Archive for the 'Teen Drug Use' Category

Recreational Use Of Ecstasy May Lead To Memory Problems

Dec. 17th 2012

Ecstasy Use Is Not Without Serious RisksFor the past few decades, there are those who think that ecstasy is ‘getting a bad rap’ by drug enforcement officials. Many users suggest that the effects are relatively harmless and the only problem with XTC is the fact that it is illegal. However, a recent study published in the journal Addiction proves that there are problems that are far more serious than originally expected. The study demonstrates the causative effect of the drug and provides scientific evidence that even recreational use can lead to changes in the brain.

What The Study Did And How It Was Different

The reason that this recent study is significant is because of the different methodology that it used. Previous studies on the subject have been notoriously hard to interpret. The reason that they were difficult to interpret is that the brain differences between non-users and ecstasy users may have been present long before the person ever started using XTC. This meant that in those studies, it was probable that the drug led to specific problems, but there was no scientific basis that provided infallible proof. Add in the fact that people who use XTC tend to use other illicit substances as well; you may understand why the effects of ecstasy on the brain were so hard to determine.

This study was set up so as to determine how the brain may change when using ecstasy, meaning that the team of scientists had to find people that had used MDMA five times or less in their entire lives. The research team found 149 individuals that met that criteria and made them undergo a litany of brain tests. These brain tests were in place to look for signs of mental deficits. A year later, the scientists tested patients again. Out of the people tested, 43 had not used XTC since the previous test and 23 people used ten or more ecstasy pills during that year. On average, those who used ecstasy pills reported having used 33.6 within those 12 months.

The two groups performed similarly on most laboratory tests. However, it was a particular memory test in which those participants who had used MDMA scored significantly worse. The people with problems demonstrated difficulty in remembering what distinguishing border framed a specific picture. They had complications remembering right away and an hour later. This demonstrates that memory problems can occur within a year, even with a moderate amount of MDMA use. This makes it clear to scientists and hopefully makes it clear to people around the world, that this drug is not as harmless as previously suspected.

What Are The Common Side Effects Of The Drug?

For most people that take a single “hit” of XTC, the effects will last anywhere between three and six hours. Once the person swallows the pill or tablet, it takes approximately 15 minutes before the ecstasy dissolves and enters the bloodstream. From there, it moves rapidly to the brain. Within 45 minutes, the person will start to experience the “high” associated with MDMA use. People who use it report feeling hyperactive and very alert. That is the reason it is often used in the nightclub scene, people can dance for hours at a time without needing to take a rest. During this high, some users will experience changes in perception (for example, they may have an enhanced sense of touch) or lose sense of time.

However, the effects are not pleasant for everyone taking the drug. Some users become agitated or anxious; others may experience chills or sweating and some feel dizzy or faint. There are a number of other physical signs, such as increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, blurred vision, nausea and muscle tension. Many users experience a forceful clenching of the teeth. The emotional side effects include depression, anxiety and sadness. While the euphoric sensations of the drug may last several hours, these negative side effects can last for days.

Physical Dangers Associated With The Drug

Because the users of MDMA are often engaging in vigorous activity in a relatively narrow and warm environment, dehydration can become a serious problem. Even though dehydration may not seem like a serious issue at first glance; considering that ecstasy already interferes with our body’s own ability to regulate temperature, it could lead to dangerous overheating. This dangerous overheating can lead to kidney or heart problems – it may even prove to be fatal. Because the user tends to feel sad or depressed after the effects begin to wear off, users take multiple small doses within a short period in order to keep the euphoric effects going. This may impede the heart’s ability to maintain its normal rhythms and also increases the risk of seizures.

Increased Risks To The Brain

In order to understand why XTC may damage the brain, it is important to understand that messages from our brain and the rest of our bodies travel through neurons (nerve cells). Scientists believe that ecstasy may affect those nerve cells that use the monoamine neurotransmitter serotonin, in order to send messages to other nerve cells. The serotonin system is an important factor in our sensitivity to pain, sleep patterns, sexual activity, aggression and overall mood.

More studies need to be done to determine whether the brain damage caused by XTC is permanent or whether the patient can reverse the effects by no longer using. Animal studies determined that the damage done to the brain that occurred after a mere four days of exposure to high dosages of ecstasy was still present six or seven years later. The one silver lining in that situation is that scientists noted that some nerve fibers started to grow back in the same place that those damaging toxic reactions had taken place. However, even if the nerve fibers were repaired, scientists are not sure if they worked in the same capacity as the damaged nerve fibers. It should be obvious by now that XTC is not the harmless drug that people once believed it was.

