A Dissemination & Train the Leaders Program by Parents, for Parents
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Drugs and Teen Use What Schools Can Do What Parents Can Do What Parent Volunteers Can Do What Parent Leaders Can Do |
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Youth Drug Use
Harms Associated with Problem Use
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Youth Drug Use – Use of Medicines & Other Legal ProductsPrescription and over the counter drugs, gasoline and other inhalants, and other legal substances can be abused to create an altered state of mind. Modern medicines have greatly helped our culture to enjoy a high level of general health. However, medicines have also contributed to a "comfort is only a pill away" kind of thinking that can be dangerous. By developing responsible attitudes towards medicines in children, parents may well foster healthy attitudes towards all drugs amongst our young people. Prescription drugs can be helpful when used appropriately. When not used as intended, or when used by individuals not prescribed the medication, prescription drugs are harmful. The abuse of prescription drugs is an increasing issue for youth. For example, the 1996 Newfoundland and Labrador Student Drug Use Survey (SDUS), administered to students in grades 7, 9, 10, and 12, reports that 5.1% of students have experimented with stimulants physicians did not prescribe for them, over 4% have used non-prescribed tranquillizers, and 2.1% have tried non-prescribed barbiturates. In recent years, addictions counsellors, police, and school personnel, have reported their concern over an increase in youth prescription drug abuse. Many harmful side effects may occur when taking non-prescribed drugs. Regular use may lead to physical and psychological dependence. High doses of barbiturates, for example, can result in death due to respiratory arrest. Mixing prescription drugs with alcohol can be lethal. Prescribed drugs encompass a wide range of categories including Barbiturates (Seconal), Benzodiazepine (Ativan), Stimulants (Ritalin and Amphetamines), and Opiates (Codeine and Morphine). Why Youth Abuse Prescription Drugs◊ Available on the street. There are reports of prescription drugs being sold in school yards and at recreational facilities. ◊ Accessibility ~ Youth are reporting easy access to a variety of prescription drugs.
◊ Peer Pressure ~ The misuse and abuse of non-prescribed prescription drugs is becoming more acceptable within youth circles. ◊ Adult Behavior ~ Youth model the behavior and attitudes they observe. ◊ Family problems ~ Youth often turn to substances to cope with stresses in their family. How many teens are using solvents? Solvents are often the first choice for kids wanting to get high for the first time. That's because solvents, like nail polish remover or glue, are easy to get, cheap and can be easily hidden. If evidence from the United States is any indication of what is happening in Canada, then solvent abuse should be a concern in this country. American authorities say that while the rate of overall drug use, e.g. marijuana, is dropping among teens, the same cannot be said for solvents. A 2004 survey (pg. 3) in the U.S. found that by the time children reach Grade 8, one in five will have used an inhalant. The same survey, however, does note that inhalant use declines in older teens, Grade 10 to 12.
and high school students inhaled solvents at least once in the past year. Most said they only did it to experiment. The peak age of use is between 12 and 15 years and there's no major difference in use between girls and boys. Kids at risk most vulnerableThere is some indication of higher rates of solvent abuse among street youth, inner city youth, and by some First Nations and Inuit youth in rural or remote areas. Heavy use is often in response to poor life conditions. A 2004 study4 of homeless youth in Toronto found that 10 % inhaled solvents at least once a month. A 1993 survey5 of reserves in Canada reported most kids who have tried solvents, did so by the time they were 11 years old. Most (43%) said they did it only once, followed by social users (38%) and chronic users (19%). Start EarlyParents and schools need to start early, with messages about not using pills and medicines to address all of our problems and then ensure that young people are aware that legal substances can be equally harmful when they are not used as intended.
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Teaching Your Child About The Wise Use Of Medicines (Newfoundland Health)
OxyContin (oxycodone hydrochloride) (Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse)
Depressants (RCMP DEAL Program)
Parents Be Aware: Sniffing Kills (Canadian Health Network)
What is 'sniffing'/ inhalant abuse and how does it affect your health? (Canadian Health Network)
(Newfoundland Health)
Rohypnol® (flunitrazepam) Date Rape Drugs (AADAC)
How can I tell if My Kid is Using Cyrstal Meth (BC Government)
OxyContin® (Oxycodone Hydrochloride)
Methamphetamine
(Canadian Paediatric Society)
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