The Choking Game-The warning signs
The Choking Game I recently heard a story in the news about the latest craze. It seems that teens are getting high without the use of substances like drugs and alcohol. It’s called “The Choking Game, The Fainting Game, Black Out, or Pass Out.” The demographic is pre-adolescent and adolescent boys. They use a rope, a belt, their hands, or some other kid of tool to cause temporary asphyxiation. They usually choke themselves or each other until they pass out. The effect is a dream-like state of euphoria that lasts for a few seconds/minutes. It’s obvious that this can cause neurological damage due to a lack of oxygen to the brain. There have been reported deaths due to the choking game. Because this phenomenon is not well-known and misunderstood, it is important to be aware of the symptoms: • Your child keeping a rope, or plastic bag • Bloodshot eyes • Headaches • Marks on the child's neck Labels: black-out, pass-out, teen-drug-use, teen-drugs-and-alcohol, the-choking-game
  
Warning Signs: Beyond the Obvious Physical Symptoms (part 3)
Warning Signs: Beyond the Obvious Physical Symptoms Many teens can hide their drug use from their parents with ease. They find secret spots to hide their drugs and paraphernalia. They show no physical signs that they are using, such as dilated pupils, bloodshot or glazed eyes. In fact, they may even be able to mask the smell on their breath and clothing. Beyond the obvious slurring or nervous increase in rate of speech, there may other physical symptoms to look for. Many clues are much more subtle, but with some minor investigation, you’d be surprised what you might discover when you look closer. One of the first things you may notice is a lack of personal hygiene. Many teens become unconcerned about their physical appearance. Their clothing may be unwashed, wrinkled, or otherwise shabby looking. They may change the style of their clothing in order to “fit in” or conform to the “druggie” look. You may notice that they don’t frequently shave and their hair or body may not be as clean as usual. You may also notice skin abrasions, burn marks on their skin and clothes, and the tone of their skin may be paler than usual. Look for a sudden drop or increase in weight. Many teens will stop eating regularly or may overeat depending on their drug of choice. Generally speaking, look for any physical symptom that is irregular in the average teen Labels: dru-paraphernalia, drug-warning-signs, teen-drug-use
Signs That a Teen is Using Drugs
Warning Signs: School There are many obvious signs that a teen is using drugs. For example, you may smell marijuana or alcohol on their breath or clothes. They may seem withdrawn from their usual activities, or may come home late and have numerous excuses for where they have been. These signs should be taken seriously, but there are other signs that need that are far less obvious, unless you know what to look for. School is a good place to start if you have an inkling that a problem is emerging with you teen. School is a large part of an adolescent’s life and can be a significant indicator that there is a drug problem. When looking for warning signs, things related to school can be a revealing. The first place to look is the backpack, even though you may assume that this would be the last place a teen would hide drugs, paraphernalia, or other clues to drug use. A close search into the hidden recesses of a backpack may reveal random phone numbers (dealers), creative drawings of their drug of choice, or remnants such as seeds or baggies form prior use. Check with the attendance office and check in with teacher if you are suspicious. Many students that are using are truant or may be inattentive in class. In fact, if they do go to class, the may be defiant, irritable, or may just sleep the day away if given the opportunity. Of course, grades and work performance will decline with prolonged and even short term teen drug use. Make sure that you talk to your teen about their homework. Demand to see their homework, graded assignments, and make sure that you receive a copy of their report card on a regular basis. Labels: adolescent-drug-problem, teen-drug-use, teen-warning-signs
The Facade of Good Grades
I started using drugs at the age of fifteen. All my teen life I was an Honor Roll Student. I never received a grade below a “B”. When I started using drugs, that didn’t change. I still managed to bring home all As and Bs. Which, looking back was both good and bad. Good because I didn’t mess up my chances of getting into college, but bad because it was that much easier to fool my parents. From my experience, parents seem to think everything is ok if their teen is still bringing home good grades. But, that’s not always true. Sometimes, I’d stay up all night on drugs and go to school to take an exam and set the curve. But, I wish my parent’s had seen through that facade, because maybe they would have intervened on my drug use earlier and I would have gotten sober at an earlier age. I knew that my parents were for that facade, and I used that as my main tool for manipulation. So, my message here is for parents to be aware that although your kid may be a straight-A student, they may be hiding a lot behind that Honor Roll report card. Labels: college, grades, sober, teen-drug-use
When Confronting Teens About Their Drug Use
When confronting teens about their drug use, teens often respond with minimization, rationalization, excuses and flat out lies. If you find drugs in your teen's room and confront them on it, you may hear things like; "those aren't mine", "I bought them, but decided not to use them", "I have only used them once", "My friend bought it and asked me to keep it for them", "It's only weed, it's natural" or "Thurman Murman gave it to be for free, so I'm not spending your money". If signs are pointing toward your teen and drug abuse, when confronting them, you may hear things like; "I'm just all way tired", "I'm just not hungry", "I'm not interested in college anyway", "I'm FINE", "Stop trying to ruin my life", "My eyes always look like this", and "I don't smell like chemicals, that just my detergent". If you suspect your teen of using drugs, contact a professional. Tell the professional, only the facts about what is going on and not what your teen may be trying to convince you about. The professional will then be able to better guide you toward a solution. It is import to communicate your teen. But remember, drug users are not the most honest people in the world. Take what your teen says about his/her drug use "with a grain of salt". Labels: teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-use, teens
Teen Drug Abuse Symptoms
A frightening number of teens today are using and abusing drugs. Parents need to be educated on the signs and symptoms of teen drug use in order to keep their teens safe. The two categories or teen drug abuse symptoms are physiological and behavioral. Physiological:-Sleeplessness -Exhaustion -Blackouts -Flashbacks -Red Eyes -Glassy Eyes -Dilated Pupils -Pinned Pupils -Runny Nose -Cough -Needle Marks -Withdrawal Symptoms -Increase or Loss in Appetite -Weight Loss or Gain -Poor Coordination -Shakes or Tremors -Nausea -Vomiting -Sweating -Hyperactivity Behavioral:-Extreme Change in Attitude -Change of Friends -Social Isolation -Change or Loss of Interest in hobbies -Slipping Grades -Low Self Esteem -Apathy -Anger -Paranoia -Depression -Secretive Behavior -Dishonesty -Unexplained need for money or stealing One of these symptoms alone may not be a sign of teen drug use, but if a teen has several of these symptoms there is a strong change that the teen is using drugs. If parents are aware of the signs and symptoms of teen drug abuse it will make early detection easier and help prevent teens from slipping into teen drug addiction. Labels: drug-use-symptoms, teen-drug addiction, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-use
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