dependence can occur among heavy or regular users. REACH Council 2015

39 If someone is high on marijuana, he or she might…seem dizzy or uncoordinated seem silly and giggly for no reason have very red, bloodshot eyes have a hard time remembering things that just happened be in possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia, including pipes and rolling papers have an odor on clothes and in the bedroom have unexplained use of money. REACH Council 2015

40 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeF6rFN9org&feature=youtu.be REACH Council 2015

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43 Percent of Students Reporting Use of Marijuana in Past Year Source: University of Michigan, 2014 Monitoring the Future Study REACH Council 2015

44 Marijuana Myth or Fact? Most of the information is from the Office of National Drug Control Policy https://www.ncjrs.gov/ondcppubs/publications/pdf/marijuana_myths_facts.pdf REACH Council 2015

45 Myth Or Fact? Marijuana grows naturally, so it must be harmless.REACH Council 2015

46 Myth! Marijuana is harmful.Leads to significant health, safety, social, and learning or behavioral problems. Short-term effects: impaired skills related to attention, memory, and learning trouble with thinking and problem solving anxiety, panic attacks, depression impaired driving performance Long-term effects: poor academic performance poor job performance and increased absences from work cognitive deficits lung damage The consequences of marijuana use can last long after the drug’s effects have worn off. Studies show that early use of marijuana is strongly associated with later use of other illegal drugs and with a greater risk of illegal drug dependence or abuse. REACH Council 2015

47 Myth or Fact? Marijuana is addicting. REACH Council 2015

48 Fact! Marijuana is psychologically addicting! (This means you use because you like the way it makes you feel). It can also be physically addicting for those who use regularly. Many people use marijuana compulsively even though it interferes with family, school, work, and recreational activities. Marijuana use has shown to be three times more likely to lead to dependence among adolescents than among adults. Those who use marijuana chronically may develop some withdrawal symptoms including irritability, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and increased aggression. REACH Council 2015

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50 Myth or Fact? Marijuana is more dangerous than tobacco.REACH Council 2015

51 Fact! Smoking marijuana is more dangerous to the lungs than smoking tobacco. It deposits 3 to 5 times as much tar and carbon monoxide in the lungs as smoking tobacco does because: there is generally no filter on the joint one usually holds the smoke in their lungs for longer periods of time The accumulation of tar in the lungs can lead to cancer, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis just like tobacco, but much quicker than tobacco. Marijuana impairs a person’s mental and physical capabilities (driving a car is more difficult under the influence of marijuana compared to a sober driver). Marijuana has many negative short and long term effects of use. REACH Council 2015

52 Smoking marijuana regularly, starting as teen, will negatively Myth or Fact? Smoking marijuana regularly, starting as teen, will negatively effect IQ. REACH Council 2015

53 Fact! A 2012 study followed a group of people from age 13 to 38.Those who were regular weed smokers staring in adolescence, lost up to 8 to 10 IQ points by the time they were 38. (Psychology today) Marijuana users who began using in adolescence revealed substantially reduced connectivity among brain areas responsible for learning and memory. Importantly, the lost cognitive abilities were not fully restored in those who quit smoking marijuana as adults. Those who started smoking marijuana in adulthood did not show significant IQ declines. REACH Council 2015

54 The THC content in marijuanaMyth or Fact? The THC content in marijuana has doubled to tripled since the 90’s. REACH Council 2015

55 Fact! Marijuana’s potency has increased from being around 3% to 4% in the mid 1990’s to being around 8% to 12% today. This is like comparing a Budwiser to Everclear…… Different marijuana has different amounts of THC. Low grade marijuana 1% THC Medium grade marijuana 1-3% THC High grade marijuana 7-8% THC, but can be up to 20% Hashish 20% THC Hash oil Up to 70% THC REACH Council 2015

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57 Other Things to Know About MarijuanaMarijuana use interferes with your judgment, which can mean a greater likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors and experiencing their negative consequences Chronic marijuana use has been associated with an array of psychological effects, including depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, personality disturbances, and psychosis REACH Council 2015

58 Warning signs that a friend or family member is abusing drugsREACH Council 2015

59 Physical warning signs of drug abuseBloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or weight gain Deterioration of physical appearance, personal grooming habits Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination REACH Council 2015

