Today’s teens seem to be generally aware of the consequences of “hard core” drugs, such as heroin or cocaine. Unfortunately, they are not as savvy when it comes to the issues related to prescription drug abuse and newly created drugs not yet banned. Prescription Pain Relievers Fifteen million Americans abuse prescription drugs. The most commonly abused drugs are opioids, a
Read moreDrinking alcohol and energy drinks together has become very trendy. Although the Food and Drug Administration has banned premixed alcoholic energy drinks, such as Four Loko, bars and restaurants still offer them on their menu and young people still mix them for each other at parties. Teens, college students, and young adults will mix an energy drink, such as Red
Read moreDeaths from drug overdoses have increased significantly in recent years across the United States, becoming the leading cause of accidental death in our country. These deaths are driven largely by an explosion in addiction to opioids, a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin as well as legal prescription pain relievers, such as oxycodone, codeine and morphine. This
Read moreAs school winds down and summer approaches, many teens are full of excitement over celebrations, such as graduation, and the free time they know they will have during school break. However, it’s important for parents to know that risks for their teens increase during the summer season. A report from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy shows
Read moreWhy do some teens get involved in substance abuse while others do not? Many parents ponder this question as their children become teenagers. What causes a teen to be pressured or influenced into making poor decisions? What factors increase the risks that a youth will smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or use drugs? Fortunately, we have some answers that can help.
Read moreThe holidays are upon us, and with them come many parties. Holiday parties can be a lot of fun and a great way to celebrate our friends and the beauty of the season. However, teen parties can also pose some risks for our children. Some of the things that can go wrong when teenagers are partying include binge drinking, drunk
Read moreThe use of electronic cigarettes has been increasing rapidly among teens nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that current e-cigarette use among middle and high school students tripled from 2013 to 2014. The increases in e-cigarette and hookah use offset declines in use of more traditional products, such as cigarettes and cigars, resulting in no decline in
Read moreWe may know the challenging statistics about teen drug use, but the majority of us are caught off guard if we discover that our child has a drug problem. Most parents believe that their child would never use drugs, and many of the warning signs of drug use can often be excused as normal teenage behavior. Here is your chance
Read moreExperts are saying that Flakka, a new designer drug luring some young Americans, is stronger and more addictive than other synthetic drugs. The use of this new drug has been primarily reported in Florida, Texas, and Ohio, but its growing popularity is sending it quickly to other states. Its name comes from “la flaca,” a clubbing term among Latinos for
Read moreApril is Alcohol Awareness Month, so we want to share some of the more important teen statistics with parents, as well as a recommended list of prevention tips to share with your teen. Alcohol is the drug of choice among America’s adolescents, used by more young people than tobacco or illicit drugs. Approximately 10% of 9- to 10-year-olds have started
Read moreTeen parties are a major source of worry for parents, but they can be a really fun part of your teen’s social development. Relaxing and socializing are an important part of what makes life good. We want our teens to fit in and have fun, but we also want them to be safe and responsible. The problem is that not
Read moreThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines binge drinking as “consuming 5 or more drink in 2 hours for men and consuming 4 or more drinks in 2 hours for women.” CDC’s research about teens and binge drinking in America demonstrates that: One in five high school seniors (20%) reports binge drinking in the last two weeks, and
Read moreThe flood of heroin coming to the East Coast of the United States has surged to the highest levels in more than two decades, fueled by an increasing demand. Despite the fact that 100 Americans die from a drug overdose every day, more and more people are using drugs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were
Read moreThe government reports that almost one-quarter of parents do not think they can influence their teens’ use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco. Nothing could be further from the truth. Several studies have proven that parents are one of the most important influencers on underage drinking and drug use. As we enter the summer, it’s important for parents to know that
Read moreGlow parties are the latest cool, fun trend among teenagers. Crowds of youth come to listen to music, dance, and wave glow sticks in the air. The parties, which feature loud music and throbbing lights, are promoted as safe and alcohol-free events for kids as young as 16. Even with an entry fee as high as $40, many parents feel
Read moreTwenty states and the District of Columbia have passed laws legalizing marijuana for some medical purposes, and two states, Colorado and Washington, have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Whether you live in these states or not, the implications of these laws are far reaching. Researchers at New York University’s Center for Drug Use and HIV Research surveyed almost 10,000 high
Read moreIt may still be cold outside, but if you are the parent of a teenager, you have probably already heard your teen talk about Spring Break plans. If you’re lucky, your teen wants to relax at home and hang out with friends. If you’re not so lucky, your teen has already asked if they can go with their friends –
Read moreNational Drug Facts Week, which is January 27 to February 2, 2014 and was developed by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, is designed to help teens shatter the myths about drugs and substance abuse. With the truth about drug use, teens can make better, smarter, and safer decisions, which can save their lives. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Read moreMost parents fear their children trying alcohol, picking up smoking, or, worse, using an illicit drug. But, it doesn’t stop there. Teens are getting more and more creative in their efforts to get high. Parents should be aware of these trends: Bath Salts Despite the name, the new drug called “bath salts,” has nothing to do with a relaxing way
Read moreMolly may sound like the girl next door, but it is in fact the latest slang term for the powder or crystal form of the chemical MDMA, which is also used in Ecstasy. MDMA is a synthetic, psychoactive drug that produces feelings of euphoria, increased energy, emotional warmth toward others, and distortions in sensory and time perception. Although Molly is
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