Substance Abuse Prevention Counsellor (SD #22 – Vernon, BC, Canada)Mr. Doug Rogers, M.Ed, MPE, C.C.A.D.C., I.C.A.D.C.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SUBSTANCE ABUSE 101101

This question plagues most parents and it is not easily answered.

To Feel Grown UpChildren and teens like to imitate adult behavior. They are constantly bombarded

with media messages challenging them to be more grown-up. Sometimes we needto take steps to model appropriate attitudes towards alcohol and other drugs bybeing good role models and by pointing out examples of irresponsible behavior.

Sending out clear messages will help teens make healthy and safe choices.

To Fit In & BelongChildren and teens want others to like them. Sometimes they become part of a drugusing crowd or other times they use alcohol or other drugs to feel like they fit in, to

change their personality or to give themselves courage to talk to other people.

To Relax & Feel GoodAdolescence is a difficult time. Some young people think that alcohol or other

drugs will help them forget about the stresses of adolescence.

To Take Risks & RebelAll young people need to learn to take risks. It’s part of growing up. However, it is

important for young people to recognize which risks are safe to take. As a parent you need to communicate boundaries, rules, and expectations.

So How Do We Help?Help your child deal with peer pressure. Remain a supportive caregiver and send

clear messages to your child.Help your child act appropriately in social situations. Teach your child to be a good

friend and listener.Help your child build solid relationships with others.

Look for programs that help your child stay healthy and active.

TOBACCO What is tobacco? Tobacco smoke is made with thousands of dangerous components, the main ones being NICOTINE, TAR, and, CARBON MONOXIDE. Nicotine is the active ingredient in tobacco; tar causes cancers and bronchial disorders; and carbon monoxide is linked to heart disease. Smoking is especially harmful to teens because their bodies are still developing and changing, and the 4,000 chemicals (200 known poisons) in cigarettes can greatly affect this process. Cigarettes are also very addictive, both psychologically and physically, and can be a major gateway to other forms of drug use.

Short Term:Weight loss, tooth decay, loss of breath, discolored teeth, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, increased stress levels, constricted blood vessels.

Long Term:Increased risk for lung cancer and other cancers, increased risk for heart attacks and heart disease, impaired sense of smell, decreased physical stamina, wrinkles skin, andincreased risk for lung disease.

Teens, including addicted smokers, quit smoking only when they want to do so. You can show you care, and ask them how you can help. Most smokers don’t know how you can help, and will often ask to be left alone. Expressing concern and offering support can provide smokers with the determination to quit. For some smokers, nicotine gum or the patch can help fight the habit and is a good start to quitting.

Did you know alcohol is a drug? It is a depressant that affects the central nervous system and it can be just as harmful to you as illegal drugs. It affects virtually every organ in the body and chronic use can lead to numerous preventable diseases, including alcoholism. Today, alcohol is the most widely used and abused drug by teens.

Short Term:

Alcohol misuse can lead to the following short term effects: initially decreased blood pressure; it thins the blood; it

can lead to impotence; overuse can lead to vomiting and unconsciousness. Long Term:

Cirrhosis of the liver, mouth and throat cancer, gastritis, pancreatic, weakened muscle fiber, memory loss, alcohol dependence, and death.

Needing a drink to start off the daySneaking extra drinks, gulping drinks

Frequent HangoversMaking excuses for drinking

Absenteeism from school and work

Teenagers can rapidly become addicted to alcohol because a young person’s liver metabolizes alcohol faster than an adult’s. Teens may build up a tolerance to the drug, needing more and more alcohol to

achieve the same effect.

MARIJUANA contains two of the most powerful carcinogens (cancer causing substances known to man). Marijuana is the most underestimated dangerous street drug used today. The so-called high from marijuana is not a high at all. Marijuana doesn’t create a delight, it dulls emotions. THC is the main ingredient in marijuana. High levels of THC are turning up in new, high potency forms of pot. Only a while ago, the majority of marijuana sold averaged about 1 or 2 percent of the drug, which was plenty. Today, you find pot with a THC content of 15 or even 25 percent. Moreover, marijuana stays in the body up to 28 days after use.

Short Term:Increases heart rate; changes sex drive; lowers blood pressure; slows reaction time;

distorts perception of reality; impairs vision and concentration; impairs decision making,and short term memory.

Long Term:Increases risk for lung cancer; increases risk for heart and lung damage; psychological dependence occurs with use of the drug; immune system impairment; decrease sperm

count; may increase risk of permanent brain damage.

