Parents360

Synthetic Drugs: Bath Salts, K2/Spice

A Guide for Parents and Other Influencers

From the The Partnership at drugfree.org

February 16, 2012

The Parents360 module addresses issues pertaining to synthetic drugs such as Bath Salts and K2/Spice. “Parents360 – Parents: You Matter” is a community education presentation that helps parents and other adults who care about kids learn how to communicate effectively with their children, look out for them and get them help if and when they need it. The presentation has a number of drugspecific modules that can be added to it. The one we’re talking about today is Synthetic Drugs such as Bath Salts and K2/Spice.

This is a very important topic to address because synthetic drugs are dangerous.  They are not ‘safe' as a second choice, or as an alternative to more well-known drugs, for your kids, and you must communicate that fact with them. This presentation will help provide you with the information and resources to have that discussion.

Download: Synthetic Drugs: Bath Salts, K2/Spice: A guide for parents and other influencers

‘Tis the Season'

Allowing Holiday Drinking by Teens Sets Dangerous Precedent

By Stephen Wallace, M.S. Ed.

Dancing and prancing through Jingle Bell Square, more than a few seasonal revelers mistake alcohol consumption for holiday celebration – teens included. Following the lead of influential adults, many young people are tempted, even encouraged, to finish up the old and ring in the new by, well, downing a few.

According to a new Teens Today study from SADD and Liberty Mutual Group, nearly half of high school teens (45 percent) say their parents allow them to drink at home, including almost one in three who say they are allowed to do so to mark special occasions, such as holidays.

Where’s the harm in that? Let’s make a list.

• The younger a child is when he starts to drink, the higher the chances he will have alcohol-related problems later in life.

• Alcohol use by teens affects still-developing cognitive abilities and impairs  memory and learning.

• Teens who drink are more likely to commit or be the victim of violence (including sexual assault) and to experience stress, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

So, why the inaction on the part of otherwise caring adults? Among the likely reasons is a longstanding myth that allowing teens to drink at home will make it less likely they will drink elsewhere.

It is also widely believed that “teaching teens to drink responsibly” to celebrate a holiday or other important event will demystify alcohol and lead to more thoughtful, less destructive behavior.
Wishful thinking, through and through.

In truth, teens who are allowed to drink alcohol at home are significantly more likely to drink with their friends. “Even if only on special occasions?” asked an incredulous mother during a recent presentation of the new research results. Yes, even if only on special occasions.

Here’s what the data say.

• Among high school teens, those who tend to avoid alcohol are more than twice as likely than those who repeatedly use alcohol to say their parents never let them drink at home (84 percent vs. 40 percent).

• More than half (57 percent) of high school teens who report their parents allow them to drink at home, even once in a while, say they drink with their friends, as compared to just 14 percent of teens who say their parents don’t let them drink.

This carry-over effect can be explained by a simple tendency to bring attitudes in line with behaviors so as to reduce the psychological discomfort caused by conflicting information: It’s okay to drink with my friends since I drink at home!

Also common among teens is seeing things in black and white, particularly when it comes to justifying personal behavior: If adults drink to celebrate the holidays, why shouldn’t I?

Rationalizing or not, young people use alcohol more frequently, and more heavily, than all other drugs combined. Teens Today research reveals that drinking increases significantly between the sixth and seventh grades; that the average age for teens to start drinking is 13 years old; and that by 12th grade, more than four in five teens are drinking.

That constitutes an epidemic – one likely only to grow during this celebratory season.

The silver lining in this holiday cloud can be found in widespread agreement among teens that their parents are significant forces when it comes to decisions about alcohol. According to Teens Today, almost seven in ten high school teens (66 percent) rate mom and dad as most influential in their decisions not to drink.

But influence cuts two ways. By allowing underage drinking during the holidays, adults deprive teens of the unambiguous, common sense guidelines they need to make good choices all year long.

It is clear that parents who talk with their teens about underage drinking, set expectations for behavior, and enforce consequences for violating the rules are significantly less likely to have children who use alcohol.

But there are other important reasons many teens say they choose not to drink, including deference to the law, chance of injury to themselves or others, loss of control, impact on academic and/or athletic performance, setting an example for siblings, and fitting in with friends who don’t drink. Each of these is fodder for important parent-teen dialogue – both during the holidays and into the New Year – about the appropriate role of alcohol in society and the dangers it poses to young lives.

After all, ‘tis the season'.

Stephen Wallace, national chairman and chief executive officer of SADD, Inc. (Students Against Destructive Decisions), has broad experience as a school psychologist and adolescent counselor. For more information about SADD, call toll-free 877-SADD-INC. The SADD/Liberty Mutual Teens Today research report can be found at: www.sadd.org and www.libertymutualinsurance.com

Summit Communications Management Corporation
2005 All Rights Reserved 

What Parents Need to Know About K2, Spice and Synthetic Marijuana

What is K2?

K2 is a popular new drug that has effects just like marijuana. Many copy cat products that contain the same chemicals are being sold on the internet, in boutique stores, gas stations and smoke shops. It is usually smoked in a small pipe or a cigarette. Scientifically you may hear this referred to as JWH-018, JWH-073, or similar.

The CADY Corner

Published: December 9th, 2010

"Blackout in a Can"

Contributor: Deb Naro

The Associated Press recently reported that there are new concerns about energy drinks produced by a Chicago-based company that combine high levels of caffeine with alcohol. The Food and Drug Administration began investigating these types of beverages a year ago, but a recent party hosted by Washington State College students is renewing questions about their safety.  

Earlier in October, nine students from Central Washington University (CWU) ended up in the hospital after getting sick at an off-campus party. Police initially thought they had overdosed on drugs, but now, investigators blame their condition on a drink called, "Four Loko." 

Synthetic Stimulants, A.K.A. "Bath Salts"

Statement From White House Drug Policy Director:

Washington, D.C. February 1, 2011 - Today, Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy, released the following statement following recent reports indicating the emerging threat of synthetic stimulants, including MDPV (3, 4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone) and mephedrone.  These stimulants are often sold and marketed in stores as "bath salts" under names such as "Ivory Wage" or "Purple Wave."

I am deeply concerned about the distribution, sale, and use of synthetic stimulants – especially those that are marketed as legal substances. Although we lack sufficient data to understand exactly how prevalent the use of these stimulants are, we know they pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of young people and anyone who may use them. At a time when drug use in America is increasing, the marketing and sale of these poisons as "bath salts" is both unacceptable and dangerous. As public health officials work to address this emerging threat, I ask that parents and other adult influencers act immediately to discuss with young people the severe harm that can be caused by the use of both legal and illegal drugs and to prevent drug use before it starts.

Message on UnderAge Drinking for Youth and Parents

From a DARE officer, Drug Alliance Member, and someone who serves on the Prevention Coalition and the Childhood Drinking Coalition:

A brief video with a clear message regarding underage drinking which has had an incredible impact for both parents and teens.

Please click here to see the Youtube video

Help Build A Healthier Community

March 28, 2011

Dear Community Partners and Friends,
 
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing engagement in our work. As a regional organization invested in advancing community wellness, I'd like to extend a unique opportunity to you.

CADY belongs to the Central NH Health Partnership (CNHHP), a group of healthcare and social service agencies in the Greater Plymouth and Newfound regions working to improve the health and well being of central New Hampshire communities.  CNHHP efforts have enhanced the missions of healthcare, mental health, and prevention and their delivery systems improving outcomes for children, adults, and families.