Substance Abuse in Adolescents Common Signs Symptoms and
Substance Abuse in Adolescents Common Signs, Symptoms and the Paraphernalia Indicating Illicit Drug Use by Adolescents Prepared by Stevensville Police Department SRO Officer Fawcett This is a snapshot presentation. If you have any further questions or would like any further assistance or materials please contact Officer Fawcett Sam@townofstevensville. com
Module Learning Goal It is the goal of this module of instruction for parents to have heightened awareness of signs and symptoms of chemical possession, use, abuse and emerging addictive behaviors in our youth. Further, to garner some skills in identifying and helping students, parents and the community at large in dealing with chemical abuse issues. To assist in showing possible signs, symptoms and behaviors changes in our youth.
3 Styles of Drugs • Common drugs – Most commonly abused drugs • Club drugs – Rave parties • Predatory drugs – Sexual assault enablers * Some drugs are found in more than one category.
Most Common Drugs • • Alcohol Marijuana Inhalants Cocaine Methamphetamine Oxy. Contin (Oxycodone) Prescription medication (DXM & Ritalin)
Club Drugs • Ecstasy (MDMA) – Methylenedioxyme thamphetamine • GHB – Gammahydroxybutyric acid • Ketamine • LSD • Nitrous oxide
Predatory Drugs • • • Alcohol GHB Rohypnol (Roofies) Ketamine Marijuana Cocaine
What Is Ecstasy? Ecstasy produces stimulant effects like amphetamine and mild hallucinogenic effects like mescaline Common slang names: E, XTC, Adam, Eve, doves, hug, love drug, beans…
Effects of Ecstasy • • Increased heart rate Increased blood pressure Dilates pupils and bronchi Stimulants the brain Tight jaw muscles Grinding of teeth Overheating and dehydration
Subjective Effects of Ecstasy • Euphoria • Increased energy • Increased sensual arousal • Increased “need” to be touched (hugged) • Increased “need” for stimulation
Biological Effects of Ecstasy • Onset of effect orally is 30 -45 minutes, peak around 60 -90 minutes and duration is 4 -6 hours • Tolerance develops to the pleasurable effects of Ecstasy (repeated use = less effect) • In “recreational doses” it is not physically addictive (additional use not needed to relieve withdrawal symptoms) • At times, Ecstasy is taken with other drugs found within Raves (GHB, Ketamine, marijuana, etc)
How Ecstasy Works • Ecstasy causes enormous release of serotonin into the synapse • Increased activity leads to significant changes in the brain’s activity causing increased sensitivity and sensations
Methods of Consumption • Orally in tablets – Stacking – taking 3 or more at once – Piggy-backing – taking a series of pills over a short time period • Suppositories – “Booty shoots” – Slower onset but more intense and longer in duration
Complications of Ecstasy • • • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Acute renal (kidney) failure Cardiovascular collapse Cerebral infarction ( loss of circulation) Depression Hepatic (liver) failure Hyponatremia (low sodium) Psychosis Respiratory failure
Ecstasy Week • Day 1 – Friday night: attend party, use ecstasy, dance, will be awake for 16 -20 hours • Day 2 – Saturday: sleep for the next 20 hours • Day 3 – Sunday: awake but very solitary and severe feelings of depression, most physical symptoms diminished • Day 4 – Monday: depression continues, school attendance and work suffers • Day 5 – Tuesday: lethargic, uninterested in most activities • Day 6 – Wednesday: normalcy returns • Day 7 – Thursday: looking forward to the next party
Paraphernalia • • • Fairies & butterflies Pacifiers Blow pops Whistles Gloves Glow sticks Bubbles Vicks vapor rub Vicks inhalers Glow cosmetics Dust masks Soft clothes Fuzzy accessories Laser key chains Handheld fans Flashing watches and jewelry • Personal massagers • Black lights • • •
Sales Signs • Clothing – Slogan “on. E” – Stash pocket pants & hats • Glow sticks – Green for Ecstasy – Yellow for Ketamine
Ecstasy “candies” • • • Tootsie Rolls Skittles M & M’s Sweeties Smarties.
Associated Drugs associated with the rave scene used to lessen, reduce or come down from the prolonged effects of Ecstasy include: GHB Ketamine Nitric Oxide.
Finally, all to often…
What is GHB? • A colorless, odorless fluid causing intoxication and increased energy • Common slang names: G, Gamma-OH, Liquid E, Liquid X, Scoop, Water, Everclear, Jib, Soap, Easy Lay, Georgia Home Boy, Cherry Meth, Woman’s Viagra…
Effects of GHB • • Coma Seizures Insomnia Anxiety Tremors Somnolence Dizziness Nausea • • Vomiting Weakness Confusion Agitation Hallucinations Unconsciousness Respiratory distress.
