Ten Most Common Places Where Kids Hide Drugs

Each year, more and more children fall into the many traps of drug abuse. Even children as young as ten years old have started experimenting with illegal drugs, most of which they pick up from their peers in school. Some even smoke marijuana at home and keep their stash in places undetected by parents.

Keep your children safe from the dangers of drug abuse by becoming a more vigilant guardian. There are a lot of places where kids can hide drugs to keep from getting caught. The following lists the most popular places where kids and teens hide their drugs from the prying eyes of parents and authorities.

1. Highlighters or pens. Your teen-ager may look like he’s seriously studying since he has his highlighter with him all the time but that innocent-looking writing tool may be where your son keeps his secret marijuana stash or other illegal drugs. Marijuana or hash may be stored in the space between the nib of the highlighter and the edge of its cap.

2. Lip gloss or lipstick. It’s rare that tubes of lip gloss or lipstick containers are checked for drugs, that’s why these are such good hiding places. Ecstasy tablets or even LSD can be concealed safely inside lip gloss or lipstick containers. Small amounts of Cocaine or other illegal drugs can also be hidden inside lip gloss tubes.

3. In cars. Sometimes the best place to hide something is in the most obvious place. There are a lot of places where kids can hide drugs in cars–from under the hood to the area below the dashboard, where they can tape tea bags of marijuana or cocaine.

4. In pens or pen holders. Teenagers who use cocaine need paraphernalia to be able to use this drug. Sometimes, miniscule amounts of this drug are hidden in pens, since pen barrels can be used to snort cocaine. You can also check handy compact mirrors for traces of Cocaine.

5. Underneath toilet tanks. Wrapped in plastic, small amounts of illegal drugs can safely be taped beneath toilet tanks and be safe from detection. Bathrooms with exhaust fans are also the perfect place for kids to smoke marijuana. Some even go as far as lining a toilet paper tube with dryer paper and blow through this to dissipate the smell of marijuana.

6. Candy wrappers. Candy or gum can be removed from their wrappers, replaced with tiny amounts of illegal drugs, and then the ends of the wrappers are glued shut.

7. Belt buckles. A lot of belt buckles are being sold in the Internet or other shops that have secret compartments to hide drugs. Some can even be transformed into a pipe to smoke marijuana with. Ordinary belt buckles, likewise, can hold a small amount of illegal drugs.

8. Behind posters. Posters tacked on walls offer a huge area wherein kids can hide drugs. Drugs that can be stored as flat as possible, such as Marijuana, Cocaine or Heroin can be placed inside a small bag and taped to the wall. Posters are then tacked over them to conceal the illegal drugs.

9. Inside socks. Sock drawers are usually messy, especially in teen-agers’ rooms, and can be a good place to hide drugs. Small packets of illegal drugs can be hidden inside a sock and stashed beneath a couple of socks.

10. In game consoles. Most game consoles have hollow parts in them that can be good hiding places for different illegal drugs.
The worldwide problem of drug abuse is far from being solved and addressed completely. But you can start helping put a stop to this and preventing your kids from wrecking their lives with illegal drugs by knowing where and how they hide these harmful substances.

Teen Depression: Guide for Parents

Help your Family by Learning the Signs, Symptoms and Effects of Teen Depression

Teenage depression isn’t just bad moods and the occasional melancholy—it’s a serious problem that impacts every aspect of a teen’s life. Teen depression can lead to drug and alcohol abuse, self–loathing and self–mutilation, pregnancy, violence, and even suicide. But as a concerned parent, teacher, or friend, there are many ways you can help. Talking about the problem and offering support can go a long way toward getting your teenager back on track.

Understanding teen depression

There are as many misconceptions about teen depression as there are about teenagers in general. Yes, the teen years are tough, but most teens balance the requisite angst with good friendships, success in school or outside activities, and the development of a strong sense of self.

Occasional bad moods or acting out is to be expected, but depression is something different. Depression can destroy the very essence of a teenager’s personality, causing an overwhelming sense of sadness, despair, or anger.

Whether the incidences of teen depression are actually increasing, or we’re just becoming more aware of them, the fact remains that depression strikes teenagers far more often than most people think. And although depression is highly treatable, experts say only one in five depressed teens receive help.
Unlike an adult, who have the ability to seek assistance on his or her own, a teenager usually must rely on parents, teachers, or other caregivers to recognize his or her suffering and get he or she the treatment the teen needs. So if you have an adolescent in your life, it’s important to learn what teen depression looks like and what to do if you spot the warning signs.

Signs and symptoms of teen depression

Teenagers face a host of pressures, from the changes of puberty to questions about who they are and where they fit in. The natural transition from child to adult can also bring parental conflict as teens start to assert their independence. With all this drama, it isn’t always easy to differentiate between depression and normal teenage moodiness. Making things even more complicated, teens with depression do not necessarily appear sad, nor do they always withdraw from others. For some depressed teens, symptoms of irritability, aggression, and rage are more prominent.

