Teen Suicide Attempts

Teen Suicide~Attempted suicide by troubled teenagers is something that happens every year. In fact, for every completed suicide, estimates assert that there are right around 25 suicide attempts. Keep reading to learn the risk factors for suicide attempts and what to do about suicide attempts.

This means that even though most suicides are not completed, that attempts are made. Nearly every troubled teenager has suicidal thoughts at some point. And teens who take that farther, in an attempt to actually kill themselves, are also crying out for help. Even though they might feel like they want to die, at the same time many of them are happy when they discover that there are people who want to help them overcome their issues.

Risk factors for attempted suicide

There are some risk factors that go along with attempting suicide. And, while suicide is not confined to any age, gender, social or economic group, it is important to note that there are some factors that can make suicide seem a more desirable option for some teens. Here are some of the risk factors for attempted teen suicide:

• Family history. This can include a family history of suicide, mental disorders, and/or substance (drug or alcohol) abuse.
• Substance abuse - drug abuse - alcohol abuse. The use of legal or illegal drugs, alcohol and other substances can create feelings of dependency, illness and depression. Feeling out of control and powerless due to drug or alcohol addiction orders can be a major risk factor in attempted teen suicide.
• Abuse and violence. Abuse- mental, emotional, physical or sexual- can increase the likelihood of attempted suicide.
• Mental, emotional or physical disorders. There are some disorders that teenagers find difficult to deal with. In these cases, it is important to realize that the stress caused by these disorders can actually trigger suicidal thoughts.

What to do when a teenager attempts suicide

First of all, it is important to realize that an attempted suicide is a cry for help. Troubled teenagers who make suicide attempts are signaling that they feel overwhelmed with life and the stresses that come with it. An attempted suicide is usually also an indication of depression. This can mean that a teenager has feelings, thoughts and stressors that he or she cannot handle any more. They try to solve the problem by killing themselves. You can help a troubled teenager by showing support and helping him or her get the help needed to learn to deal with issues.

A physical and mental evaluation is needed after a teenage suicide attempt. Taking the struggling teen to see a physician is the first step; the doctor can then recommend other steps to take, and make recommendations as to who the teen can see to help with the problems that triggered the suicide attempt. Entering therapy can be a good idea for many teenagers. In some cases, family therapy might be a good idea. This can help the family members of the suicidal teen receive the support they need, and it can show the teenager that the family cares about him or her and is willing to receive counseling as well. Showing support and unconditional love is a necessary part of helping a suicidal teen.

Attempted Suicides Main Source Material: “Teen Suicide.” Ohio State University Medical Center. Ohio State University. [Online.]

For more information please visit: http://www.teensuicide.us/articles11.html

Teen Suicide Prevention

Teen Suicide~Suicidal behavior in teens can lead to tragic consequences. And, with teen suicide as the third leading cause of adolescent death, it is important to realize the stakes in preventing teen suicide. Keep reading for more information on teenage suicide prevention.

Part of preventing teen suicide also includes recognizing the issues that can trigger feelings of teen depression leading to suicidal thoughts and feelings. Teen suicide prevention requires diligence on the part of guardians, as well as a willingness to seek professional help when it is needed.

Recognizing teen suicidal behavior

One of the first steps to teen suicide prevention is to recognize suicidal behaviors in teenagers. It is important to be involved in a teenager’s life, so that you can recognize when behavior seems a little abnormal and prone to teen depression and/or teen suicide. Realizing that teenagers have a lot of stress on them today can help you understand that it may seem difficult for teens to cope with all of the life and hormonal changes they are going to. Be on the lookout for behavior that indicates a pattern of suicidal thoughts and feelings, including the following:

• Expresses thoughts of death, dying and a desire to leave this life
• Changes in normal habits, such as eating and sleeping, and spending time with friends and family
• Dramatic weight fluctuations, in any direction
• Evidence of substance abuse (alcohol and drugs, both legal and illegal)
• Dramatic mood swings (becomes very happy after feeling very depressed)
• Lost interest in schoolwork and extracurricular activities (including declining grades)

While all of these things are not necessarily indications of suicidal thoughts and feelings when taken separately, or happening rarely, a pattern can exhibit a serious problem, as can a combination of factors. Make sure that you take note of how often the above symptoms appear.

Teen suicide prevention

One of the most important aspects of teen suicide prevention is support. The teenager needs to know that you support and love him or her, and that you are willing to help him or her find hope in life again. One of the most effective ways to prevent teen suicide is to recognize the signs of suicidal thoughts and feelings, and seek professional help. Some of the most effective teen suicide prevention programs consist of identifying and treating the following problems:

• Mental and learning disorders
• Substance abuse problems
• Problems dealing with stress
• Behavior problems (such as controlling aggressive and impulsive behavior)

All of the above issues can be difficult for a teenager to cope with, leading to helplessness and discouragement, which in turn can turn to self-destructive thoughts in order to make an escape from the seemingly insurmountable pressures of life. Getting help for underlying problems, which almost always include teen depression can lead to more effective teen suicide prevention. Your support as a teenager you know enters therapy can help him or her more effectively recover and know that there are people who want to help him or her deal with the issues of life.