Common or Subjective Effects Disinhibition Sedation Desire to sleep Rambling incoherent speech • Giddiness • Slurred speech • Passing out • • Happiness Increased energy Desire to socialize Affectionate & playful Enhanced sexual experience • Silliness. • • •
Biological Effects of GHB • Onset of effect orally in 20 -30 minutes, peak around 1 -2 hours and duration is about 2 -4 hours • Initial feeling of euphoria with reduced inhibitions, similar to alcohol intoxication then nausea, anxiety, confusion and amnesia • Sold as a food supplement in health stores.
GBL – Gamma Butyrolactone Precursor of GHB Analog Terms: • Originally marketed as a degreasing solvent or floor stripper • When consumed they turn into GHB in the body 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Blue Nitro Revivarant Revitalize Plus Serenity Thunder Nectar Firewater Verv Invigorate Weight Belt Cleaner Enliven
Paraphernalia • • Water bottles Eye droppers Nasal sprays Vial bottles.
Methods of Consumption • Usually in liquid form – Water bottles – Mixed drinks • Powder form – Inhaling becoming more popular.
What is Ketamine? • A colorless fluid or white crystallized powder • Animal anesthetic • Slang names include: K, Cat Valium, Jet, super acid, K hole, Special K, Ketaject, Vitamin K, Kit. Kat, green. . .
Methods of Consumption • Usually in liquid form – Mixed with drinks – Water bottles • Evaporated into powder – Inhaled – Sprinkled on marijuana and smoked.
Biological Effects of Ketamine • Onset of effect in 5– 15 minutes, peaks around 30 minutes and duration is about 1 -2 hours • Initial feeling of numbing and euphoria similar to PCP, then confusion and amnesia • Dissociative behavior, a splitting from reality.
Effects of Ketamine • • Dissociative behavior Unconsciousness Hallucinations Loss of body control Body numbing Agitation Confusion • Amnesia • Near death experiences (NDE) • Difficulty in communication • Lowers heart rate • Depression • Overdoses can be fatal
What is Rohypnol? • Sold in pill or capsule form. Dissolves in liquid • Used for sleep disorders • Illegal in USA • Common slang names: Roofies, mind erasers, Mexican Valium, R-2, forget-me-pill, Ropies, Roach, Roll-and-Fall, Roofenol…
Biological Effects of Rohypnol • Onset in 20 -30 minutes, peaks in 2 hours and duration is about 6 -8 hours • Initial feeling of drowsiness and muscle relaxation • Mild hypnotic feeling • 10 times more powerful than Valium.
Effects of Rohypnol Drowsiness Confusion Impaired motor skills Dizziness Impaired judgment Reduced levels of consciousness • Amnesia • • • If Mixed with Alcohol: Low blood pressure Respiratory depression Difficulty breathing Coma Death
What is Oxy. Contin? • Highly effective pain reliever for moderate to severe pain • Semi-synthetic opioid analgesic • Common slang names: Oxy, OC, killer, hillbilly heroin, crush, Oxy 80…
Biological Effects of Oxy. Contin • Onset in 2 -5 minutes, peaks in 30 to 60 minutes and duration is up to 6 hours • Initial “rush” feeling, then drowsiness • Similar effects to heroin.
Methods of Consumption • Pill or capsule form – Crushed and snorted – Diluted in water • Injected • Swallowed.
Effects of Oxy. Contin • • Drowsiness Dizziness Confusion Euphoria Headache Nausea Vomiting Dry mouth Constipation Cramps Rash Sweating Increased urinary production • Severe itching • Warm, flushed skin. • • •
FENTANYL Fentanyl is sold as; Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze. 38
Common Predatory Drugs
Referral Sites: • • • www. project. GHB. org www. clubdrugs. org www. antidrug. org www. theantidrug. com www. streetdrugs. org. – Copyright dd
Examples of Addiction Mood Changes • The alcoholic experiences a mood change while drinking at the neighborhood bar • The food addict experiences a mood change while bingeing or starving • The addictive gambler experiences a mood change by placing bets on football games and then watching the action on television • The shoplifter experiences a mood change when stealing clothing from a department store • The addictive spender experiences a mood change by going on a shopping spree • The workaholic experiences a mood change by staying at work to accomplish another task even though they are needed at home.
Additional Information • For any Further questions or concerns please contact SRO Officer Fawcett at Sam@townofstevensville. com or call the Stevensville Police Department or Stevensville High School. • If you see any signs that concern you or need immediate assistance DAIL 911. Don’t wait. • The Stevensville Police Department and Stevensville School have more information and resources to assist you with counseling and information.
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