Student Support Services

SDFS - Current Drug Trends

Alcohol

Still one of the most widely abused drug by adolescents

Still viewed as an acceptable “rite of passage”. Today, rapid ingestion is very popular, including beer bongs. "Binge drinking is very popular among youth and can lead to alcohol poisoning or death.

Remember, if you provide alcohol to anyone under age 21, you could go to jail for 1 year and pay a $3,000 fine.

Marijuana

Most commonly abused illicit drug among adolescents

Today is more potent than in the past (up to 18% THC).

Effects of Marijuana on the Brain. Researchers have found that THC changes the way in which sensory information gets into and is acted on by the hippocampus. This is a component of the brain's limbic system that is crucial for learning, memory, and the integration of sensory experiences with emotions and motivations. Investigations have shown that THC suppresses neurons in the information-processing system of the hippocampus. In addition, researchers have discovered that learned behaviors, which depend on the hippocampus, also deteriorate.

For those that think Marijuana is harmless, consider this…200,000 people enter treatment for cannabis dependence annually—half of them under the age 20

Marijuana is addictive. 1 in 11 people who use marijuana become addicted.

Methamphetamine

A drug with immense abuse potential

Methamphetamine (known on the street as "speed," "meth," "crank," " crystal-meth," and "glass") is a central nervous system stimulant of the amphetamine family.

Like cocaine, it is a powerful "upper" that produces alertness and elation, along with a variety of adverse reactions.

The effects of methamphetamine, however, are much longer lasting than the effects of cocaine , yet the cost is much the same. For that reason, methamphetamine is sometimes called the "poor man's cocaine."

MDMA (Ecstasy )

A methamphetamine with hallucinogenic properties.
Sold in pill or capsule form, but “buyer beware” the pills might contain caffeine, heroin, methamphetamine, psilocybin, or ephedrine.

There is no quality control with illicit drugs and over-the-counter.

Prescription Drugs

Ritalin abuse on the rise. Easy access. Crushed and snorted for quicker effect.

Oxycontin – narcotic painkiller.

Pharming: Involves mixing a variety of depressants and stimulants such as: Ritalin, Percocet, Adderall, Valium, Tylenol, Vicodin, or Xanax Over the Counter Medications. A cocktail” of prescription pills.

Dextromethorphan (DXM) – main ingredient in cough tablets/ syrups.

Common over the counter drug names are: Robitussin, Vicks Formula 44, Triaminic, Coricidin, Sudafed and Contac.

Intoxication comes from swallowing large doses of cough syrup, known as “robo-dosing” or “robo-tripping” or taking large doses of cough suppressant pills.

Street names DXM, “robo”, “skittles”, “vitamin D”, “dex”, and “tussin”.

Coricidin —cough tablets, kids take minimum of three up to 8-9.
“Triple C”.

Ephedrine : A.K.A. No Doze, Pep-N-Energy, many diet pills, etc.

Inhalants

More popular among younger teens (cheap, easy access)

Examples are paint thinners, gasoline, glues, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), whippets, any aerosols

Signs of use can be chemical odors on breath or clothing, hidden paint cans or containers

Symptoms of use are slurred speech, nausea, lack of coordination,
and depression.

Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic Marijuana:

Synthetic Marijuana is generally a smoking blend made of herbs and spices and sprayed with synthetic cannibinoids which mimic the effects of cannabis. It has also been known to be ingested. It is used for its mood-altering effects and is up to 10 times the potency of marijuana. Synthetic marijuana comes under a variety of names including DOA, K2 Sky and Bay Spice.

Side effects can include hallucinations, vomiting, dangerously elevated heart rate and blood pressure, agitation, anxiety attacks and disorientation. There is an extreme danger of overdose, especially when ingested.

Even though the DEA has put emergency scheduling authority on synthetic marijuana, it is still being sold over the internet and in some "head shops" (usually advertised as "incense") "Synthetic marijuana" is being sold under a variety of names.

Bath Salts:

Bath Salts contain mephedrone, a synthetic form of the stimulant cathinone. It's often sold under namers such as Ivery Wave, White Lightning, Bliss and Vanilla Sky and have been sold for $40 to $140 a gram.

Bath Salts can be smoked, snorted, ingested or injected. Bath Salts come in a variety of forms including clear capsules or foil packets with white powder.

Bath Salts have many adverse reactions and have caused deaths around the country. This synthetic drug can cause hallucinations, violent behavior, sweating, high temperatures, vomiting, rapids heart rates and cardiac problems.

Bath Salt users may also be depressed, restless, suicidal and paranoid.

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