The LIGHT POST
Sponsored by the Garland ISD LIGHT Program
RED RIBBON WEEK IS CELEBRATED DURING OCTOBER
Red Ribbon Week is the Nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program. By wearing red ribbons or other school specific articles and participating in community anti-drug events, young people pledge to live a drug-free lifestyle and pay tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena who was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by Mexican drug traffickers in 1985.
WARNING SIGNS OF TEEN SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Many of the signs and symptoms of teen substance abuse are at times, normal adolescent behavior or symptoms of mental health issues. However, possible indications that a teenager is using drugs include:
- Decline in personal appearance or hygiene
- Health issues (e.g., nosebleeds, runny nose, headaches)
- Emotional instability or mood changes
- Skipping school or failure to fulfill responsibilities
- Dropping out of usual activities (music, sports, hobbies, etc.)
- Friends suddenly change; doesn't introduce new friends
- Loss of inhibitions
- Deceitful or secretive
- Hostile, aggressive outbursts
- Seems to have "lost" motivation
- Forgetfulness
- Unusually tired or silent
- Depressed or withdrawn
- Anxious
WHAT IF YOU SUSPECT A CHILD OF DRUG USE?
If you suspect or know a child is using drugs:
- Be calm and direct -avoid letting your anger and frustration spill over into the conversation.
- Ask open-ended questions- it’s more likely that the child will be honest and talk about the drug use if you ask open- ended questions.
- Don’t punish the child- avoid punishing; it rarely works.
- Show your support- thank the child for being honest and let him/her know that you are here to help.
- Get the child treatment-it’s key to take the child to see a qualified therapist who specializes in working with teens and young adults.
Each campus has a Student Assistance (LIGHT) Counselor that can assist you with the steps needed to help a child get the help he or she needs.
COMMONLY USED DRUGS AND TEEN TRENDS
Cheese is a combination of drugs made by combining heroin with crushed tablets of certain over the counter cold medication, such as Tylenol PM.
Smiles is a synthetic hallucinogen used recreationally for its psychedelic effects. It can be fatal to the user or may induce violent hallucinations that paralyze the user with fear and anxiety.
K2 or Spice is a mixture of herbs, spices or shredded plant material that is typically sprayed with a synthetic compound chemically similar to THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.
Syrup also known as Purple Drank, Sizzurp, or Lean is prescription-strength cough syrup containing codeine and promethazine mixed with soda. Codeine is an opioid that can produce relaxation and euphoria when consumed in sufficient quantities. Promethazine is an antihistamine that also acts as a sedative. Users may also flavor the mixture with the addition of hard candies.
Molly (slang for “molecular”) refers to the pure crystalline powder form of the club drug MDMA (3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine), which in pill form is known as ecstasy.
E-Cigarettes (Vaping)-research has shown that teens are using these devices to smoke e-liquid ( usually made of nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerine, and flavoring), synthetic substances and marijuana.
Inhaling household products-this is the largest category of everyday items that teens use to get high. It can include: spray paint, nail polish remover, whipped cream aerosol cans, shoe polish, felt tip markers, fabric protector, cooking spray, computer cleaning products, etc.
Smoking Alcohol-by using a bicycle pump, empty soda bottle, etc. to vaporize alcoholic beverages and inhale the ethanol fumes, teens are using this method and it is extremely dangerous. The body protects itself from the toxins of drinking alcohol by vomiting it out; however, when it is smoked, it bypasses the stomach and liver, preventing the body from expelling it.
It is important to keep abreast of the new trends in drugs that are being introduced to youth as a new kind of high/experience.
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Agencies:Where To Get Help
Phoenix House: 214-999-1044
Nexus 214-321-0156
Addicare 972-278-4760
Waterford Academy 469-630-1735
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Prepared by LaKorcha Ross
Student Assistance Counselor
Garland ISD LIGHT Program