Teenage Suicide Prevention Main Source Material: “Teen Suicide.” Ohio State University Medical Center. Ohio State University. [Online.]

For more information visit: http://www.teensuicide.us/articles3.html

Teen Suicide Warning Signs

Teen Suicide~Studies show that 4 out of 5 teen suicide attempts have been preceded by clear warning signs, make sure you know them. Keep reading to learn what teen suicide warning signs to look for, including warning signs or indications of a suicide plan.

Teen suicide is a very real problem in the United States. With many pressures and a variety emotional, social and family issues to confront, many teenagers find themselves having suicidal thoughts. Part of averting a teen suicide is being involved in your teen’s life and watching for teen suicide warning signs. It is also important to note that many of the teen suicide warning signs are also indications of depression.

Teen suicide warning signs

It is important to take the warning signs of teen suicide seriously and to seek help if you thing that you know a teenager who might be suicidal. Here are some of the things to look for:

• Disinterest in favorite extracurricular activities
• Problems at work and losing interest in a job
• Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug (illegal and legal drugs) use
• Behavioral problems
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Sleep changes
• Changes in eating habits
• Begins to neglect hygiene and other matters of personal appearance
• Emotional distress brings on physical complaints (aches, fatigues, migraines)
• Hard time concentrating and paying attention
• Declining grades in school
• Loss of interest in schoolwork
• Risk taking behaviors
• Complains more frequently of boredom
• Does not respond as before to praise

Not all of these teen suicide warning signs will be present in cases of possible teen suicide. There are many cases in which a good student commits suicide. It is important to watch for two or three signs as indications of depression, or even teen suicidal thoughts.

Teen suicide warning signs: indications of a suicide plan

There are some things that teens might do that could indicate that they are contemplating, or even planning, suicide. It is important that you make yourself aware of these actions, and use them as starting points to draw your teenager out and perhaps express what is bothering him or her. Here are some of the indications of a suicide plan:

• Actually says, “I’m thinking of committing suicide” or “I want to kill myself” or “I wish I could die.”
• There are also verbal hints that could indicate suicidal thoughts or plans. These include such phrases as: “I want you to know something, in case something happens to me” or “I won’t trouble you anymore.”
• Teenager begins giving away favorite belongings, or promising them to friends and family members.
• Throws away important possessions.
• Shows signs of extreme cheerfulness following periods of depression.
• Creates suicide notes.
• Expresses bizarre or unsettling thoughts on occasion.

Understanding that teen suicide warning signs are serious calls for help is important. Many teenagers share their thoughts and feelings in a desperate attempt to be acknowledged. In many cases, they don’t know how to deal with their feelings and problems and are looking for someone to help them find assistance. Acknowledging these warning signs and seeking help for the problem, and offering support to a teenager who is working through his or her issues is very important, and can help prevent suicide. Teen suicide is a very real danger, and heeding the warning signs can truly save a life.

For more information visit: http://www.teensuicide.us

Teen Alcohol Abuse

Teen Suicide~Alcohol is the drug most commonly used among teens. While most teens say they disapprove of heavy drinking, teen alcohol abuse still occurs. And alcohol is one of the risk factors associated with teen suicide. Keep reading for more on teen alcohol use, abuse, and dependency.

And, despite assertions by teens to the contrary, 80 percent of high school seniors have used alcohol at some point. However, most teens underestimate the problems that drinking alcohol can pose, and many of them do not even realize that it can contribute to depressive symptoms that can eventually result in teen suicide.

Risk factors involved in teen alcohol abuse

While teen alcohol abuse is not terribly rampant, it can contribute to teen depression and suicide. Here are some of the risk factors that can trigger alcohol abuse:

• Mental and emotional problems. Because emotional and mental disorders can be so stressful, many teenagers seek alcohol as a means of self-medication. When they drink alcohol, their problems seem to shrink. The initial euphoria that comes with the first stages of intoxication can be a welcome release from mental and emotional problems.
• Family history. Teenagers who have a family history of alcohol abuse are at risk of teen alcohol abuse. This is because addictions are partially genetic, and also because a teenager living in a home where alcohol is abused is exposed to alcohol on a regular basis, and often has the means to easily obtain it.
• Family situation. A stressful situation at home can lead to escapism through alcohol and, as a result, a developed dependency upon it.
• Violence. Teenagers who experience sexual, physical, mental or emotional violence, or who witness it regularly, can be more prone to teen alcohol abuse. Alcohol becomes a way to deal with the problems and to forget reality for a time.

Teen alcohol abuse and teen suicide

Many teenagers, especially those who are subject to teen depression, feel as though they only feel “normal” when taking alcohol. Additionally, the changes that the body experiences while on alcohol are of a limited duration. When the “buzz” wears off, teenagers might feel even more depressed than they did before. These feelings can lead to suicidal thoughts, and even teen suicide attempts. Teens who recognize they have a dependency can begin to feel helpless, as though they will never escape their alcohol abuse. These feelings of hopelessness and increased depression can also lead to teen suicide. Teen alcohol abuse is one of the risk factors of teen suicide, and it is important to recognize the problems that an alcohol addiction can cause.