Posted by FRSfaith1 | in Drug & Alcohol Addiction, Teen Drug Use

New Educational Program Introduced Aimed Towards Preventing Teen Prescription Drug Abuse

Aug. 4th 2012

Is Your Child Abusing Prescription Drugs?There is a new educational program launched in Pennsylvania that focuses on prescription drug abuse among high school and middle school students. The program, known as “Consequences: Rx Abuse,” aims to inform teachers, parents, and students statewide about the dangers of abusing prescription medication and the long-term effects that can result, according to Attorney General Linda Kelly.

It is interesting to see that the program is taking an informative approach rather than trying to ‘scare children straight’. According to Kelly, “The purpose of the ‘Consequences’ program is not to scare students or give them the idea that medications are harmful. When used under the direction and supervision of a doctor, prescription drugs are safe. However, when mixed, abused, taken with alcohol and taken without authorization, the results can be deadly.” It is a good thing to see that action is being taken against the epidemic of prescription medication abuse.

The Problem Is Getting Worse

According to the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey that was recently released, the number of students that were using drugs without actually having a doctor’s prescription was more than one in five. In the end it does not matter if it is done intentionally (using medication for the feelings elicited, in a way that is other than prescribed, or taking it without a prescription) or misuse (mistakenly or unknowingly taking a prescription drug other than directed or intended). The consequences can be dangerous, even life threatening.

Part of the problem is that many students mistakenly believe that getting a high or buzz from prescription drugs are somehow ‘safer’ than using illegal street drugs. Most of the teens that were questioned about their prescription drug medication use admitted that it was relatively easy to get these drugs from relatives or friends. It is not just the children that need to be educated on the risks of abuse and misuse of prescription drugs; parents also need to realize that they play an important role in the education of their children.

Educating Oneself On The Issue

It is important that people educate themselves on the misuse and medical use of prescription medication. For the most part, the use of these drugs has remained an unaddressed problem. There are three major types of drugs that are often abused:

  • Pain relievers (OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet)
  • Sedatives (Valium, Xanax)
  • Stimulants (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall)

Sometime these types of medications are taken to achieve a high or feel good, other times they are taken by students to stay up all night, boost their mood, or reduce anxiety and stress in their life. It is important that people realize what they are putting in their bodies. There is a reason that side effects, possible interactions, and other information is always discussed before someone is prescribed any type of medication. It is important to know what is being taken, and how it might affect you and other medications that you may or may not be taking.

Preventing Prescription Drug Abuse

There are many steps people can take to prevent prescription drug abuse, at least in their home. Take a moment and think about how many OTC (over-the-counter) and prescription medications you have lying around your home right now. Where do you keep most of them, are they secured or could anyone reach them, would you notice if a few pills of your medication went missing? These steps should become standard for anyone living with children or teenagers:

  • Control access, monitor quantities – As already asked before, would you notice if a few of your tablets or pills would go missing? Keep track of refills, and make sure that you make note of how many pills come in a packet or bottle. This does not just go for medication you may be using, but also for what any other members of your household may be using. One quick way to notice potential abuse is by seeing whether refills are required more often than you would normally expect. Even if one of your children has a prescription, there is nothing wrong with you controlling the medication, including monitoring refills and dosages.
  • Practice what you preach – The most important thing any parent or guardian can do is to be a good role model themselves. If you are not careful with your medication that has been prescribed to you or even abusing it, why would you expect anything different from people living in your household? Be sure to follow your medical provider’s instructions and avoid sharing medication as much as possible. It is not a bad idea to examine your own behavior and think about how it may be perceived by others.
  • Ask others to do their part – Make sure people around you know about the dangers of prescription drug abuse. This includes relatives, friends, and especially grandparents. Instead of demanding a change from them, explain why you would like them to take care of their prescribed drugs and become aware of their own supply.
  • Clear rules and boundaries – It is important to set clear rules, this includes always following the dosages and advice by the medical provider and not sharing medication. It is important that kids and teens are aware of the dangers of mixing medication without discussing it with your medical provider first. Never take these types of medication with alcohol or illegal street drugs. Make it standard that if there is a question about medication, you ask a pharmacist or your family physician.
  • Always dispose and conceal unneeded or old drugs – Many people forget about this step, even if they lock their medication away. They dump it in the trash afterwards and forget about it. Always make sure that the medication is hidden from plain sight. If possible, remove personal, identifiable information as well to avoid the potential for fraud.
Posted by FRSfaith1 | in Teen Drug Use

Why Prescription Drug Addiction Is Growing Among Teens

May. 23rd 2012

Is Your Child Hiding A Prescription Drug Addiction?The problem with teens abusing prescription drugs is growing at an alarming rate. According to the latest numbers available from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), approximately 8 percent of teens between 12 and 17 experimented with prescription drugs on a recreational level. But what are the important components that make prescription drug addiction seemingly ‘ok’ for so many teenagers?

