1. health and fitness
2. addiction

“It Wasn’t Like That when You
were A Teen….”
Adolescent Drug Trends
Vicky Ward, MA Sociology
Tri-County Mental Health Services, Inc.
Manager of Prevention Services
What Drives Experimentation/Use
Perceptions of Risk/Harm
Perceptions of Availability
Perceptions of Acceptability
Over the Counter Products
• Energy/Downer Drinks
• Inhalants
• Over the Counter (OTC) Medications
• Synthetic Drugs
Regulation of Energy/Downer Drinks
• Energy/downer drinks are unregulated by the
Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and have not
been ‘recognized as safe’.
• The FDA does regulate the caffeine level of soft
drinks to .02% or 71 mg per 12 ounces;
however, because EDs contain herbal
ingredients they are classified as “dietary
supplements,” which are not subject to the
same guidelines (FDA, 2007)
Caffeine Intoxication
• Symptoms:
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Nervousness/Anxiety
Restlessness/Insomnia
Gastrointestinal upset
Tremors/Tics
Arrhythmias and Tachycardia
Psychomotor agitation (restlessness and pacing)
Death (in rare cases)
Do Energy Drinks Give You Energy?
• Energy drinks work by causing an artificial
“stress response” by causing the release of
stored hormones and neurotransmitters in the
body.
• Reductions in immune and endocrine system
functioning.
• Energy Drinks work in the short term, but
regular use will result in decreased energy
levels and mood.
• Athletes need to be aware that for every high
there comes an inevitable low or “CRASH”
Youth/Adult Energy Drink Consumers
35%
30%
25%
20%
Youth (12-17)
Adults (18+)
15%
10%
5%
0%
Regular
Users
Heavy Users
(10+/month)
Negative Health Effects
• Energy Drinks have been linked to seizures,
stroke, heart problems, and even deaths
Energy Drink Blamed in Cardiac Arrest
25 year old male from K.C. MO
• Mo. Family Says Energy Drinks Hurt Teen
(Joplin, MO)
Teen Hurt by Energy Drink
• Four Loko – University students made national
headlines - 2010
Downer Drinks
“Downer” Drinks
Calm in a Bottle
• Drank (the original)– a sweet purplish potion
touted to deliver “extreme relaxation”
• Ichill – laced with melatonin and valerian root
Sold as 2 oz shots
• RelaxZen, Vacation in a Bottle and Blue Cow
(opposite of Red Bull) – at least 20 brands can be
purchased on-line
• A twist of the cap can veer back and forth in the
fast lane and then back to slow mode for sleep
According to the 2008 National Survey on
Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), there
were 729,000 persons aged 12 or older
who had used inhalants for the first time
within the past 12 months; 70 percent
were under the age of 18.
How are inhalants used?
• “Sniffing" or "snorting" fumes from
containers
• Spraying aerosols directly into the nose or
mouth
• “Bagging"—sniffing or inhaling fumes from
substances sprayed or deposited inside a
plastic or paper bag
• “Huffing" from an inhalant-soaked rag
stuffed in the mouth
• Inhaling from balloons filled with nitrous
oxide
DEADLY CONSEQUENCES
• Asphyxiation—from repeated inhalations, which
lead to high concentrations of inhaled fumes
displacing the available oxygen in the lungs
• Suffocation—from blocking air from entering the
lungs when inhaling fumes from a plastic bag placed
over the head
• Convulsions or seizures—from abnormal electrical
discharges in the brain
• Coma—from the brain shutting down all but the most
vital functions
• Choking—from inhalation of vomit after inhalant use
• Fatal injury—from accidents, including motor
vehicle fatalities, suffered while intoxicated.