60 Behavioral signs of drug abuseDrop in attendance and performance at work or school Unexplained need for money or financial problems. May borrow or steal to get it. Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities) REACH Council 2015

61 Psychological warning signs of drug abuseUnexplained change in personality or attitude Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or “spaced out” Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason REACH Council 2015

62 Warning signs of teen drug abuseHaving bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils; using eye drops to try to mask these signs Skipping class; declining grades; suddenly getting into trouble at school Missing money, valuables, or prescriptions Acting uncharacteristically isolated, withdrawn, angry, or depressed Dropping one group of friends for another; being secretive about the new peer group Loss of interest in old hobbies; lying about new interests and activities Demanding more privacy; locking doors; avoiding eye contact; sneaking around While experimenting with drugs doesn’t automatically lead to drug abuse, early use is a risk factor for developing more serious drug abuse and addiction. Risk of drug abuse also increases greatly during times of transition, such as changing schools, moving, or divorce. The challenge for parents is to distinguish between the normal, often volatile, ups and downs of the teen years and the red flags of substance abuse. These include: REACH Council 2015

63 Okay, but what else do I look for? The paraphernaliaREACH Council 2015

64 Paraphernalia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7qG6qmxLMsRoom Paraphernalia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7qG6qmxLMs DXM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxpXnJZckvQ REACH Council 2015

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73 Which is not the Energy Drink?REACH Council 2015

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78 When a loved one has a drug problemSpeak up. Talk to the person about your concerns, and offer your help and support, without being judgmental. The earlier addiction is treated, the better. Don’t wait for your loved one to hit bottom! Be prepared for excuses and denial by listing specific examples of your loved one’s behavior that has you worried. Take care of yourself. Don’t get so caught up in someone else’s drug problem that you neglect your own needs. Make sure you have people you can talk to and lean on for support. And stay safe. Don’t put yourself in dangerous situations. Avoid self-blame. You can support a person with a substance abuse problem and encourage treatment, but you can’t force an addict to change. You can’t control your loved one’s decisions. Let the person accept responsibility for his or her actions, an essential step along the way to recovery for drug addiction.  REACH Council 2015

79 But Don’t Attempt to punish, threaten, bribe, or preach.Try to be a martyr. Avoid emotional appeals that may only increase feelings of guilt and the compulsion to use drugs. Cover up or make excuses for the drug abuser, or shield them from the negative consequences of their behavior. Take over their responsibilities, leaving them with no sense of importance or dignity. Argue with the person when they are high. Take drugs with the drug abuser. Feel guilty or responsible for another's behavior. Adapted from: National Clearinghouse for Alcohol & Drug Information REACH Council 2015

80 When your teen has a drug problem: 5 steps parents can takeLay down rules and consequences. Your teen should understand that using drugs comes with specific consequences. But don’t make hollow threats or set rules that you cannot enforce. Make sure your spouse agrees with the rules and is prepared to enforce them. Monitor your teen’s activity. Know where your teen goes and who he or she hangs out with. It’s also important to routinely check potential hiding places for drugs—in backpacks, between books on a shelf, in DVD cases or make-up cases, for example. Explain to your teen that this lack of privacy is a consequence of him or her having been caught using drugs. REACH Council 2015

81 When your teen has a drug problem: 5 steps parents can takeEncourage other interests and social activities. Expose your teen to healthy hobbies and activities, such as team sports and afterschool clubs. Talk to your child about underlying issues. Drug use can be the result of other problems. Is your child having trouble fitting in? Has there been a recent major change, like a move or divorce, which is causing stress? Get Help. Teenagers often rebel against their parents but if they hear the same information from a different authority figure, they may be more inclined to listen. Try a sports coach, family doctor, therapist, or drug counselor. REACH Council 2015

82 References and ResourcesNational Institute on Drug Abuse- Teen and parents site. NPR Article on Teens, Brain Development and Substance Use - Information specific to marijuana –Partnership for Drug Free Kids- resources and information – has short videos of real ex-addicts discussing their addictions and it’s consequences. REACH Council 2015

83 107 S 4th St., Midlothian, TX 972-723-1053 www.REACHCouncil.org REACH Council 2015