Lack of motivation and decreased work performanceLoss of short term memoryMood changes/ outbursts of angerDepression and decreased concentration span

A change in behavior/blank staresCarefree about physical appearanceLoss of weight and sleepinessRed eyes and fatigue

They’re all over your house. They’re in your child’s school. In fact, you probably picked some up the last time you went to the grocery store. What are they? Inhalants. They are fast becoming the drug of choice for young people.

What is Inhalant Use?

Inhalant use refers to the intentional breathing of gas or vapors with the purpose of reaching a high. Inhalants are legal products available in most grocery or hardware stores. Inhalants have a useful purpose, but are dangerous when misused. Inhalant use is often referred to as huffing.

What Products Are Used As Inhalants?You will be surprised at the number of products which can be used as an inhalant. Here is a list in which can be found in your home and garage.

Adhesives such as model airplane glue, rubber cement.

Aerosols such as spray paint, hairspray or air freshener.

Solvents such as nail polish remover, paint thinner, gasoline.

Food products such as vegetable cooking spray or whipped cream cans.

What Do Inhalants Do To The Body?Inhalants slow down the body’s functions. In a matter of seconds, inhalants pass into the

lungs and bloodstream, going quickly to the body’s vital organs.

Heart PalpitationsBreathing DifficultyDizzinessHeadaches

SneezingNauseaSlow ReflexesLack of Coordination

Short Term Effects Long Term Effects

Muscle WeaknessDecrease or loss of sense of smellNausea & NosebleedsViolent Behavior

Irregular HeartbeatLiver, Lung, Kidney ImpairmentNervous System DamageBrain Damage and Death

Unusual breath or odorSlurred or disoriented speech

Drunk, dazed or dizzy appearanceRed or runny eyes or nose

Spots or sores around the mouthNausea and or loss of appetite

Remain calm and do not panic. Do not excite the abuser when under the influence as they might become violent.

If the person is conscious, keep him/her in a well ventilated room.If the person is unconscious, call for help.

Once the person is recovered, seek professional help for the abuser.

If someone is an inhalant abuser, some or all of these symptoms may be evident.

What are they?Hallucinogens are drugs that change a person’s mental state to the point where their senses are affected. Hallucinogens include a wide variety of substances including angel dust, magic mushrooms, LSD or acid.

Immediate Behavior EffectsChange in moodChange in perception (vision/hearing etc.)Panic due to loss of controlUnpredictable behaviorViolent behaviorAnxietyBad trips or unpleasant episodes may occur with the use of this drug.Flashbacks where the user re-experiences the effects of a bad trip days,weeks, or years after the use of the drug

Immediate Physical EffectsIncreased heart rate and blood pressureLack of muscular controlIncoherent speechDecreased awareness of touch and pain that can result in self-inflicted injuriesConvulsions

Long Term EffectsBrain DamageImpaired memory and poor attentionspanPermanent personality changeSuicideDeath

WHAT IS PSILOCYBIN? Psilocybin is the active ingredient in the psilocybe mexicana mushroom and some other mushrooms. Psilocybin and psilocin are

chemically related to both LSD and DMT. It can be taken as a mushroom or in capsulescontaining white powder. What is sold as psilocybin usually turns out to be

PCP or LSD.

Short TermTHE EFFECTS ARE FELT AFTER 30 MIN. AND LAST SEVERAL HRS.

Sensation of relaxation or fatigue, separation from surroundings, heaviness or lightness and hallucinations. Larger doses produce distortions, dizziness, abdominal pain, numbness

of the mouth, nausea, shivering, panic attacks, and sweating.Long Term

The effects can cause impairment functioning and poor performance on attention tests. However no long-term effects have been reported.

After using psilocybin the user must abstain from it for several days to regain sensitivity.This tolerance crosses over to LSD and DMT. Chronic users may become psychologically

dependent. Psilocybin is not known to cause physical dependence.

Ecstasy is a central nervous system stimulant. It speeds up the processes of the centralnervous system. Primarily, it affects the brain which is the control centre for all our thoughts, actions and sensations. An ecstasy user will not sense hunger or fatigue.

When the ecstasy high wears off the user will become severely depressed and very tired.

Ecstasy EffectsThe short term effects take between 20 minutes to one our to appear after swallowingthe pill or capsule. Initial effects include:

Dry mouthDilated pupilsTingling sensationIncreased blood pressureIncreased heart rate

Possibility of a “bad trip” or a less than enjoyable experiencePsychological dependence and tolerance may developDrug sellers may deceive users wishing to buyecstasy. A wide range of products have been passedoff as ecstasy. Nine pills out of ten sold in Vernon as ecstasy are not pure MDMA. Most, are forms of Crystal Meth.

