The
current lack of substance abuse and mental health treatment for
juveniles is a scandal. A SAMHSA study compared adolescents with
serious behavioral problems, such as physical aggression and stealing,
to adolescents with a low degree of behavioral problems. Those
with serious behavioral problems were 7 times more likely to be
dependent on alcohol or illicit drugs. Boston University
School of Public Health
Tobacco's
Toll: 425,983 kids have become regular smokers in 2003. 136,315
will die prematurely from their addiction. Campaign
for Tobacco-Free Kids is fighting to create a healthier environment.
The Campaign is one of the largest non-governmental initiatives
to protect children from tobacco.
Alcohol
use is portrayed as a regular feature of leisure activities, and
children see ads and billboards targeting underage drinkers. Children
attend events, sponsored by alcohol companies or where drinking
alcohol is customary (e.g., weddings and social gatherings). Society
tells children alcohol use is accepted, expected, and essential
to a good time.
Fact
Sheet: The Hidden Costs of Childhood Drinking: America Confronts
Disturbing Facts About Alcohol Use by Children Ages 9 to 15 (PDF)
2000
National Household Survey on Drug Abuse -- US youth tobacco
use declines, overall drug use stable, Illicit drug use has declined,
among youths and young adults.
Warning
Signs -- Symptoms of drug use vary from person to person.
The most important warning signs to look for are big changes in
general, including physical appearance, personality, attitude
or behavior.
21
Days in the Wild for Troubled Teens -- Dan and Hilary Saracino
watched as their delightful son grew into a street-hardened, macho
teenager with drug and alcohol problems.
Family
Risk Factors and Adolescent Substance Use --Moderation Effects
for Temperament Dimensions
Binge-Drinking-Related
Consequences in College Students --Role of Drinking Beliefs
and Mother - Teen Communications
Prohibition
Has Not Curtailed Marijuana Use by Adolescents
Supreme
Court Allows School Drug Tests - By a 5-4 margin, an opinion
written by Justice Clarence Thomas, the court expanded the right
of school systems to conduct drug tests. They ruled in an Oklahoma
case that it is "entirely reasonable for the school district to
enact this particular drug testing policy."
Trauma
and Stress in Early Life increases vulnerability to cocaine
addiction in adulthood -- Trauma in early life has been shown
to increase vulnerability to drug addiction. Yale
Drug
Mistreatment -- American teenagers are forced into drug treatment
programs each year by schools, parents, or the courts despite
not having any serious drug problem.
Inhalant
Abuse prevention -- Information on inhalant abuse, dwarning
signs a child may be using inhalants, tips for talking to kids,
downloadable brochure and links to additional information.
More
Columbine carnage - Drugs are suspected in the latest round
of killings in Littleton -- this time at a sandwich shop.
Club
drugs -- Are used by young adults at "raves" or "trances,"
dance clubs, and bars. MDMA (Ecstasy), GHB, Rohypnol, ketamine,
methamphetamine, and LSD are club drugs gaining popularity. Research
has shown club drugs can cause health problems and death. Used
with alcohol, these drugs are more dangerous. Dance
Safe! is a harm reduction organization promoting health and
safety within the rave and nightclub community. The
easy to obtain, inexpensive, colorless and odorless GHB is being
used more often by teens with some dying from it. The drug provides
a relaxed, uninhibited feeling. The FDA banned the drug's sale
nationwide in 1991. Boston University School of
Public Health
Kari
& Associates
PO Box 7126
Olympia, WA 98507