Getting help for teen alcohol abuse

It is important to get help for teen alcohol abuse before it develops into a problem that can lead to destructive behaviors, including problems with holding a job, schoolwork, drug addiction, prolonged depression, and even teen suicide. There are many alcohol treatment problems geared toward helping teens overcome the addiction. Therapy is often a good idea in order to help teens work through depression and suicidal thoughts and feelings. This is especially important as withdrawal symptoms associated with teen alcohol abuse can be quite severe and discouraging. Support and care by family and friends is essential to the treatment process.

Teen Alcohol Use Main Source Material: “Teens and Alcohol,” Resource Center. National Youth Violence Prevention. 

For more information visit: http://www.teensuicide.us/articles8.html

Online Dating for Teens? Why Parents Need to Talk About Online Relationships

Huffington Post~Claire McCarthy, M.D.

Online dating is a bad idea for teens -- especially young teens.

That's why it wasn't particularly responsible of Seventeen magazine to publish a blog in which "dating blogger" Isabelle Furth floated the idea of using sites like Match.com to find dates. To be fair, she had concerns about the idea, and she's in college, so theoretically old enough to make these decisions. But college kids don't read Seventeen. Middle school students do. And middle school students are remarkably impressionable.

However, if our only response to this blog is outrage (like the comment that Seventeen gave cyber-stalkers a gift-wrapped present), we miss the point -- and some important opportunities.

The reality of the world our children are growing up in is that they are going to meet people online. Don't get me wrong; teens don't belong on online dating sites. As they enter the world of dating, it should be with people they know in a real world context, not a cyber-world context. They -- and their parents -- should know more about their dates than what you can find out from the Internet.

But online dating sites aren't the only place that that people -- and youth -- meet online. They meet on all sorts of social media sites and platforms. As all of us, our children included, start communicating more and more on social media, we run into strangers. Most of those strangers aren't dangerous. Some of those strangers become friends.

I've met some wonderful people on social media, people who have taught me and supported me and made me laugh, people who have helped me be a better doctor, parent and person. Granted, I'm a grownup and have a bit more judgment than a teen when it comes to trusting people online. But our children will be grownups one day, and if they don't have the skills they need to navigate the world of online relationships, they will run into trouble. Manti Te'o's 2-year love affair with a nonexistent person is a great example.

But even before they are grownups, social media offers youth the opportunity to connect with, and learn from, people all over the world. These connections can make the world smaller, help to build bridges and tolerance and prepare our youth for the connected life of the future. Also, for youth who suffer from chronic disease, disabilities or who feel marginalized for other reasons, the Internet offers so many opportunities to learn and find support from people facing the same challenges. For so many people, youth included, the Internet can be a real lifeline.

So... rather than just saying, "Don't do that!" I think parents need to do some real talking -- and teaching.

Safety has to be first and foremost. Youth are naturally trusting, especially when someone is nice to them -- and we all know how nice predators can act online. Parents need to help their teens understand that all is not necessarily as it seems; they need to be extremely careful with what they share online. They shouldn't tell strangers where they live or go to school, for example. Telling secrets or saying bad things about people can work out badly too, if it turns out the new online friend can't be trusted. And they must never, ever go to an in-person meeting with someone they met online unless an adult is present.

But really, very little about navigating online relationships is black and white. Each person and circumstance is a bit different. There are ways to gather data about strangers that can help you figure out if they can be trusted -- but none of those ways are fool-proof. There are also ways to have relationships online without putting yourself at risk -- but those ways will vary depending on the situation. That's why parents need to have ongoing conversations with their teens about what they are doing and who they are meeting online.

There's no way a teen is going to have those conversations if all they hear is doom and gloom. They will figure you don't understand. They will make friends online, and they won't tell you about it.

So, talk to your teens about the Seventeen blog, especially if they read it. See what they think, and talk with them about why online dating is a bad idea for them. But instead of having that be the end of the conversation, make it the beginning.

For more information visit: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/claire-mccarthy-md/online-dating-for-teens_b_3682486.html

Pregnancies more likely in teens who smoke, drink and use drugs

Washington University of St. Louis Newsroom~By Jim Dryden

High school students who smoke, drink, use drugs, carry a weapon to school, get involved in fights or engage in other risky behaviors also are more likely to become pregnant or to impregnate a sexual partner, according to a new study from psychiatry researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

And it wasn’t just one pregnancy, according to the study, published in theJournal of Adolescent Health.

“Teen pregnancies have been declining, but it’s not because teens aren’t engaging in as much sex, it’s that more have been using condoms and other contraceptive methods,” says first author Patricia A. Cavazos-Rehg, PhD. “Yet there’s still this high-risk group of adolescents putting themselves at increased risk for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.”

Adolescents were asked if they were involved in 10 risky health behaviors, Cavazos-Rehg explains. Almost 20 percent of the boys reported that they engaged in at least seven of those 10, and about 10 percent of the girls also were engaging in the majority of these risky behaviors.Cavazos-Rehg, research assistant professor of psychiatry, analyzed data gathered in 1999, 2001 and 2003 as part of the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a project that collected information from more than 14,000 high school students, who answered questions about smoking, drug use, drinking and driving, sexual activity and other risky behaviors.