Over The Counter Medications (OTC)
and Dietary Supplements
Cough and Cold Medicines
Diet Pills and Laxatives
DXM
(Dextromethorphan)
• Cough-suppressing ingredient in a
variety of OTC cold and cough
medications
• Produces feelings of euphoria
• Creates both depressant and mild
hallucinogenic effects
• AKA-Robo, Skittles, Triple C’s, Dex,
– Vitamin D, and Tussin
Over The Counter Cough/Cold
Medications
Short-term effects
Impaired judgment, nausea, loss of
coordination, headache, vomiting, loss of
consciousness, numbness of fingers and toes,
abdominal pain, irregular heartbeat, aches,
seizures, panic attacks, psychosis, euphoria,
cold flashes, dizziness, and diarrhea.5
Long-term effects
Addiction, restlessness, insomnia, high-blood
pressure, coma, or even death
Dietary Supplements
Lazy Cakes
Lazy Cakes – The relaxation brownie
• Drug filled brownies containing melatonin,
valerian root, passion flower and rose hips.
• Has enough melatonin to put the average
adults into a deep sleep – recommended
dosage is .2 mg., but each cake has 7.8 mg.
• Melatonin can cause impairment to the
central nervous system, trouble breathing,
and nausea.
• Valerian Root is comparable to valium or
tranquilizers.
Lazy Cakes - Cont.
• Appealing to children since it looks like candy
• Sold in colorful, psychedelic wrappers and
features a cartoon character – Larry Lazycakes.
• Its slogan is “Peace, Love and Lazy Cakes”
• Sales have gone so well that they are
considering introducing a product to
counteract the relaxation brownie – a
caffeinated browning called an “Up Cake.”
Lazy Cakes - Cont.
• Appealing to children since it looks like candy
• Sold in colorful, psychedelic wrappers and
features a cartoon character – Larry Lazycakes.
• Its slogan is “Peace, Love and Lazy Cakes”
• Sales have gone so well that they are
considering introducing a product to
counteract the relaxation brownie – a
caffeinated browning called an “Up Cake.”
Kratom
Medicinal plant grown/harvested in
Southeast Asia, Thailand and Malaysia. Bali
grows the most potent.
Prepared as a powder or oily resin, or leaves
or powder can be prepared like a tea.
Effects are dose dependent. A high lasts 2-3
hours with euphoric effects coming in waves.
Initial effects are exhilarating and
motivational; with later phase being more
sedating/relaxing. Also has qualities as a
social lubricant. Users also claim that it has
aphrodisiac powers.
Synthetic Drugs Mimic Illegal Drugs
Synthetic drugs have sent thousands to
hospitals
The American Association of Poison
Control Centers report at least 2,700
have fallen ill between Jan. – March,
2011, compared to 3,200 cases in all of
2010. “Many users describe extreme
paranoia. The recurring theme is
monsters, demons and aliens. A lot of
them had suicidal thoughts.”
JWH-018, JWH-073
• JWH-018 and JWH-073 are more potent the THC – less is needed
for the user to get high and will last longer. Testing by Professor
Huffman found that the intoxicating effects of JWH-018 are 3 to 5
times more potent than THC.
• Herbal products like K2 , Spice, and other synthetic cannibinoids
(incense or potpouri) are not regulated by the FDA. Risks of
accidental overdosing with a risk of severe psychiatric
complications may be more likely to occur because of the type and
amount of cannaboinoid may vary considerably from batch to
batch even within the same product.
• Some researchers believe tolerance to synthetic cannabinoids may
develop fairly fast and might be associated with relatively high
potential to cause dependence.
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In mice it is shown to:
• Decreases overall activity
• Analgesia – unawareness of pain. The lack of
sensibility to pain while somebody is conscious
• Decreases body temperature
• Catalepsy – State resembling a trance. actual or
apparent unconsciousness during which muscles
become rigid and remain in any position in which
they are placed. The condition occurs naturally in
diseases such as schizophrenia or epilepsy and can
be induced by hypnosis or drugs.
Current Legal Status
• Banned on domestic and overseas military commands
because the potential for abuse has been recognized.
• Banned in Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Britain, Canada,
Chile, France, Germany, Netherlands, and Russia
• Kansas was the first state to pass the ban in the U.S. and
Missouri passed the law placing K2/Spice under our
Schedule I drugs. The law went into effect on Aug. 28th
2010.