Availability

For many parents that have teenagers, it is quite normal for that parent to lecture their children about having to stay out of their liquor cabinet, yet few parents are concerned about locking their medicine cabinet. Part of the reason that prescription drug addiction is increasing at an alarming rate is because drugs are simply available. Of course, if they cannot get prescription medication from home, there is likely to be someone in their social circle that has knowledge on how to get their hands on them.

A Lack Of Understanding

Even though the part of the brain that perceives consequences to their actions is not fully developed yet for most teenagers (their pre-fontal cortex) it does not mean that teens are stupid. If they are aware that something could be genuinely harmful to them, they are much less likely to use or do it. Reaching into the medicine cabinet and grabbing something out of a bottle, prescribed by a doctor no less, certainly does not seem as illegal or dangerous as having to buy drugs from someone on the streets that they do not know. It is the casual approach that our society has taken to prescription medication in the past decade that is sending a clear message. The message is that prescription medication is not on the “same level” as those other, dangerous drugs.

Why Are Teens Using Prescription Medication?

Interestingly enough, there are different reasons that teens use prescription drugs – and they tend to differ between boys and girls. When looking at the reason that most boys tend to use prescription medication; they use them to get a high. Most of the teenage girls that use prescription medication use it to stay alert so they can focus on schoolwork. While this is obviously not an exact science, it may be beneficial for parents to know what to look out for.

What Are The Problems?

Some teenagers simply do not understand what the big deal is with using prescription drugs. After all, if they are safe to use by their friends, parents, and acquaintances, why wouldn’t they also be safe for them to use? There are several reasons:

Withdrawal – taking the same type of drug may result in physical dependence. This is different from addiction and may be hard to understand for teenagers. With physical dependence, the body is now accustomed to having that particular drug present. If you suddenly stop taking the drug (which may happen due to limited availability or limited funds), the body could have withdrawal symptoms. This is why a physician who writes a prescription is always clear on when to start and stop taking prescription medication. With proper medical supervision, the symptoms could possibly be avoided, or at the very least diminished or controlled.

Addiction - One of the reasons that most people that take prescription medication for a medical condition do not become addicted to these medications is because they take them in safe forms and dosages. Instead of making the person feel ‘high’, it compensates for a preexisting condition or problem. Yet it is very possible for the functionality of our brain to be affected by prescription medication, especially when taken in large doses or repeatedly. If we damage our brain’s reward system, it could lead to addiction.

Side Effects – You only have to look at any prescription medication bottle or box and you instantly know that there can be many side effects to prescription drugs. There are many different things that a physician takes into account when prescribing medication (experience with the drug, weight, and other substances taken). When not taking medication as prescribed, side effects may be much worse than they otherwise would be. The side effects could be dangerous, and in some instances even fatal.

Dosage -  Physicians know how long it takes for a drug to become active, they know what other medications you are taking, and they know what other substances may be risky to take when using that particular medication. When you are using prescription drugs in a way that was not intended to be used, or simply take too much of it, the result could be an overdose.

Resolving The Problem

Part of the problem is that we live in a society where it has become the standard that we receive medication to suppress any problem. Many Americans are medicated around-the-clock. We are viewing prescription drugs as something to make our lives better and happier, not something that treats medical problems.

There are two steps to resolving the problem. The first step has to be education. We are spending an almost ludicrous amount of money on persuading teens to stay away from marihuana, however, have yet to see a single overdose on that drug. Meanwhile, prescription opioids are becoming a genuine problem but we are not informing teens of the dangers of abusing them. Some may say that the difference is that the pharmaceutical companies are worried that they will suffer a backlash. Nevertheless, what is clear is that teens need to be made aware of the dangers of taking prescription medication that are not meant for them – just because these medications are safe for someone else does not mean that they are safe for another.

Secondly, the casual attitude towards prescription medication needs to change. We should not rely on medication for every small problem when other alternatives are available. When someone hurts their back, why is that they are automatically put on prescription opioids? Instead of dealing with what is bothering us, people are put on antidepressants. The entire nation has become too prescription happy, and until that changes, why should we expect the attitude of teenagers throughout America to change?

Posted by FRSfaith1 | in Drug & Alcohol Addiction, Teen Drug Use