Many Canadian teens have experimented with drugs at one point or another. What can a parent do to prevent drug use/abuse and how do you know if it is happening in your home? The key is to keep the lines of communication open, inform yourself (ask questions) and to have the conversation about drugs with your teens. Remember that the drug world is not static. It is constantly evolving. Keep asking questions and developing your knowledge base. Some of the information here will be common knowledge and some will be new and alarming. More importantly, it is a reminder of the seriousness of drug use among the youth. This is the first of a three-part series about Drugs: Education, Prevention and Intervention.
Marijuana, pot, grass, weed or Mary Jane is the most commonly used illegal drug in Canada and the most popular with Canadian teens. It is made of the flowering tops and dried leaves of the hemp plant; hash comes from the sticky resin that coats the flowers. Often rolled and smoked, marijuana affects coordination, concentration and reaction time making it dangerous to drive a car or ride a bike. It can also be digested (baked in cookies or brownies). Signs of use include red eyes, increased appetite, and change in friends. Today’s Marijuana is not what was being smoked in the 60’s. Fillers are added to keep the customer coming back. These can include formaldehyde, crystals and even Windex.
Synthetic drugs are man-made with the effects of other illegal drugs. Among them are:
• MDMA, also Known as Ecstasy, Molly, the love drug, Adam, XTC or E is a stimulant or hallucinogen that releases serotonin, the feel-good brain chemical. It comes in tablets or capsules and in various colours and shapes causing euphoria, anxiety, loss of inhibition. Signs of use include rapid blinking, confusion and sleep for days after coming down. The music industry has come under fire recently for “promoting” this club drug as many artists have referred to it in their songs.
• Methamphetamine, Crystal Meth, Ice, Chalk or Speed is a stimulant that comes in powder, crystal and tablet form. The effects are alertness, excessively talkative, paranoia and increased heart rate. Signs of use are blurred vision, vital signs, restlessness and tremors. With this drug, like Forest Gump said “…You never know what you’re going to get.” Capsules on the market are often less than 5% pure, making it one of the most impure drugs.
Cocaine, freebase, dust, snow is a stimulant drug made from the leaves of the South American coca bush. This white powder is inhaled, snorted or when injected as a liquid, crack is the most highly-addictive form. The user will initially feel energetic, confident, excitement but once the high fades, paranoia, agitation and inability to sleep sets in. As a highly addictive drug, cocaine can cause sinus infections, heart attack, weight loss, depression and is easy to overdose on.
The newest drug to surface among youth is Salvia, an herb in the sage family. For generations, the shamans in Oaxaca, Mexico have used it as part of spiritual and healing ceremonies. This hallucinogen is legally available in Canada and is classified as a Natural Health Product. Easily accessible and found online, the Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey by Health Canada reports that more young people aged 15 to 24 have tried salvia than crack or cocaine and speed. Health Canada is currently studying the prevalence of Salvia use and is considering listing it as a controlled substance.
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