Recently it has come to the attention of Narconon International that the results of latest Monitoring the Future survey-shows teen smoking and alcohol use down, marijuana use up. This is very interesting. It is also in a way very good. The fact that teens are using less alcohol and cigarettes these days is definitely a good thing. Narconon is one of the top leaders in drug education and always stays on top of what drugs are the most popular amongst the youth so that Narconon education groups can stay one step ahead of the game and try to give kids as much up to date information as possible.
Narconon meetings and drug education groups do this for two reasons. Firstly, it is very important that kids get the most up to date information that they possibly can so that they are prepared for all types of situations that they may come up against. Secondly, when kids hear the most up to date information about drugs that they know for a fact is true and up to date, the information comes across as being quite accurate for them. This helps them to take the information more seriously and they remember the drug education information presentations more accurately.
Parents Role in Drug Education
The kind of drugs that kids are using these days are quite different than the drugs people of their parents generations were using when they were young. When parents talk about drugs, if they do not have the latest information, they can come across to their children as being foolish and “old school”. This can make the message that they are trying to relate to their kids come across as inaccurate and their children may not really listen to what their parents are saying as a result. Kids at a certain age often feel that that their parents have no idea what they are talking about anyway. If a parent knows more or at least as much about the current drug scene as their child does, their kid is going to be impressed and is going to take notice. Parents really need to do plenty of research on current drug trends so that they can come to an educational conversation with their kids about drugs well prepared. There is plenty of information on the web available for parents to read about such matters.
The other thing that a parent can do that can greatly improve the quality of this type of educational conversation, is to provide a safe and open flow type of feel for their kids. If a parent shows their kids that the topic of drugs is very upsetting to them, the kid is going to be less likely to feel comfortable talking about any questions or concerns that they may have. This can be very dangerous. A child needs to always feel comfortable enough to go to their parents when they really need to, about anything. If a child puts themselves into a dangerous situation and has no idea how to get out and does not feel comfortable enough to go to their parents for support and help, the consequences can be disastrous.
Some of the Drugs to Look Out For
Marijuana use is still popular these days, but there are a whole lot of other drugs that kids are using that many parents may or may not have heard of. Some of these drugs one can find in their own medicine cabinet, but never would have thought that someone would use them to get high. Any cold medicine that is labeled as DM kids can use to get high. Many cold medicines, such as Robitussin DM ®, kids use to excess, its often called robo-tripping. Kids will also use other prescription medications such ADD or ADHD medications to get high. Most parents do not realize that many ADD medications are usually stimulants and can effect a person in a way that is similar to speed. Kids these days will sometimes take medications and crush them up into a powder form and snort them up their nose to get a rush. Ritalin was known for a while as “baby cocaine.”
Another line of drugs to look out for is any prescription pain medications. Many pain medications that are prescribed contain opiates. Opiates are pain relievers that are derived from the poppy plant. One of the more well-known opiates is called heroin. Most opiates that are in pain medicine are synthetic based, but just as addictive as morphine or heroin in some cases. They cause feelings of euphoria and well-being in the user and over a period of time become physically addictive. Because of this, parents need to make sure that they always properly dispose of any pain medication that they do not finish. Simply doing this can save their child’s lives.
Other drugs that have gained a lot of popularity these days as well are known as designer drugs. These are drugs that are similar to other drugs that are illegal, but are chemically different so that they are legal. They can often be bought in head shops and even over the internet. Two of the most popular are called Spice and reformulated powders. Spice is a blend of herbs that are sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids and are supposed to affect a person in a way that is similar to that of marijuana. Spice often has very severe side effects and can cause delusions, hallucinations and insanity. Kids think because it is legal it safe, but the fact of the matter is that it is most definitely not.
Reformulated powders, formally sold as bath salts, are a line of drugs that were made to mimic the effects of cocaine and methamphetamine. These drugs are very dangerous, and in some cases have even lead to death. They are also extremely addictive. These can also be bought in head shops or over the internet. These also can cause delusions and hallucinations. There are many other drugs that are popular these and it is recommended that parents look them up on the internet and other information sources and learn about them. Talk with your kids openly and honestly. Narconon also has many resources available to assist parents with this endeavor. Call today. Counselors are standing by twenty-four seven.