Signs and symptoms of depression in teens

Sadness or hopelessness Irritability, anger, or hostility Tearfulness or frequent crying Withdrawal from friends and family Loss of interest in activities Changes in eating and sleeping habits

Restlessness and agitation Feelings of worthlessness and guilt Lack of enthusiasm and motivation Fatigue or lack of energy Difficulty concentrating Thoughts of death or suicide

If you’re unsure if an adolescent in your life is depressed or just “being a teenager,” consider how long the symptoms have been present, how severe they are, and how different the teen is acting from his or her usual self. While some “growing pains” are to be expected as teenagers grapple with the challenges of growing up, dramatic, long-lasting changes in personality, mood, or behavior are red flags of a deeper problem.

The difference between teenage and adult depression

Depression in teens can look very different from depression in adults. The following symptoms of depression are more common in teenagers than in their adult counterparts:

• Irritable or angry mood – As noted above, irritability, rather than sadness, is often the predominant mood in depressed teens. A depressed teenager may be grumpy, hostile, easily frustrated, or prone to angry outbursts.
• Unexplained aches and pains – Depressed teens frequently complain about physical ailments such as headaches or stomachaches. If a thorough physical exam does not reveal a medical cause, these aches and pains may indicate depression.
• Extreme sensitivity to criticism – Depressed teens are plagued by feelings of worthlessness, making them extremely vulnerable to criticism, rejection, and failure. This is a particular problem for “over-achievers.”
• Withdrawing from some, but not all people – While adults tend to isolate themselves when depressed, teenagers usually keep up at least some friendships. However, teens with depression may socialize less than before, pull away from their parents, or start hanging out with a different crowd.

Effects of teen depression

The negative effects of teenage depression go far beyond a melancholy mood. Many rebellious and unhealthy behaviors or attitudes in teenagers are actually indications of depression. The following are some the ways in which teens “act out” or “act in” in an attempt to cope with their emotional pain:

• Problems at school. Depression can cause low energy and concentration difficulties. At school, this may lead to poor attendance, a drop in grades, or frustration with schoolwork in a formerly good student.
• Running away. Many depressed teens run away from home or talk about running away. Such attempts are usually a cry for help.
• Drug and alcohol abuse. Teens may use alcohol or drugs in an attempt to “self-medicate” their depression. Unfortunately, substance abuse only makes things worse.
• Low self-esteem. Depression can trigger and intensify feelings of ugliness, shame, failure, and unworthiness.
• Internet addiction. Teens may go online to escape their problems, but excessive computer use only increases their isolation, making them more depressed.
• Reckless behavior. Depressed teens may engage in dangerous or high-risk behaviors, such as reckless driving, out-of-control drinking, and unsafe sex.
• Violence. Some depressed teens—usually boys who are the victims of bullying—become violent. As in the case of the Columbine and Newtown school massacres, self-hatred and a wish to die can erupt into violence and homicidal rage.

Teen depression is also associated with a number of other mental health problems, including eating disorders and self-injury.

Suicide warning signs in teenagers

Teenagers and Suicide

If you suspect that a teenager you know is suicidal, take immediate action! For 24-hour suicide prevention and support in the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

To find a suicide helpline outside the U.S., visitBefrienders Worldwide.

To learn more about suicide risk factors, warning signs, and what to do in a crisis, read Suicide Prevention.

Seriously depressed teens often think about, speak of, or make "attention-getting" attempts at suicide. But an alarming and increasing number of teenage suicide attempts are successful, so suicidal thoughts or behaviors should always be taken very seriously.

For the overwhelming majority of suicidal teens, depression or another psychological disorder plays a primary role. In depressed teens who also abuse alcohol or drugs, the risk of suicide is even greater. Because of the very real danger of suicide, teenagers who are depressed should be watched closely for any signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Suicide warning signs in depressed teens

• Talking or joking about committing suicide
• Saying things like, “I’d be better off dead,” “I wish I could disappear forever,” or “There’s no way out.”
• Speaking positively about death or romanticizing dying (“If I died, people might love me more”)
• Writing stories and poems about death, dying, or suicide
• Engaging in reckless behavior or having a lot of accidents resulting in injury
• Giving away prized possessions
• Saying goodbye to friends and family as if for the last time
• Seeking out weapons, pills, or other ways to kill themselves

Encouraging a depressed teen to open up

Learn to identify and express your feelings

Watch 3-min. video: Roadblocks to awareness

If you suspect that a teenager in your life is suffering from depression, speak up right away. Even if you’re unsure that depression is the issue, the troublesome behaviors and emotions you’re seeing in your teenager are signs of a problem.