• Rep. Ward Franz has introduced HB 641 to cover all
synthetic drugs
The New LSD: 2C-E
Bath Salts - MDPV
Bath Salts/Powdered Plant Food
• Ivory Wave, Red Dove, Vanilla Sky – marketed at bath
salts
• Snorted or smoked
• These powders contain methylmethcathinone (4MMC) or methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV)
– powerful mood altering stimulants similar to effects
of cocaine and methamphetamine
• 4-MMC is a designer take-off of the plant stimulant
found in Africa – Khat
• Can be a stand-alone product sold in some brands of
foreign made plant food
• Users claim they feel more social and interactive
MDPV
• A more brazen stimulant – can lead to muscle
spasm or user may engage in meaningless
repetitive motions or behaviors, similar to
tweaking
• High dose users have experienced
hallucinations and profound paranoia.
• In combinations (with 4-MMC), the drugs have
added stimulant effects
•Alcohol
•Nicotine
•Prescription Drugs
Dangers of teen drinking
Teens don't just drink. They drink to excess.
 Age of first use
 Binge Drinking
 New products – alcopops/whipping cream
Delivery methods:
Bongs
Tampons
Enema
Eyeballing
ALCOHOL + ENERGY DRINKS =
DANGEROUS MIX!
• Mixes a strong stimulant with a
depressant. You may feel more
alert but actually the alcohol is
having the same effect on you.
So you might perceive that you
are less impaired than you are.
• One study indicates that those
who drink energy drinks are
twice as likely to abuse other
substances (including alcohol,
tobacco and marijuana)
ALCOHOL + ENERGY DRINKS =
DANGEROUS MIX!
NICOTINE
TRENDS
Targeting Products To Youth
• New flavors and new products
– Cigarettes
– Smokeless Tobacco
– Little Cigars
• Many flavors
– Candy- bubble gum
– Fruit- sour apple
– Alcohol- scotch
HOOKAH
• Consists of Flavored Tobacco (fruit)
– Peach
– Grape
– Mango
– Strawberry
– Cherry
– Mint
http://www.ecigarettesusa.com/about/about-ecigarettes.html
Smokeless tobacco comes in a variety of
candy flavors
Begin new product slides
Misuse of Rx drugs has recently
surpassed marijuana use
1 in 5 teens has abused a prescription (Rx) pain medication
1 in 5 report abusing prescription stimulants and tranquilizers
Many teens think these drugs are safe because they have
legitimate uses, but taking them without a prescription to get
high or “self-medicate” can be as dangerous – and addictive –
as using street narcotics and other illicit drugs.
What is Rx drug abuse?
• The misuse of Rx drugs is a growing, under-recognized
problem that puts young lives at risk.
• Misuse includes:
• Rx drugs serve an important purpose when used under a
doctor’s care.
• Misuse can lead to overdose, addiction and even death.
Dangers of Abusing Rx Drugs
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Increases in blood pressure or heart rate
Damage to brain and other organs
Accidental overdose/poisonings
Physical dependence
Addiction
Disruption in breathing (respiratory depression)
Seizures
Death
Risks associated with mixing multiple drugs or
combining with alcohol
Why Are Teens Abusing Rx Drugs?
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They’re easy to get
Thrill seeking
Friends are doing it
Escape problems or self-medicate
Lack of self-esteem
Seen as safer alternative with fewer side effects
Less stigma associated with Rx drugs
Parents less likely to disapprove
Where Do Teens Get These Drugs?
Source: SAMHSA, 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
Physical Warning Signs
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Excessive sweating, urination or thirst
Nausea and vomiting
Uncontrollable diarrhea
Spastic shaking
Drowsiness, dizziness and insomnia
Loss of consciousness
Physical dependence
Addiction
Hospitalization
Behavioral Warnings Signs
• Sudden mood changes, including irritability, negative attitude,
personality change.
• Extreme changes in groups of friends or hangout locations.
• Lying or being deceitful, unaccounted time away from home/missed
school days, avoiding eye contact.
• Losing interest in personal appearance, extracurricular activities or
sports.
• Poor performance at school.
• Borrowing money or having extra cash.
• Visiting and even purchasing from pro-drug abuse (illegal)
web sites.