Severe dehydration. Some users don’t notice how tired they are from the drug’s stimulating effects. Their body temperatures continue to rise and they continueto strain their muscles; thus putting them at high risk for dehydration or organ failure.

An ecstasy “high” last between 4-7 hours. When the ecstasy user “crashes” he/she will become severelydepressed and tired. As ecstasy effects the brain,coordination and vision are impaired making itimpossible to drive a motor vehicle.

Risks Ecstasy Users Take:As with most drug use there is a certain amount of risk the user takes; the same can besaid for ecstasy use. Here are some of the risks ecstasy users take:

Just the FactsDescriptionCocaine is classified as a Central NervousSystem Stimulant. It speeds up most of the body’s systems. Immediate effects includefeelings of alertness and excitement, along with talkativeness and decreased appetite.Because cocaine is such a powerful stimulantit gives the user the illusion of limitless power and energy; however, it will leave the user feeling depressed, edgy and craving more cocaine.Cocaine is also known as coke, snow, flake, or blow. Cocaine in powder form is usually “snorted” into the nostrils.

Some Cocaine users spend thousands of dollars to support their habit.

Cocaine is highly addictive and dangerous.Cocaine is often combined with kitchen products to increase its impact. So cocaine users risk using an impure product.

Short Term EffectsThe short term effects appear soon after a single dose and disappear within a few minutes or hours.These physical effects include:Accelerated heart beat and breathingIncreased blood pressureIncreased body temperatureEuphoric feelingsIncreased energyIncreased mental alertnessDispels the need for food or sleep

Long Term Health RisksBy using cocaine you risk:Increases in blood pressure, heart rate, breathingrate and the body temperature.Heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory failureOverdose. Even one dose can be fatal

Tips For TeensWhat are they?Anabolic steroids are testosterone or testosterone-like drugs which produce greater muscular bulk. They have been used as performance –enhancing and body building drugs by athletes since the late 1950’s. However,

steroid use is not limited to professional or top amateur athletes. Increasingly, high school students have reported using steroids to improve athletic ability and look better.

Major Side EffectsThe major side effects of steroid

use include:

In MalesTesticular shrinkageReduced sperm countInfertilityBaldnessDevelopment of breasts

In FemalesFacial hairIrregular menstrual cycleEnlargement of clitorisDeepened voice

Roid RageSteroids can affect individuals in many ways. Changes in emotions is one way. In particular, it is thought steroid use creates fluxuations in a users emotional state. These changes include:Aggression:Increased feelings of irritability and aggression keeping the user constantly “on the edge”. Thus generating strong feelings of anger or hostility.

Addiction & Dependence:Steroid users may experience withdrawal symptoms once they discontinue steroid use.Depression:When a user discontinues steroid use body size decreases and self-esteem usually lowers. These changes produce a depressive state in the user.

Liver tumorsJaundiceFluid retentionHigh blood pressure

Severe AcneYellowing of skin and eyesTremblingWeakening of tendons

What is heroin? Heroin is a semi-synthetic narcotic that’s been around

just a little longer than the 20th century’s been around. Today heroin is becoming more and more popular among teens. Heroin can be used in a number of ways. The drug

can be injected, snorted, smoked or swallowed. The effects of heroin are almost instantly felt and last from 3 to 4 hours. Once the drug is in the body the user is hooked, requiring

a continuous increase of the drug just to take off the edge. This increase in the dosage can lead to an overdose and even death. While addiction to heroin is

physiological – involving the central nervous system and other body systems affected bythe drug – it also involves a strong psychological component, which can continue to make life difficult for an ex-user months or years after the physical craving for the drug has gone.

Short Term:Diarrhea and severe crampsInsomniaPossible needle infectionDecreased heart rate and respiration ratesDecreased in body temperatures and blood pressure

Long Term:Coma and brain damageConstipationMuscle deteriorationPossible needle infectionPhysical and psychological addiction

Rohypnol hasrecently gaineda reputation asthe “date rape”drug. Rohypnol is also known as roofies, the forgetpill, or rope. The drug creates asleepy, relaxed and drunk feelingthat lasts 2 – 8hours. “Roofies”are often used incombination withalcohol and other drugs. When used incombination with alcohol “roofies” producedisinhibition and amnesia. Rohypnol has been misused; as a result, the drug cannot be purchased legally in Canada or United States.How Can You Protect Yourself From Rohypnol?Obviously, education is the most important tool to protecting yourself or someone you know from rohypnol.