Whether or not that problem turns out to be depression, it still needs to be addressed—the sooner the better. In a loving and non-judgmental way, share your concerns with your teenager. Let him or her know what specific signs of depression you’ve noticed and why they worry you. Then encourage your child to share what he or she is going through.

Your teen may be reluctant to open up; he or she may be ashamed, afraid of being misunderstood. Alternatively, depressed teens may simply have a hard time expressing what they’re feeling.

If your teen claims nothing is wrong but has no explanation for what is causing the depressed behavior, you should trust your instincts. Remember that denial is a strong emotion. Furthermore, teenagers may not believe that what they’re experiencing is the result of depression.

Tips for Talking to a Depressed Teen
Offer support	Let depressed teenagers know that you’re there for them, fully and unconditionally. Hold back from asking a lot of questions (teenagers don’t like to feel patronized or crowded), but make it clear that you’re ready and willing to provide whatever support they need.
Be gentle but persistent	Don’t give up if your adolescent shuts you out at first. Talking about depression can be very tough for teens. Be respectful of your child’s comfort level while still emphasizing your concern and willingness to listen.
Listen without lecturing	Resist any urge to criticize or pass judgment once your teenager begins to talk. The important thing is that your child is communicating. Avoid offering unsolicited advice or ultimatums as well.
Validate feelings	Don’t try to talk your teen out of his or her depression, even if his or her feelings or concerns appear silly or irrational to you. Simply acknowledge the pain and sadness he or she is feeling. If you don’t, he or she will feel like you don't take his or her emotions seriously.

Getting treatment for teen depression

Depression is very damaging when left untreated, so don’t wait and hope that the symptoms will go away. If you see depression’s warning signs, seek professional help.

Make an immediate appointment for your teen to see the family physician for a depression screening. Be prepared to give your doctor specific information about your teen’s depression symptoms, including how long they’ve been present, how much they’re affecting your child’s daily life, and any patterns you’ve noticed. The doctor should also be told about any close relatives who have ever been diagnosed with depression or other mental health disorders. As part of the depression screening, the doctor will give your teenager a complete physical exam and take blood samples to check for medical causes of your child’s symptoms.

Seek out a depression specialist

If there are no health problems that are causing your teenager’s depression, ask your doctor to refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in children and adolescents. Depression in teens can be tricky, particularly when it comes to treatment options such as medication. A mental health professional with advanced training and a strong background treating adolescents is the best bet for your teenager’s best care.

When choosing a specialist, always get your child’s input. Teenagers are dependent on parents for making many of their health decisions, so listen to what they’re telling you. No one therapist is a miracle worker, and no one treatment works for everyone. If your child feels uncomfortable or is just not ’connecting’ with the psychologist or psychiatrist, ask for a referral to another provider that may be better suited to your teenager.

Don’t rely on medication alone

Expect a discussion with the specialist you’ve chosen about treatment possibilities for your son or daughter. There are a number of treatment options for depression in teenagers, including one-on-one talk therapy, group or family therapy, and medication.

Talk therapy is often a good initial treatment for mild to moderate cases of depression. Over the course of therapy, your teen’s depression may resolve. If it doesn’t, medication may be warranted. However, antidepressants should only be used as part of a broader treatment plan.

Supporting a teen through depression treatment

As the depressed teenager in your life goes through treatment, the most important thing you can do is to let him or her know that you’re there to listen and offer support. Now more than ever, your teenager needs to know that he or she is valued, accepted, and cared for.

• Be understanding. Living with a depressed teenager can be difficult and draining. At times, you may experience exhaustion, rejection, despair, aggravation, or any other number of negative emotions. During this trying time, it’s important to remember that your child is not being difficult on purpose. Your teen is suffering, so do your best to be patient and understanding.
• Encourage physical activity. Encourage your teenager to stay active. Exercise can go a long way toward relieving the symptoms of depression, so find ways to incorporate it into your teenager’s day. Something as simple as walking the dog or going on a bike ride can be beneficial.
• Encourage social activity. Isolation only makes depression worse, so encourage your teenager to see friends and praise efforts to socialize. Offer to take your teen out with friends or suggest social activities that might be of interest, such as sports, after-school clubs, or an art class.
• Stay involved in treatment. Make sure your teenager is following all treatment instructions and going to therapy. It’s especially important that your child takes any prescribed medication as instructed. Track changes in your teen’s condition, and call the doctor if depression symptoms seem to be getting worse.
• Learn about depression. Just like you would if your child had a disease you knew very little about, read up on depression so that you can be your own “expert.” The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to help your depressed teen. Encourage your teenager to learn more about depression as well. Reading up on his or her condition can help a depressed teen realize that he or she is not alone, giving your child a better understanding of what he or she is going through.

The road to your depressed teenager’s recovery may be bumpy, so be patient. Rejoice in small victories and prepare for the occasional setback. Most importantly, don’t judge yourself or compare your family to others. As long as you’re doing your best to get your teen the necessary help, you’re doing your job.