Clay and Platte County Student
OTC/Rx Survey (Winter 2009)
Student survey was administered to 1,477 students
(mostly 7-9th graders).
• 29% had taken OTC drugs in a way not specified by the
packaging (as compared to 10% nationally) and 25% had taken
a prescription drug in a way other than prescribed or w/o a
prescription. (as compared to 20% nationally)
• 12% indicated they had abused OTC drugs in the past 30 days
and
• 10% reported abusing Rx drugs in the past 30 days.
Marijuana Trends
1-3% THC in 70’s and 80’s to as
high as 33% now
Liquid Marijuana – 90% pure
Canna Cola – Doc Weed – soda
pop
Most Popular Illicit Drugs: Marijuana
and Heroin
• Marijuana
Marijuana is addictive. Each year more kids enter
treatment with a primary diagnosis of marijuana
dependence than for all other illicit drugs combined.
Among the 220,000 admissions to substance abuse
treatment for marijuana in 1999, more than half (57
percent) first used marijuana by the age of 14, and 92
percent by the age of 18.
• SAMHSA, October 2001
Marijuana Continued
Increased potency
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70s to 80s – 1-3% THC levels
Now - 8-30% THC levels (Sinsemilla)
Coming – Liquid Marijuana – 90% potency
Higher potency/lypopathic - one time use can
be detected for up to 4 days
• Long-term and high usage – detected up to
one year!
Marijuana Continued
Short Term Effects:
• Problems with memory and learning
• Distorted perception (sights, sounds, time,
touch)
• Trouble with thinking and problem-solving
• Loss of coordination
• Increased heart rate, anxiety, panic attacks
• Paranoia
Marijuana Continued
Long Term Effects:
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A-Motivational Syndrome
Lung and airway problems
Cancer
Memory loss
Lower immune system
Menstrual cycle problems
Subclinical intoxication
Addiction
Marijuana: Gender Effects
Females:
• Increased testosterone levels
• Suppressed function of the ovaries
• Decreased estrogen and increased progesterone
Males:
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Decreased testosterone, lower sperm count
Defective/non-functioning sperm
Diminished or extinguished ed pleasure
Dysfunction of prostrate gland and seminal vesicle
Heroin – Black Tar
Potency: 5% in the 70’s – today – 50-80% pure
• Higher potency allows for snorting or smoking it to
achieve the longer, sustained high – rather than
injecting it (as needed with lower potency)
• This, mixed with an affordable price of $10 a bag
explains the popularity – similar to what crack did to
cocaine decades ago.
• Availability, cost and potency makes for an easy
replacement for Oxycontin/Vicodin/Demerol abuse
Why is drug use particularly dangerous
for adolescents?
• Research indicates that that those under
the age of 25 are at a higher risk for
developing dependency and addictions.
• Numerous studies indicate that the
younger one starts using alcohol and
other substances the more likely they are
to develop dependency and to become
long term users.
Brain Development Contd.
• This is due to incomplete development of the
frontal lobes, memory and pleasure reward
centers of the brain.
• Also, in younger adults the “Stop & Go
system” which is able to see future
consequences is not fully developed.
• Evidence suggests that when adolescents use
substances the “Go system” of the brain
overdevelops, which appears to increase their
future drive for substance abuse.
Risk of Addiction
• Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to
becoming addicted to stimulants because of the
impulse control and undeveloped “stop” and
“go” systems of their brains.
• Adolescents have a harder time seeing future
consequences and are more likely to be enticed
by immediate rewards. – Instant gratification
• Addiction research tells us that the younger
people start using drugs the more vulnerable
they are to addiction. This is a principle that
nicotine, energy drink, and alcohol companies
have taken full advantage of.
So…… Now What?
• Take the time to educate yourself and
others – including local and state policy
makers.
• Support prevention/treatment efforts –
Get involved!
• Be a positive role model – DO NOT provide
or endorse UAD or any other drug use.
• Safeguard and properly dispose of unused
or outdated Rx/OTC drugs.
Vicky Ward
Tri-County MHS
[email protected]
816-877-0411