Keeping Your Teen Off Drugs

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Did you know that last year, 47.4% of high school seniors in the U.S. admitted to having tried illicit drugs? And that 20% of 8th graders—i.e. 13-year-olds—also tried illicit drugs? (Click here for more government statistics on teen drug use) We all want to believe that a kid on drugs is some other parent’s problem, maybe even some other community’s problem. Not so. Chances are, your child, or one of his or her friends, are included in the percentages above (which are based on questioning the kids themselves, so probably low). We all need to learn as much about children and drugs as possible. To help us, Steve Pasierb, president of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, agreed to a Q & A with Working Parents that may answer some of your own questions.

Q) What is the biggest drug threat facing teens today?

The intentional abuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications. In fact, while all other forms of teen substance abuse is in a sustained decline, this is the only exception. Partnership research shows that nearly one in five (more than 4 million) teens has intentionally abused a prescription (Rx) pain medicine, and about one in ten has abused an over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine. The death of Heath Ledger—and so many other young people who aren’t celebrities— shows that the results can be deadly.

Q) Any theories on what’s behind this behavior?

Today’s teenagers are more likely to abuse Rx and OTC medicines than drugs like Ecstasy, cocaine and heroin, and one of the most powerful underlying reasons is that teens mistakenly believe that it’s safer to abuse medications than to use “street” drugs. Also many teens seek out these Rx medicines not simply to get high, but to alter their mood, deal with stress, escape.

This behavior isn’t on the radar of today’s parents, so when they do talk with their kids about drugs and alcohol, Rx abuse simply isn’t a part of that discussion. That has to change or the problem will get worse—the dangers of abusing prescription medications need to be talked about until we’re blue in the face.

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Q) Do you think ease of access is an issue? Most of us have prescription medicines in our homes.

Absolutely – access is a huge factor, and here’s where parents can take immediate action at home to help protect their kids. Teens report that the number one source for the Rx drugs they abuse is the medicine cabinet in their own homes or a friend’s home. There are three steps parents can take today.

First, educate yourself about why teens use drugs and alcohol and learn which prescription medications have potential for abuse. Second, communicate with your kids about the real risks of Rx/OTC abuse honestly and frequently. Lastly, safeguard your medications at home, disposing of ones that aren’t needed and limiting access and monitoring quantities of those that are necessary. We also encourage parents to talk to other parents to be sure they do the same.

Q) Do you think parents should snoop if they think their teens are using or experimenting?

Many substance abuse experts agree that a parent’s gut instinct on this issue is worth heeding, and if you have real concerns about your child, you should “snoop” or “fact-find” or do whatever is needed to find out the truth. If your suspicion is confirmed and your teen is using, you’ll be in position to take action quickly and protect their health, which is always better than waiting to see where their drug or alcohol use might lead.

Just remember: it is your home and your child. You set the rules. And, though you want to respect your child’s independence and privacy, it should never be at the price of his or her health or safety.

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Q) Not all drug use is obvious. What signs and symptoms should parents be on the lookout for?

It can be tricky for parents to figure out what’s cause for concern, because many of the signs and symptoms of teen drug abuse mimic typical teen behavior. It’s when you see multiple factors coming into play together that many parents feel the light bulb going on.
Changes in your teens’ personal appearance is a first sign for many parents—your teen looks messy or doesn’t care about their appearance, has red eyes or a flushed face, or suddenly loses a lot of weight. Significant changes in friends or networks of friends. Or they may start breaking curfew, have cash flow problems or unexplained car accidents. Avoiding eye contact, locking the bedroom doors and secretive phone calls may also be tip-offs.
Don’t be afraid to ask your teen direct questions like “Have you been offered drugs?” If yes, “What did you do?” or “Have you been drinking or using drugs?” While no parent wants to hear a positive response to these questions, be prepared to have the conversation.

Q) Aren’t some parents in denial? I’m sure some people believe that because they live in a nice neighborhood, have a good family, and their kids go to a reputable school, drug use won’t be an issue they’ll face.
Yes, denial can be a very powerful distraction for parents. A lot of parents don’t even realize that they had a “not my kid” attitude until they find out their kid has already experimented. Millions of families face this each year – by the time they reach 12th grade, half of teens have tried drugs or alcohol. What’s most important to remember is that when you learn your teen has used drugs or alcohol, take it seriously. Plenty of kids experiment and have no long-term issues, but every child is different. Addiction almost always begins in adolescence. Some 22 million people in this country are addicted to drugs or alcohol—it can happen to anyone.