Taking care of the whole family when one child is depressed

As a parent dealing with teen depression, you may find yourself focusing all your energy and attention on your depressed child. Meanwhile, you may be neglecting your own needs and the needs of other family members. While helping your depressed child should be a top priority, it’s important to keep your whole family strong and healthy during this difficult time.

• Take care of yourself– In order to help a depressed teen, you need to stay healthy and positive yourself, so don’t ignore your own needs. The stress of the situation can affect your own moods and emotions, so cultivate your well–being by eating right, getting enough sleep, and making time for things you enjoy.
• Reach out for support – Get the emotional support you need. Reach out to friends, join a support group, or see a therapist of your own. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, helpless, or angry. The important thing is to talk about how your teen’s depression is affecting you, rather than bottling up your emotions.
• Be open with the family – Don’t tiptoe around the issue of teen depression in an attempt to “protect” the other children. Kids know when something is wrong. When left in the dark, their imaginations will often jump to far worse conclusions. Be open about what is going on and invite your children to ask questions and share their feelings.
• Remember the siblings – Depression in one child can cause stress or anxiety in other family members, so make sure “healthy” children are not ignored. Siblings may need special individual attention or professional help of their own to handle their feelings about the situation.
• Avoid the blame game – It can be easy to blame yourself or another family member for your teen’s depression, but it only adds to an already stressful situation. Furthermore, depression is normally caused by a number of factors, so it’s unlikely—except in the case of abuse or neglect—that any loved one is “responsible.”

Teen driver was high when he hit jogger, cops say

BY JAD SLEIMAN

A POTTSTOWN high-school student allegedly had smoked pot and was texting when he veered across two lanes and fatally struck a jogger earlier this month, police say, and prosecutors hope to use his high to get a lengthier sentence.

The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office on Thursday announced charges of DUI and vehicular homicide against Justin Jackson, 18. A news release notes that investigators found traces of marijuana in the Pottstown teen's blood shortly after the crash. If both charges lead to convictions, Jackson could face a minimum three-year prison sentence under state law.

"There's no legal amount that you can have in your system," said Montgomery County First Assistant District Attorney Kevin Steele. "He is potentially trading a high-school environment for a state prison."

Shortly after 2 p.m. on March 4, Merlinda Thomas, 40, of Royersford, was jogging on the shoulder of North Lewis Road in Limerick in the direction of traffic when Jackson's Ford Focus hit her from behind and jettisoned her onto a nearby parking lot, investigators said. The car came to a stop only after hitting a utility pole.

The mother of two was pronounced dead at the scene. Jackson was admitted to Phoenixville Hospital with minor injuries.

"Her two young children are not going to have a mother to raise them and a husband is no longer going to have a wife and parents are not going to have a daughter," Steele said. "This all because he wanted to smoke dope and text while driving a car, which he turned into a lethal weapon."

Hope for Teens with Bipolar Disorder

If you met Jordan (not his real name), you might be surprised to learn that the teen has bipolar disorder. President of his senior class and lead actor in the school play, Jordan is outgoing, popular, and a high achiever. But that wasn't always the case.

When Jordan turned 16, his mood suddenly changed. He felt irritable, angry, and extremely fatigued. When he wasn't at school, he locked himself in his bedroom, sleeping all afternoon or playing "dark" video games. His parents noticed the dramatic change and realized that it was more than an adolescent mood swing. Jordan needed medical intervention.

He and his parents talked to a psychiatrist, a doctor who specializes in treating bipolar and other mood disorders. They discussed Jordan's recent mood swings, along with his increased need for sleep, his temper fits, and his desire to be alone all the time. Jordan talked openly about his feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and worthlessness. His mother also mentioned a time a few months before, when Jordan was unusually energetic, talkative, and excitable -- the opposite of the sadness he now felt.

The psychiatrist diagnosed Jordan with bipolar disorder and prescribed a medication to regulate the extreme highs and lows of the illness. She also started Jordan in regular cognitive psychotherapy sessions to help educate him and his parents about the mood disorder and its treatment.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is characterized by dramatic or unusual mood swings betweenmajor depression and extreme elation, or mania. The mood swings can be mild or extreme. They can come on slowly or quickly, within hours to days. Bipolar disorder usually starts between 15 and 30 years of age. It's more prevalent in those teens who have a family history of the mood disorder.

There are two subtypes of bipolar disorder: bipolar I and bipolar II.

• With bipolar I, the teenager alternates between extreme states of depression and intense mania. With the mania, the teen might be abnormally happy, energetic, and very talkative, with no need for sleep for days. He or she might also have hallucinations, psychosis, grandiose delusions, and/or paranoid rage, all of which might require hospitalization and medications. Once bipolar I begins, it typically persists throughout the person's life.
• With bipolar II, the teen has depression but a lesser form of elation called "hypomania." While someone with either mania or hypomania may have grandiose mood and reduced need for sleep, hypomania is a period of incredible energy, charm, and productivity. It's often associated with high achievers.