TEEN SURVEY In the past 30 days, have you…
carried a weapon smoked cigarettes smoked two or more cigarettes every day drove after drinking rode with a driver who had been drinking drank alcohol	drank five or more alcoholic beverages in one sitting (binge drinking) used marijuana used cocaine were involved in a physical fight in the last 12 months

“We found that those involved in risky activities had not only an elevated risk for pregnancy but also an even greater risk for multiple pregnancies, and as risky health behaviors occurred more frequently, so did pregnancies,” she says.

Because some 750,000 teens get pregnant the United States each year, Cavazos-Rehg says she wasn’t surprised that almost 8 percent of adolescent males had impregnated a partner and about 13 percent of females reported that they had experienced a pregnancy. What did surprise her, she says, was that so many had the experience more than once.

“I did expect some of this, but it was so much more pronounced than I would have thought,” she says. “I would have expected an adolescent would learn a lesson and then try to prevent another pregnancy from occurring in the future. But it appears that many of those most at risk are not attempting to modify their behavior after that initial pregnancy.”

Part of the explanation is revealed in data from a second study led by Cavazos-Rehg and published in the journal Contraception. In that study, her team found that substance-using males and females who had numerous sexual partners were the least likely to use contraceptives, putting them at risk for pregnancy and for sexually transmitted infections.

That study looked at substance use among teens and its relationship to contraceptive choices. The team correlated findings about smoking, drinking, marijuana and cocaine use with information about contraceptive use and found that adolescent males using all four substances were the least likely to use any contraceptive method.

Among girls in the study, those who reported having had six or more sex partners were more likely to use no contraception or to rely upon withdrawal as a way to prevent pregnancy.

These two studies probably underestimate the extent of the problem among adolescents because the surveys don’t include information from teens who dropped out of high school, according to Cavazos-Rehg. She says information from those who quit school almost certainly would inflate the numbers related to teen pregnancy and risky health behaviors.

Currently, her team is analyzing more information from teens to determine whether some pregnancies involving high-risk teenagers might be intentional rather than accidental, asking those adolescents whether they would be pleased or upset by a pregnancy.

Intentional teen pregnancies would be difficult to prevent, Cavazos-Rehg says, but better understanding the link between pregnancies and risky health behaviors could provide teachers, administrators and parents with a way to target adolescents most at risk for pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

“If a child is smoking or drinking or engaging in other risky behaviors, school counselors, educators and parents should not only target that particular behavior but also talk to the teen about sex,” Cavazos-Rehg says. “If a teen is engaging in these risky behaviors, he or she probably isn’t quite ready to be a parent yet, but those same teens appear to be the most likely to have a child.”

---

Cavazos-Rehg PA, Krauss MJ, Spitznagel EL, Schootman M, Cottler LB, Bierut LJ. Associations between multiple pregnancies and health risk behaviors among U.S. adolescents, Journal of Adolescent Health, vol. 47(6), Dec., 2010. pp. 600-603.

Cavazos-Rehg PA, Krauss MJ, Spitznagel EL, Schootman M, Peipert JF, Cottler LB, Bierut LJ. Type of contraception method used at last intercourse and associations with health risk behaviors among U.S. adolescents,Contraception, vol. 82(6), Dec., 2010. pp. 549-555.

This work was supported by grants from the National Center for Research Resources and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.

Washington University School of Medicine’s 2,100 employed and volunteer faculty physicians also are the medical staff of Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children’s hospitals. The School of Medicine is one of the leading medical research, teaching and patient care institutions in the nation, currently ranked fourth in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Through its affiliations with Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children’s hospitals, the School of Medicine is linked to BJC HealthCare.

For more information visit: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/21823.aspx

Experts: 5 Signs Your Teen Could Be Using Club Drug 'Molly'

There has been a resurgence of the club drug among area teens, experts say.

North Fork Patch~Posted by Lisa Finn (Editor) 

Parents who have never heard of some teens are using to get high on the North Fork and in Riverhead, need to be educated.

So said John Corbett, clinical coordinator at Mary Haven Center of Hope in Riverhead, who works with teens and adults addicted to Molly and other synthetic drugs in the "Steps to Life" program.

Molly is the powder or crystal form of MDMA, the chemical used in making ecstasy, said Susan Toman, of the Guidance Center in Southold. MDMA, she said, is a synthetic, psychoactive drug that produces feelings of increased energy, euphoria, emotional warmth and empathy toward others, and distortions in sensory and time perception.

Corbett said there are five signs parents can look for to see if their teen has been using Molly:

• Jaw clenching
• Sudden loss of appetite
• High and low temperatures
• Signs of depression such as sadness
• Not being able to get out of bed for an extended period of time

Parents whose teens are exhibiting any of those symptoms should be brought to the emergency room, Corbett said.

Toman said parents should also look for changes in behavior, grades, and friends, as well as mood swings and anxiety.