Q) If your child asks if you’ve ever used drugs, how do you answer that question?

We encourage parents to answer the question “Did you do Drugs?” honestly—but you don’t have to tell your kids every detail of your past. It’s a great opportunity to speak openly about what tempted you to do drugs, to talk about any negative impact you saw on your life or a friend’s life, and remind your kids why you want them to avoid making the same mistakes. We have a specific piece on our web site about this, what to say to your kids about drugs if you did drugs.

This isn’t about your past. It’s about your child’s future. What’s important now is that your kids understand the risks and that you don’t want them to use drugs.

We not only offer coed style treatment, we also offer all female and all male treatment centers.  We offer everything from full onsite drug rehab, once a week alcohol rehab to daily addiction meetings.

We do accept most insurance, if travel is needed we can even cover the cost of the flight.  We have available beds right now and if or a loved one needs help with a drug addiction or an alcohol addiction, right now is the time to call, we can help and we can help you right now.

What’s the Most Dangerous Addiction?

I previously answered the question, "What’s the hardest addiction to quit?" It turns out that the same addiction is the most dangerous.

Michael Jackson died at age 50, and long term prescription drug abuse is suspected. In other words, it often takes a long time to kill yourself with drugs (if that’s how MJ died).

Here’s the quick way to get killed through addiction, as exemplified by two superb physical specimens who died in their thirties this month.

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Former NFL football star, Steve McNair, 36, known for his leadership and toughness by playing despite numerous injuries, was found dead next to Iranian-born girlfriend, 20-year-old Sahel Kazemi. McNair was shot four times, Kazemi had one shot to the head, and a gun was found under her body. Kazemi’s family told reporters that she was so confident McNair was divorcing his wife of 12 years that she was preparing to sell her furniture and move in with the former quarterback.

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Italian-born Arturo Gatti, 37, the former boxing champion known for his brutal boxing style who fought out of New Jersey, was found dead Saturday in a hotel room. The Pernambuco state civil police accused Gatti’s Barzilian wife, Amanda Rodrigues, 23, of killing him. Gatti was apparently strangled with the strap of a handbag. Mrs. Rodrigues denied any involvement in her husband’s death, but police said she could not explain how she spent nearly 10 hours in the room with his dead body.

In order to protect people from such untimely, addiction-caused fatalities, let’s summarize the risk factors:

• a physically imposing male
• intensely involved with a woman 15 years younger than he
• the woman is from a different culture than the man
• the man is used to dominance
• the woman does not tolerate frustration well

Clinicians: if you observe relationships with these traits, be on guard!

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Q:  My husband has admitted that he has a cocaine problem; however, he refuses to go to a drug and alcohol rehab center.  He says he can just quit.  He’s been saying this for six months now, and his still using.  He’s on the verge of losing his job, and we’re behind on our mortgage. What should I do?

A:  First, remember that this is your husband’s addiction, not yours. However, there are certain steps that you can take to help your husband reach the point where HE is willing to get help for his cocaine addiction. 

Get Educated.Research drug and alcohol rehab centers.  There are many factors to consider when choosing a drug program such as the success rate of the program, the location, length, and price.  What methods do they use? What services and follow-up do they provide?  Remember, the better educated you are on drug rehab centers that are available, the more likely you are to sell your husband on the right treatment option for his addiction.    

Intervene.  This doesn’t mean flush his cocaine down the toilet, or make him sleep in the spare bedroom.  This means organize an intervention.  Use a professional who is trained in this field.  Gather loved ones and make sure that everyone has the same common goal in mind – to get your husband to the right drug and alcohol rehab center.

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Remember that you are already one step ahead since your husband has already admitted that he has a problem.  Now, it’s simply a matter of becoming educated about what drug rehab center is right for him and intervening so that he can get the help he needs and your marriage, your home, and ultimately his life can be saved.

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Q:  I’m twenty-three years old and have been battling with crystal-meth for 4 years.  I keep trying to go to meetings, but I always relapse.  My parents said that they would pay for a drug and alcohol rehab center, but they want me to go to some rehab that lasts for like 3 months. I keep telling them that I have a job that won’t wait that long.  Isn’t 28 days enough?