While many teens can be irritable with or without bipolar disorder, the irritability that comes with mania or hypomania may be more hostile. Some believe there is a link between ADHD and bipolar disorder. Some 57% of teens who have adolescent-onset bipolar disorder also have ADHD.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

Scientists don't know the exact cause of bipolar disorder. Still, many experts believe that of all psychiatric disorders, bipolar is the most closely linked to genetics. For example, if your parent has bipolar disorder, you are about nine times more likely to get the condition than other teens.

Biochemical and environmental factors play a role in bipolar disorder, too. In fact, researchers think that imbalances in neurotransmitters (brain chemicals that regulate moods) increase the chance of bipolar disorder.

What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

Symptoms of bipolar disorder include mania (highs), hypomania (mild highs), and depression (lows). Feeling manic or hypomanic is not the same as having super-energy and being very outgoing or highly productive one weekend. Likewise, depression is not a temporary bad mood that happens when you don't have a date for the school dance.

The mood episodes with bipolar disorder are intense, and noticeable by friends and family. A teen with mania might be hyper-excited, silly, and have laughing fits in class that are inappropriate. In some teens, mania's grandiosity may cause problems with defiance, as the teen refuses to comply with any authority at home or at school.

Symptoms of mania include:

• Racing speech and thoughts.
• Increased energy.
• Decreased need for sleep.
• Elevated mood and exaggerated optimism.
• Increased physical and mental activity.
• Excessive irritability, aggressive behavior, and impatience.
• Hypersexuality, increased sexual thoughts, feeling or behaviors; use of sexual language.
• Reckless behavior, like excessive spending, making rash decisions, and erratic driving.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Inflated sense of self-importance.

Symptoms of hypomania include:

• Exuberant and elated mood.
• Increased confidence.
• Extremely focused on projects at work or at home.
• Increased creativity and productivity.
• Decreased need for sleep.
• Increased energy and libido.
• Risk-taking behaviors.
• Reckless behaviors.

Symptoms of depression include:

• Loss of interest in usual activities.
• Prolonged sad or irritable mood.
• Loss of energy or fatigue.
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
• Sleeping too much, inability to sleep, or difficulty falling asleep.
• Drop in grades and inability to concentrate.
• Inability to experience pleasure.
• Loss of appetite or overeating.
• Anger, worry, and anxiety.
• Thoughts of death or suicide.

In adults, bipolar mood swings can last for weeks to months. Teens may experience much shorter mood swings, going from mania or hypomania to depression in a few short hours or days.

Between episodes, a person with bipolar disorder usually returns to normal (or near-normal) functioning. For some people, though, there is little or no "break period" between their cycles.

Some people with bipolar disorder turn to alcohol and drugs because they feel temporarily better when they're high. But substance abuse can make the symptoms of bipolar disorder worse. It also makes the condition harder for doctors to diagnose and treat.

How Is Bipolar Disorder Treated?

If your doctor determines you have bipolar disorder, he or she may prescribe one or more medications, depending on the type and severity of the symptoms.

Some drugs often used to stabilize mania or hypomania include lithium carbonate, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines. Lithium and lamotrigine (Lamictal) are standard treatments for the depressed phase of bipolar disorder. Doctors are cautious in using antidepressants alone, as they might trigger a manic mood swing.

Psychotherapy can help the patient and family learn more about the illness and how to cope with the mood changes. Because of the relapses and remissions of bipolar disorder, the illness has a high rate of recurrence if untreated.

When Should I Call the Doctor About Bipolar Disorder?

If you have symptoms of bipolar disorder, talk to your doctor. It may be nothing at all. Or, your doctor might refer you to a bipolar specialist, a psychiatrist, or psychopharmacologist, for a second opinion and accurate diagnosis. (A psychopharmacologist is a psychiatrist who is an expert in using medications to treat psychiatric chemical imbalances.)

The specialist will talk to you about your symptoms. After a physical exam and patient history, the specialist will rule out other possible causes of depression and mania, such as medications, alcohol, illicit drug use, illnesses such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, or injuries to the central nervous system.

Reviewed by Roy Benaroch, MD

Parents of Teens’ Friends Can Influence Substance Use

The parents of teenagers’ friends can have as much effect on teens’ decisions about substance use as their own parents, a new study suggests.

If the parents of a teenager’s friends are not aware of their own child’s alcohol or drug use, or condone it, then it is more likely the teen will drink or smoke, the study found.

“Among friendship groups with ‘good parents’ there’s a synergistic effect — if your parents are consistent and aware of your whereabouts, and your friends’ parents are also consistent and aware of their (children’s) whereabouts, then you are less likely to use substances,” study author Michael Cleveland at Penn State University, said in a news release. “But if you belong to a friendship group whose parents are inconsistent, and your parents are consistent, you’re still more likely to use alcohol.”