Short term effects of the drug include confusion, strange cravings, sleeping problems, memory loss, blurred vision, fever, muscle tension, rapid eye movement, and profuse sweating, Toman said.

One also needs to be aware of the signs of a teen overdosing, Toman said. If a teen has a mental health issue, or a predisposition for a mental health issue, and if there are breathing issues, asthma, or heart problems, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease or those physical illnesses run in the family and the teen can be potentially predisposed, the teen then is at higher risk for overdose and long-term damage from Molly, Toman said.

The warning signs of overdose are: headache, tremors, vomiting, collapsing, feeling hot or sick, fainting, loss of control over movement of the body, a racing pulse or heart, problem with urinating, and foaming in the mouth. Death can be a result of using Molly due to seizures and cardiac arrest, Toman said.

Parents can be proactive, Toman said. "Talking to your teen, having healthy conversations regarding your family values, and knowledge regarding the dangers of substance abuse, for anyone, and then more importantly for teens, whose brains are still in development through until their early 20s," are all critical, she said.

"Preparing to respond to teens rather than react, when challenged," she added. "This is extremely important. Don't let them isolate from you. Take a deep breath, and if you don't have the answer to their questions or challenges; respond, 'Let's look that up together.' Stay engaged with your teen. You are still the most important influence in their young lives. If the rules in your home have been relaxed and you realize the results are not what you thought they'd be, don't be afraid to have that conversation, make changes, and revisit the rules. This can be a learning curve. Teens need you to stay in charge and aware," Toman said.

According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Molly's technical name is 1-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl) piperazine, or TFMPP.

Taken in large doses, Molly causes hallucinogenic reactions; the DEA considers MDMA to be a schedule I controlled substance, and can cause confusion, anxiety, depression, paranoia, sleep problems, and drug craving. The drug also can cause muscle tension, tremors, involuntary teeth clenching, muscle cramps, nausea, faintness, chills, sweating, and blurred vision.

In addition, the DEA reported that high doses of MDMA can interfere with the ability to regulate body temperature, resulting in a sharp increase in body temperature and hyperthermia, leading to liver, kidney and cardiovascular failure. Severe dehydration can result, the DEA said.

Experts warn Molly is being used by area teens. "Molly is being experimented with by youth on the North Fork and Riverhead and I am sure through out the United States," Toman said. "The hip hop community promotes it in music," she said.

In addition, Toman said, teens are experimenting with other synthetic substances, such as Smiles, a hallucinogenic drug -- and others that can be smoked in "e-cigarettes," electronic cigarettes that look like nicotine cigarettes but can be filled with synthetic drugs and masked with pleasant scents so parents remain unaware.

Corbett recently addressed the alarming topic of widespread Molly use at a forum held at Mattituck High School in December.

"Molly is like the 70s version of crack," he said. Teens, Corbett said, are combining Molly with other drugs, including marijuana and alcohol.

Today, Corbett said, teens are shooting dope, sniffing heroin, injecting "oxys and roxies," or the pill form of heroin, and opiate, and using Smiles, a form of K2, another dangerous synthetic "designer" drug.

But, Bennett said, although kids love the "highs and lows," of Molly, the crash is a hard one; body chemicals are being reconfigured and body temperatures being manipulated -- something that can cause dangerous medical issues, he said.

"Kids are experimenting with this on a regular basis," Bennett said.

Molly can sell for anywhere from $8 to $25, but because the drug is so highly addicting, he said, "They're buying a lot of it."

Molly, he said, is a drug parents should fear, causing a spike in emergency room visits, with teens experiencing heart palpitations, hallucinations, and lower than normal body temperatures.

Toman said synthetic drugs work with chemicals with in the brain that help regulate mood by increasing the activity of three neurotransmitters, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

"When depleted of these natural occurring neurotransmitters, youth can fall into depression. It can be for a short period time, while others may need to be hospitalized," she said. "Brain chemistry is general and yet unique. Some of our youth do not have the advantage of an abundant supply of these neurotransmitters. It is playing a psychological Russian roulette.

"Youth have died in emergency rooms," Toman said. "We need to stay current, to battle the romanticizing of these dangerous substances."

For more information click here:  

New PSA Campaign Urges Parents To Talk To Their Children As Heroin Deaths Spike In NJ

By staff report

NEW BRUNSWICK – Talking to your kids about the dangers of heroin is the theme of a new public service campaign created by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ), in collaboration with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, and the County Prosecutors in Monmouth, Ocean, and Cape May counties.

The campaign entitled “Heroin- Are you Talking to Your Kids Yet?” will be released, today, at the annual New Jersey Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Summit.

Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey said that the campaign was developed to bring public attention to the alarming trends in the abuse of heroin in New Jersey. He explained that the campaign urges parents to begin conversations with their children about the dangers of heroin abuse before their teenage years – when many counties are reporting staggering overdose and death rates attributed to heroin use.

“We are facing an epidemic of heroin use, driven by young people seeking cheaper alternatives to Oxycodone and the other opiate pain pills that have become a primary gateway drug,” Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman said. “We’re attacking this problem at its roots, through prevention and education efforts, as well as through law enforcement operations that identify and take down heroin mills, and crack down on the diversion of prescription painkillers.”