A: The answer is simple. No. 28 days is rarely enough to combat a crystal meth addiction. 28 day drug and alcohol rehab centers have extremely low success rates. Remember this is your life at stake and perhaps your last chance. A 90 day program or longer will you give the time that you need to truly overcome your addiction.  Ask yourself this:  Would you give up your life to save your job?

Almost all 28 day programs recommend NA or AA meetings as a follow-up.  Since you have already tried meetings and have found that you continue to use meth, a different method of treating drug addiction would be more appropriate for you. Research different types of drug and alcohol rehab centers and find one that uses an alternative method.  You are well on your way to overcoming your meth addiction.  It can be done.  Don’t give up on yourself.

Q:  My husband keeps telling me I drink too much and that I should go to an alcohol rehab program.  I probably do drink a little too much, but I’m no alcoholic.  Besides, a drug and alcohol rehab center would cost too much and my husband is not thinking about who will take care of the children while he is at work.  I’ve heard that there’s a pill that I can take that will reduce my cravings for alcohol. With so much to do everyday, isn’t this a better option than taking the time to go to rehab?

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A: Unfortunately, many people fall into the “quick fix” trap associated with drug and alcohol addiction.  Yes, there are medications available to decrease your cravings for alcohol.  However appealing this may seem, there is still no pill to deal with the reasons why you started drinking to begin with.  Alcoholism is deceiving, and although you may not see yourself as an alcoholic, your husband was concerned enough to bring it up in the first place.  Attending a drug and alcohol rehab center may cost you more than a monthly prescription and it may take time away from your children, but what has your drinking cost you already?  How much more will it cost you if your “magic” pill doesn’t quite do the trick?  Alcoholism can be overcome; however, it is more than just a craving that led you to drink, and you must deal with all the issues that surround your alcoholism in order to live a sober and productive life.

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Health Care Reform to Destruction

When Americans and their representatives speak of a better health care system, they mean more coverage for more people. When health economists speak of reform, they mean cutting spiraling costs by allotting care rationally, according to which care will do the most good for whom.

When Barack Obama speaks, he refers to the latter ideal. But nothing currently occurring in Congress in any way reflects this.

For example, outcome research makes clear which treatments are most effective. Reform means channeling Americans into these treatments. Americans will never accept that, and the bills before Congress explicitly forbid paying only for treatments proven to be effective. When Michael Moore wants to get Americans riled up about insurance companies, he describes a case of a person with a fatal disease who is being refused a monumentally expensive experimental treatment by an insurance company — that always does it!

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The idea that to provide unproven care at great cost will deprive many others of effective treatments is foreign to American minds. After all, for us, each life is precious, and we want to do everything we can try in order to save a life, even when we don’t know whether what we are doing will succeed. How many movies are premised on distraught mothers finding a way for their child to receive an esoteric treatment for a rare childhood disease that stupid physicians, insurance companies, and HMOs refused to approve — those craven fools!

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Americans will always demand the most treatment, at any cost. For them, good health care means someone else — insurance companies, employers, the government — will pay for this. So any reforms that place responsibility for sound health care decision-making back on consumers will be repudiated. Incentives that support rational, cost-effective choices have been removed from all proposed legislation.

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Conservatives Republicans most love the status quo. Thus Sean Hannity, Newt Gingrich, and Glenn Beck laud the American health care system as the best in the world, while Gingrich’s consulting company advises big players how to cash in on health care reform proposals. And when leading Republican figures chime in about "rationing," they are rallying people against anyone with a good job, money, and health insurance paid for by someone else having to submit to care based on medical evidence.

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But, here’s the rub — while liberals (like Moore) are the most vociferous critics of the health care system, they decry only limitations in coverage. Thus, all proposals being put forward are geared towards making sure that more people will receive more expensive care, not on curtailing costs or rationalizing care. And we will all follow this path while our system becomes more bloated and untenable (which is uniquely true for the American system already) until it bankrupts the entire country, as well as the individual states.

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This is the worst aspect of the modern American version of untrammeled socialism-capitalism — grab as much as you can without having to pay for it. And, oh, up until the moment this system irreparably implodes, it won’t make us healthy.