The study included 9,000 ninth graders, who were asked about their closest friends, their parents’ discipline, and whether their parents knew who their friends were, HealthDay reports. The researchers broke the teens down into about 900 groups of friends. A year later, the teens were surveyed about their substance use.

The researchers found substance use in tenth grade was significantly related to parenting behavior of friends’ parents. This was true even after taking into account the effects of the teenagers’ own parents’ behaviors, and their friends’ substance use.

“I think that it empowers parents to know that not only can they have an influence on their own children, but they can also have a positive influence on their children’s friends as well,” said Cleveland. “And that by acting together — the notion of ‘it takes a village’ — can actually result in better outcomes for adolescents.”

The study appears in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.

Heroin Use On The Rise Among New Mexico Teens

By Carolyn Gregoire

A drug once associated primarily with crime, poverty, and homeless now has a surprising new set of victims -- suburban teenagers. More and more instances of heroin use among U.S. high school students are being reported.

New Mexico has been particularly hard-hit.According to local news station KRQE, heroin has overtaken other hard drugs like cocaine and crystal meth as the fastest-growing teen drug trend, and an estimated $300,000 worth of heroin is sold in Albuquerque every day.

Concerned parents and teens whose lives have been affected by the drug are now speaking out. After Steve Paternoster's daughter Haley died of a heroin overdose in 2010, he became an advocate for heroin use prevention.

"It affects us all," Paternoster told KRQE. "There is a kid dying every day here in Albuquerque. There's 300 new addicts every month here in Albuquerque."

To honor Haley's memory and support heroin use prevention efforts, a group of students have created a music video titled "Haley We Miss You." The students are planning to create an entire album of songs in support of drug abuse education.

Other communities across America are also being affected by teenage heroin use. This week, two teens and a 22-year-old were arrested at a mall in Cambridge, Massachusetts for heroin possession. And recently in Naperville, Illinois, Paul Miller found his 18-year-old daughter in her room after she had overdosed on heroin and ecstasy. The year before her overdose, six deaths attributed to heroin use had occurred in Naperville, according to the Chicago Tribune. Now, Paul and his wife Amy are speaking about about the dangers of heroin addiction in the hopes of preventing other tragic incidences from occurring.

Teen narrowly escapes death after smoking synthetic marijuana

By Christina Zdanowicz

Hospital staff removed Emily Bauer's breathing tube and stopped all medication and nourishment at 1:15 p.m. December 16. Only morphine flowed into her body, as the family waited by her side in her final moments.

But the next morning, she was still alive.

"Good morning, I love you," her mother told Emily as she approached the bed.

A hoarse voice whispered back, "I love you too."

Emily was back.

Her family said the drug that landed the Cypress, Texas, teenager, then 16, in the ICU two weeks earlier wasn't bought from a dealer or offered to her at a party. It was a form of synthetic weedpackaged as "potpourri" that she and friends bought at a gas station.

At first, her stepfather, Tommy Bryant, said he was "fixing to whip somebody's ass," as he thought someone older than 18 bought it for her.

Bryant already knew she used real marijuana occasionally. "It's not that I condoned it," he said, adding that he couldn't follow her around all day. Bryant enforces a strict no-smoking rule in the house, and said that if he ever caught Emily smoking, she'd be grounded.

"Had I thought that there was any chance that she could have been hurt by this stuff, I would have been a lot more vigilant. I had no idea it was so bad," Bryant said.

"I'd never have thought we'd be in this situation. If she had bought it off the street or from a corner, that's one thing, but she bought it from convenience store."

Best known by the street names "Spice" or "K2," fake weed is an herbal mixture sprayed with chemicals that's meant to create a high similar to smoking marijuana, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Advertised as a "legal" alternative to weed, it's often sold as incense or potpourri and in most states, it's anything but legal.

Synthetic marijuana was linked to 11,406 drug-related emergency department visits in 2010, according to a first-of-its-kind report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This is when it first started showing up on health providers' radar, as the Drug Abuse Warning Nework detected a measurable number of emergency visits.

Who wound up in the emergency room the most? Children ages 12 to 17.

The first state laws banning synthetic drugs popped up in 2010. Now at least 41 states -- including Texas, where Emily lives -- and Puerto Rico have banned them, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Older legislation targeted specific versions of the drug, but the makers of Spice were a step ahead.

"These drug manufacturers slightly change the chemical compound, and it becomes a different substance that's not covered by the law," said NCSL policy specialist Alison Lawrence. "That's why in 2011 and 2012, we saw the states enacting these broader language bans."