“The three counties involved in the first wave of our release have seen a particularly high spike in heroin over doses and deaths,” Valente noted.

“We can no longer remain silent on this deadly issue. We cannot turn a blind eye to the possibility our kids may be using drugs. We can’t push this away with the excuse that ‘my kid could never get involved with drugs.’ The situation is critical – young people are dying at an alarming rate. Everyone must start talking about the deadly effects of heroin, and the conversation must begin from the point of view that any teenager may have already fallen prey to this unforgiving drug,” said Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato said, “The launch of this proactive Heroin awareness campaign could not come at a more important time. Opiate related overdose deaths in Ocean County are on pace to shatter the previous year’s high. If current trends hold we will quadruple the number of people who died from drug overdoses last year. The numbers are terrifying and indicative of the hold these drugs have over our young people. The time to educate our sons and daughters of heroin’s death toll is now.”

Valente noted that the campaign includes posters, web banners, billboards and PATH Station lobby signage. The campaign will be distributed in all 21 counties in 2014 and will include radio and television public service announcements.
For more information please read: http://njtoday.net/2013/09/12/new-psa-campaign-urges-parents-to-talk-to-their-children-as-heroin-deaths-spike-in-nj/#ixzz2enIYBmOw 

WWW.NJTODAY.NET 

Protecting Your Teen & Tween From Testing the Waters Of Drug Use

BY JERRY WEICHMAN, PH.D.--Hitched
Tweens love to try new things, including dangerous, addictive drugs. Would you be able to tell if your kids were sampling drugs—and how would you respond if they were?

DepositPhoto  Drugs alter the chemistry inside of us, which makes them particularly dangerous for maturing teens and tweens. “ Some studies have shown that ecstasy use can lead to a lifetime of increased depression and anxiety, plus immediate side effects that include confusion and disorientation.”

I’d like to be able to tell you that teens don’t use drugs. Unfortunately, that’s not true. I wish I could assure you that tweens—kids ages 9 to 12—wouldn’t think of using drugs. But I’d be lying.

In my practice, I see tweens every day who are experimenting with alcohol and drugs, always without their parents’ knowledge. It’s not uncommon for tweens to first try drugs in middle school. Even if they don’t become hardcore users, just this short exposure can have dire consequences for the rest of your child’s life.

Drug and alcohol exposure is especially dangerous during the growth years because it primes the brain for addiction. Scientific research has shown that the earlier a person is exposed to drugs or alcohol, the greater the likelihood he has of becoming dependent on these substances.

Getting Started

Tweens often begin experimenting with drugs by drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana. They may seek a high from non-prescription cough suppressants such as Robitussin or the decongestants like Coricidin. Others use prescription drugs such as OxyContin, Xanax, Vicodin and Ritalin or other drugs that treat attention-deficit disorders. I’ve seen kids using heroin too; they think smoking it is safer than injecting it.

I’m also noting more tweens and teens experimenting with ecstasy. This stimulant and hallucinogenic was once the drug of choice for "ravers" but its popularity has spread. Some studies have shown that ecstasy use can lead to a lifetime of increased depression and anxiety, plus immediate side effects that include confusion and disorientation. I routinely see young people in my practice who have been sexually assaulted or committed sexual acts they regret while high on ecstasy, which profoundly impairs judgment.

‘Spice’ And Salvia

And there are scores more drugs that you probably don’t know about—but your children might. Synthetic marijuana, often called "spice," offers the same mind-altering qualities as pot and is largely undetectable by most drug tests. So is salvia, the hallucinogenic drug that "Hannah Montana" star Miley Cyrus was filmed smoking on her 18th birthday. Salvia is legal in California, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe.

Considering how much drug education our society and we as parents provide, why are tweens using drugs? Some may have older siblings who use drugs. Others are trying desperately to persuade themselves and others that they are mature and cool. For those struggling socially, becoming a partier quickly gives them acceptance. Others are self-medicating for depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.

Meanwhile, the internet and texting have increased teens’ ability to connect to ideas and one another. Hearing their classmates talk casually at lunch about weekend drug use or seeing party pictures on Facebook has desensitized adolescents to the idea that drug use is dangerous and illegal. Instead, they feel that it’s no big deal because everyone is doing it.

Protecting Your Kids

In my practice, I see many caring, educated and involved parents who are stunned and heartbroken to learn that their tween has been using alcohol and drugs. They did not know their children were experimenting, testing, abusing and ingesting these mind-altering substances.

You and your spouse can help to protect your children from the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. Here are a few suggestions:

* Use a drug tester and breathalyzer to test your teens periodically. That alone may give them second thoughts about sampling illegal fare at parties. And they can use it as a convenient excuse to say no to friends who urge them to try dangerous substances.

* Take a zero-tolerance stance. Kids have a tough time with the idea of moderation, so make it easy for them: Give them a clear red light. No drugs. Ever.

* Don’t share your experiences with substance use or abuse until your children are older. If they see that you experimented but turned out OK, they’ll consider the consequences to be minimal; and they’ll think you’re a hypocrite for applying a different standard to them than you did to yourself.

* Monitor cell phone and internet use. If they’re interested in experimenting with drugs or alcohol, they’ll discuss it with peers. On my website, drjerryweichman.com, you can find a comprehensive list of alternate terms and lingo that kids use for drugs.

* Have clear consequences if they violate your rules. Yelling or lecturing does nothing. Consequences have a lasting impact.

* Keep them busy. The more structure and fulfilling activities that tweens have in their lives, the less time they have to get into trouble.

Additional Resources:
www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/spice-synthetic-marijuana
www.abovetheinfluence.com/facts/drugsecstasy
www.drugs.com/ecstasy.html

For more information visit: http://www.hitchedmag.com/article.php?id=1672

New U.S. drug survey: Marijuana and heroin increasing

By 

RYAN JASLOW / 

CBS NEWS

A new government survey of drug use finds marijuana continues to be the illicit drug of choice among American teens and adults.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) surveyed 70,000 Americans aged 12 and older about their drug use during 2012. They found increased rates of marijuana and heroin use over past surveys.

"These statistics represent real people, families and communities dealing with the devastating consequences of abuse and addiction," SAMHSA administrator Pamela S. Hyde said in a statement. "We must strive to prevent further abuse and provide the hope of treatment and recovery to all people needing help."

Marijuana continued its run of being the most commonly used illicit drug, according to SAMHSA, with 7.3 percent of Americans over 12 reported using pot last year. That's up from 7 percent from the 2011 survey and and 5.8 percent in 2007.

Daily or almost daily marijuana use increased from 5.1 million Americans in 2007 to 7.6 million in 2012.

Also increasing was past-month, or current, marijuana use for almost all age groups except among those aged 12 to 17, where it fell from 7.9 percent of teens in 2011 to 7.2. percent for the latest survey.

"These findings show that while we have made progress in preventing some aspects of substance abuse," said Hyde.

Marijuana use has been linked to negative effects on developing brains, including a study that found drops in IQ among those dependent on pot by 18. However, a Jan. 2013 study challenged that link.

The marijuana survey results come about a week after the U.S. government announced that it does not plan to sue Colorado and Washington to stop the states from allowing recreational marijuana use. Colo. and Wash. were the first states to legalize recreational marijuana use, following last November's elections.

Twenty states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana use: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington State.

The survey also added more evidence to reports of rising heroin use in the United States.

Heroin use increased significantly, with 669,000 users in 2012, compared to 620,000 in 2011 and 373,000 users reported in 2007.

Five signs a loved one is abusing painkillers

Reports of rising heroin use, especially among affluent middle-class teens, have increased in recent years in some suburbs, 48 Hours reported in May. Other heroin use has been linked to increases in addiction to opioid painkillers, as heroin may provide a cheaper alternative to pills.

"We must redouble our efforts to reduce and eliminate all forms of it throughout our nation," said Hyde.

As for Americans doing drugs for the first time, the largest number of recent drug initiates were for marijuana (2.4 million people), nonmedical use of prescription painkillers (1.9 million), nonmedical use of tranquilizers (1.4 million), Ecstasy, or MDMA (0.9 million), followed by stimulants, cocaine and inhalants (between 0.6 million and 0.7 million).

Ecstasy has been in the recent spotlight following two recent deaths at the Electric Zoo music festival in New York City. The deaths were linked to a more pure and potent form of Ecstasy called "molly."

"They will often mix ecstasy with other drugs, especially at parties, like alcohol and marijuana," addiction specialist Dr. Damon Raskin, told the CBS Evening News last week. "I think that the combination of these drugs makes them all the more toxic."

Overall, illicit drug use remained stable from the 2011 survey results: About 24 million Americans older than 12 said they were current drug users in 2012, about 9.2. percent of the U.S. teen and adult population.

The full report, which was published Sept. 4, can be accessed on the SAMHSA website.

© 2013 CBS Interactive Inc. For more information visit: http://www.cbsnews.com

Dealing With Addiction

by TeensHealth

Jason's life is beginning to unravel. His grades have slipped, he's moody, he doesn't talk to his friends, and he has stopped showing up for practice. Jason's friends know he has been experimenting with drugs and now they're worried he has become addicted.

Defining an addiction is tricky, and knowing how to handle one is even harder.

What Are Substance Abuse and Addiction?

The difference between substance abuse and addiction is very slight. Substance abuse means using an illegal substance or using a legal substance in the wrong way. Addiction begins as abuse, or using a substance like marijuana or cocaine.

You can abuse a drug (or alcohol) without having an addiction. For example, just because Sara smoked pot a few times doesn't mean that she has an addiction, but it does mean that she's abusing a drug — and that could lead to an addiction.

People can get addicted to all sorts of substances. When we think of addiction, we usually think of alcohol or illegal drugs. But people become addicted to medications, cigarettes, even glue!

And some substances are more addictive than others: Drugs like crack or heroin are so addictive that they might only be used once or twice before the user loses control.

Addiction means a person has no control over whether he or she uses a drug or drinks. Someone who's addicted to cocaine has grown so used to the drug that he or she has to have it. Addiction can be physical, psychological, or both.