Synthetic marijuana just as dangerous

Migraines came first

CNN first learned about Emily's story when her sister, Blake Harrison, wrote an impassioned narrative to CNN iReport. The story was viewed more than 130,000 times, shared more than 25,000 times on Facebook, and dozens of people shared comments, some supportive and others critical.

Harrison said she was surprised by how many people cared, especially on Facebook.

"You think a lot of people are going to say, 'Oh, it's just another person hurt by drugs.' But so many people were sharing it. It was a common ground for people against this stuff because it's a terrible substance."

Emily, a straight-A and B sophomore, developed persistent migraines about two weeks before she wound up in the ICU early on December 8, said Bryant. One bad migraine even sent her to the ER, and doctors scheduled an MRI.

But anxiety and claustrophobia prevented Emily from getting the test.

Bryant said doctors at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center said the migraines were possibly related to using the drug.

"We correlated the time she got migraines with the time she started smoking this stuff," he said. "In their professional opinion, they think it's related. But medically speaking, they don't have a picture of her brain from before and after, so they can't say."

While her family doesn't know how long she'd been using the drug, her stepfather suspected she started around two weeks before the night that sent her to the hospital.

Common side effects to smoking synthetic marijuana include bloodshot eyes, disturbed perceptions and a change in mood, said Dr. Melinda Campopiano, a medical officer with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

"People can become very agitated or can be come unresponsive -- conscious but not reacting normal to situations," she said. They may also appear paranoid or describe hallucinations. Some of the more potentially serious effects include an elevated heart rate and elevated blood pressure.

Campopiano said she had never heard of a patient having a stroke in these circumstances, but she described how high blood pressure could lead to one.

"Generally, strokes are caused by restricted circulation, or a blood clot that blocks circulation. What we would be looking at with Spice, or K2, is the restrictive circulation model," she said.

Bryant told CNN that doctors diagnosed his daughter with vasculitis, which is an inflammation of the blood vessels. The vessels going into Emily's brain were constricting, limiting blood and oxygen flow. Campopiano confirmed that vasculitis is one of the causes of strokes of this type.

"One of the difficulties is that there's no existing toxicology screen that can reliably detect these substances," said the physician. "There could very well be harms out there that we don't know about yet."

Online tools aimed at educating parents about synthetic drugs

'She was literally just a shell'

Emily complained of a migraine and took a nap at her house after allegedly smoking Spice with friends on December 7, said Bryant. She woke up a different person.

Stumbling and slurring her words, she morphed into a psychotic state of hallucinations and violent outbursts, her family said.

They called 911 after they realized she had "done something," some drug, said her stepfather. The Harris County Sheriff's Office confirmed they visited the house but declined to provide details.

When paramedics arrived, they restrained her and rushed her to a Houston-area hospital, where she was admitted to the ICU.

She bit guardrails and attempted to bite those trying to help her. Hospital staff strapped Emily down in the bed, said her sister.

"We thought once she comes down off the drug, we'd take her home and show her the dangers of this drug," said the 22-year-old. "We didn't think it was as big of a deal until 24 hours later she was still violent and hurting herself. We realized you're not supposed to stay high this long."

To keep Emily safe, doctors put her in an induced coma.

After days in the sedated state, an MRI revealed she had suffered several severe strokes, said Bryant.

"In four days' time, we went from thinking everything is going to be OK and we'll put her in drug rehabilitation to now you don't know if she's going to make it," he said.

The doctors at North Cypress Medical Center told the family there was nothing more they could do. She was sent to Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital. Citing patient privacy, doctors at Children's Memorial declined to be interviewed.

No consistency, no way of knowing

Knowing how different people will react to fake weed is impossible. There are a few reasons that explain why.

"You're hearing some pretty bad things with the synthetic cannabinoids -- part of that has to do with the potency. It can be 100 times more potent than marijuana," said U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration spokeswoman Barbara Carreno.

"Anything that was truly a fake pot wouldn't be making your heart race. I've heard of palpitations with marijuana, but not tachycardia."

In four days' time, we went from thinking everything is going to be OK ... to now you don't know if she's going to make it.Tommy Bryant, Emily's stepdad

Carreno explained there's no consistency or quality control from one time to the next. The people making these products can be anyone from a college kid wanting to make extra cash to an operation blending large quantities in a cement mixer, she said. Two batches made by the same person could have different doses.

CNN showed Carreno a picture of the packets of potpourri Emily reportedly used -- the teen's friends gave her family the pouches after the incident. One black wrapper adorned with marijuana leaves reads "KLIMAX potpourri" and both labels read "KUSH TM."

"It's definitely a synthetic cannabinoid," Carreno said after seeing the photo.

The potpourri displays at stores also include a label that reads "not for human consumption."

Carreno called these labels a "cynical attempt" for the distributor to dodge the Controlled Substances Analogue Act, which covers any chemical similar to controlled substances such as cocaine or marijuana. It states that substances mimicking an existing illegal substance, such as marijuana, are also illegal.