Physical Addiction

Being physically addicted means a person's body actually becomes dependent on a particular substance (even smoking is physically addictive). It also means building tolerance to that substance, so that a person needs a larger dose than ever before to get the same effects.

Someone who is physically addicted and stops using a substance like drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes may experience withdrawal symptoms. Common symptoms of withdrawal are diarrhea, shaking, and generally feeling awful.

Psychological Addiction

Psychological addiction happens when the cravings for a drug are psychological or emotional. People who are psychologically addicted feel overcome by the desire to have a drug. They may lie or steal to get it.

A person crosses the line between abuse and addiction when he or she is no longer trying the drug to have fun or get high, but has come to depend on it. His or her whole life centers around the need for the drug. An addicted person — whether it's a physical or psychological addiction or both — no longer feels like there is a choice in taking a substance.

Signs of Addiction

The most obvious sign of an addiction is the need to have a particular drug or substance. However, many other signs can suggest a possible addiction, such as changes in mood or weight loss or gain. (These also are signs of other conditions too, though, such as depression oreating disorders.)

Signs that you or someone you know may have a drug or alcohol addiction include:

Psychological signals:

• use of drugs or alcohol as a way to forget problems or to relax
• withdrawal or keeping secrets from family and friends
• loss of interest in activities that used to be important
• problems with schoolwork, such as slipping grades or absences
• changes in friendships, such as hanging out only with friends who use drugs
• spending a lot of time figuring out how to get drugs
• stealing or selling belongings to be able to afford drugs
• failed attempts to stop taking drugs or drinking
• anxiety, anger, or depression
• mood swings

Physical signals:

• changes in sleeping habits
• feeling shaky or sick when trying to stop
• needing to take more of the substance to get the same effect
• changes in eating habits, including weight loss or gain

Getting Help

If you think that you or someone you care about is addicted to drugs or alcohol, recognizing the problem is the first step in getting help.

Many people think they can kick the problem on their own, but that rarely works. Find someone you trust to talk to. It may help to talk to a friend or someone your own age at first, but a supportive and understanding adult is your best option for getting help. If you can't talk to your parents, you might want to approach a school counselor, relative, doctor, favorite teacher, or religious leader.

Unfortunately, overcoming addiction is not easy. Quitting drugs or drinking is probably going to be one of the hardest things you or your friend have ever done. It's not a sign of weakness if you need professional help from a trained drug counselor or therapist. Most people who try to kick a drug or alcohol problem need professional assistance or a treatment program to do so.

Tips for Recovery

Once you start a treatment program, try these tips to make the road to recovery less bumpy:

• Tell your friends about your decision to stop using drugs.Your true friends will respect your decision. This might mean that you need to find a new group of friends who will be 100% supportive. Unless everyone decides to kick their drug habit at once, you probably won't be able to hang out with the friends you did drugs with.
• Ask your friends or family to be available when you need them. You might need to call someone in the middle of the night just to talk. If you're going through a tough time, don't try to handle things on your own — accept the help your family and friends offer.
• Accept invitations only to events that you know won't involve drugs or alcohol. Going to the movies is probably safe, but you may want to skip a Friday night party until you're feeling more secure. Plan activities that don't involve drugs. Go to the movies, try bowling, or take an art class with a friend.
• Have a plan about what you'll do if you find yourself in a place with drugs or alcohol. The temptation will be there sometimes, but if you know how you're going to handle it, you'll be OK. Establish a plan with your parents, siblings, or other supportive friends and adults so that if you call home using a code, they'll know that your call is a signal you need a ride out of there.
• Remind yourself that having an addiction doesn't make a person bad or weak. If you fall back into old patterns (backslide) a bit, talk to an adult as soon as possible. There's nothing to be ashamed about, but it's important to get help soon so that all of the hard work you put into your recovery is not lost.

If you're worried about a friend who has an addiction, you can use these tips to help him or her. For example, let your friend know that you are available to talk or offer your support. If you notice a friend backsliding, talk about it openly and ask what you can do to help.

If your friend is going back to drugs or drinking and won't accept your help, don't be afraid to talk to a nonthreatening, understanding adult, like your parent or school counselor. It may seem like you're ratting your friend out, but it's the best support you can offer.

Above all, offer a friend who's battling an addiction lots of encouragement and praise. It may seem corny, but hearing that you care is just the kind of motivation your friend needs.

Staying Clean

Recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction doesn't end with a 6-week treatment program. It's a lifelong process. Many people find that joining a support group can help them stay clean. There are support groups specifically for teens and younger people. You'll meet people who have gone through the same experiences you have, and you'll be able to participate in real-life discussions about drugs that you won't hear in your school's health class.

Many people find that helping others is also the best way to help themselves. Your understanding of how difficult the recovery process can be will help you to support others — both teens and adults — who are battling an addiction.

If you do have a relapse, recognizing the problem as soon as possible is critical. Get help right away so that you don't undo all the hard work you put into your initial recovery. And, if you do have a relapse, don't ever be afraid to ask for help!

Reviewed by: Michele Van Vranken, MD

For more information visit:

http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/problems/addictions.html#