"Everything about this is a lie," she said. "They're not potpourri. They're called that as a smoke screen for people naive to drugs and not to admit that it's drugs. But you can see it that they are."

Opinion: Regulate fake pot, it's not going away

From joy to nightmare

Up until December 13, Emily had been in an induced coma the whole time, said her stepdad. Her only movements were involuntary reflexes.

"Seeing her in the hospital, she was literally just a shell. There was nothing in her eyes. She was just lying there alive minimally," said Harrison.

ICU doctors said some of Emily's blood vessels were starting to open up. Harrison said it was a glimmer of good news that was quickly snatched away: "We all grew overjoyed, little did we know this would become our next nightmare," she wrote on CNN iReport.

The pressure on Emily's brain skyrocketed, she said. Doctors asked to drill a hole in Emily's skull and insert a tube to relieve pressure and drain excess fluid. The family signed off on an emergency surgery.

"The family waited and cried, we had no idea if we would ever see Emily again, but we knew that even if we did, we will never have our old Emily back," Harrison wrote on December 14.

It was a tense hour, but Emily pulled through.

What would Emily want?

A day after the emergency surgery, the Bauer family saw the extent of the damage to Emily's brain.

"We met with Neurology team who showed us Emily's brain images," wrote her mother, Tonya Bauer, in a daily journal on Facebook. "They told us that all white areas on images were dead. It looked to us at least 70% of the images were white."

Without the breathing tube, Emily's throat would not be able to stay open, as that part of the brain was dead, her family said.

Doctors painted a bleak picture of Emily's future. She would likely not recognize her family. She would be completely unaware of her surroundings. She would never be able to eat on her own and never regain function of her arms and legs, her family said.

"We were asked to think of what Emily would want. What quality of life would Emily want?" Tonya wrote.

The family decided they would take Emily off life support, just four days before her 17th birthday.

Hurdles to enforcement

One in every nine high school seniors admits to having used fake weed in 2011, according to a national survey by the University of Michigan. Synthetic marijuana is the second-most popular illicit drug they use, behind marijuana.

In July 2012, President Barack Obama signed legislation banning five common chemicals used to make synthetic marijuana and bath salts. And that same month, the DEA seized almost 5 million packets of fake weed in its first national sweep of the drug.

States handle the penalties for drug offenses in lots of different ways and possession has varying definitions, according to NCSL's Lawrence.

Some states, such as Texas, classify synthetic marijuana asSchedule I drugs, which are unsafe, have no medical use and a high potential for abuse.

"They're in line with other states. It's hard to say if there's a middle, but they're similar to other states," Lawrence said.

Each day is a fight

Three days after pulling life support, the Bauer family marked a day they didn't think they would: Emily's 17th birthday.

"Even though she couldn't move, is blind, and could hardly be aware of what was going on around her, she laughed with us as we made jokes and listened to her soft whisper replies," wrote Harrison.

"It is my little sister shining through, in every way she can manage, with every ounce of strength."

Each day since has been a fight -- a fight to move a finger, a fight to whisper something to her family, a fight for life, according to her big sister.

"She is in so much pain and confusion, but the family is thankful every single day to still have her alive," she said.

Her stepfather, who has been in Emily's life since he saw her in the delivery room, hopes he can spare other people his family's pain.

"I don't wish this upon anybody at all. When she cries for help and not being able to help her, to have her just lay there. ... She gets depressed because she can't move," he said.

"She wants daddy to fix it. It's very hard for me. If we could save one more parent this emotional roller coaster, then what we do and what we sacrifice will all be worth it."

Emily knows she's in the hospital and recognizes her family's voices, but Bryant says she's often confused. They're taking things slow, trying to get an idea of her capabilities. It's too early to tell the effects of the brain damage, but she's moving her arms and legs a little bit these days.

More than one month after the life-changing night, Emily was transferred to TIRR Memorial Hermann rehab hospital on January 14. The family says they haven't heard Emily's prognosis yet, but they remain hopeful as the teenager tackles physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as living a new life.

Two weeks ago, Emily started eating solid food again. She even asked her sister for Ramen Noodles as they talked on the phone. "Even though they're such small steps for her, they're such giant steps of positivity," Harrison said.

Saving other kids from this

Bryant and his family are starting a nonprofit organization calledSynthetic Awareness For Emily. Their goal with SAFE is to educate families, as well as teachers and doctors, about the dangers and warning signs of synthetic marijuana use. Bryant said he has filed the paper work and is waiting to hear from the federal government on reviewing their nonprofit application.

"That's why we want to let kids and parents know about the warnings signs: migraines and withdrawal," he said. "We all know the warning signs of alcohol and cocaine, but with this synthetic weed stuff, it's so new that nobody knows about this stuff. We want to let other parents know about this so they don't have to go what we've been going through."