The “Date Rape Drug/Forget Pill”

Rohypnol

Similar to Valium, but 10x stronger

Known to cause temporary amnesia, muscle relaxation, sleep, and to impair motor skills

When rohypnol is added to alcohol it should leave a bitter taste, should turn a light colored drink blue and should leave small chunky pieces in your drink. Moreover, a typicalrohypnol victim will:Feel dizzy and disorientated about 10 minutes after ingesting the drug.The victim may experience difficulty speaking and moving and then pass out.A rohypnol victim should not be left alone. A good friend should stay with the victim keeping a caring eye on him or her.

The drug can be detected up to 3 days after ingestion. The most important way to protect yourself is by following this basic rule: Never accept a drink from someone you don’t know, and never leave your drink unattended.

Intensifies the effects of alcohol and other drugs

Prescription Drug Abuse• Significant increase in the past 10 years.• Seven of the top 10 drugs being misused by high-school seniors are legal prescription or over-

the-counter medications

Signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse depend on the particular drug. The most commonly abused prescription drugs are:

• Opioid painkillers, such as oxycodone (OxyContin) and those containing hydrocodone (Vicodin)

• Sedatives and tranquilizers, such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) • Stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), that are used to treat

attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleep Other prescription drug abuse symptoms include: • Stealing, forging, ‘losing’ or selling prescriptions. Seeking prescription from more than one

doctor.• Taking higher doses than prescribed • Excessive mood swings• Increase or decrease in sleep

Crystal MethStreet Names• Crystal• Crank• Jib• Yaba• Gak• Meth• Speed• Glass• Ice• Poorman’s coke• Duck• Yak

Methods of Use• Smoke• Ingest (parachute)• Inject (bang)• Snort

Bait Car

Appearance

EFFECTS OF METH

• Has euphoric effects that last 9-12 times longer than cocaine.

• Depletes dopamine – long term use can cause permanent paranoid psychosis.

• Tolerance begins after first use.• Introduce Meth to a group of people, 90%

would become addicted after first use.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A USER

• Extremely paranoid• High pain threshold• Irrational thought

process• Hallucinations• Hyperactivity• Anxious/tension/

nervousness

• Open sores all over their body

• Skinny• Dark circles under eyes• Strong odor (urine)• Increase in heart rate

and breathing• Insomnia

WHAT METH CAN DO FOR YOU…

MORE METH USE…

SOME ITEMS NEEDED TO MAKE METH

• Psuedoephedrine (cold tablets ie: Sudafed, Eltor 120…) or ephedrine

• Anhydrous Amonia• Sulfuric Acid (drain cleaner)• Muriatic Acid (pool cleaner)• Battery Acid (lithium batteries)• Ether (quick start for motors)• Any other solvents (ie:Coleman Fuel, Acetone…)

The Silent ForceEspecially For Children & YouthIt’s the silent force that influences the decisions we make every day whether we know it or not. What is it you ask? Peer Pressure

What Is Peer Pressure?It’s when your peers (people your own age) try to influence how you think or act. Peer pressure can be both positive(influencing you to participate in sports) and negative (influencing you to do use drugs or alcohol).

How To Beat Peer Pressure Without Losing FaceThere’s an easy equation to beat peer pressure and still look “cool” in the process. It’s a matter of respecting yourself and making the decision that’s right for you. Follow this four-step process for sure-fire results:

Step 1: Find Out What’s Really Going OnConsider the situation including who you are with, what they are doing, and how they are acting. Trust your

instincts. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.Step 2: Think About The Consequences

Consider all the possible consequences (positive and negative) of your actions. How will you feel about your decision in the morning? Could you get into trouble?

Step 3: Make Your Own DecisionThis means deciding what’s right for you based on the possible consequences and the effect on your self-esteem.

Think about who you are making the decision for.Step 4:Tell Others You Decision

This is probably the most difficult step. However, remember a true friend will respect your decision no matter what.If your friends are making you feel uncomfortable make a quick exit.

Frequently Asked Questions: How Can I Fit In Without Using Drugs?If your friends are true friends, they will listen to your views and respect your decision as a non-user. They may even reconsider choices they’ve made along the way. Remember to stay true to decisions you have made. You don’t need to preach about non-use, because the example you’ve set is more powerful than all the speeches in theworld about the dangers of drugs.

DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILD TO GET INVOLVED WITH HEALTHY AND POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES TO ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS?

The first step to getting your children involved is being aware of what is available in Vernon. For a small town there are many different clubs and activities for youth to get involved with. In this manual we provide an extensive listing of youth programs listing everything from crime prevention to after-hours recreation programs.

So now you ask, what is the second step? The second step in promoting these programs to your children and encouraging your children to get involved. Many surveys suggest that children and youth who are involved with alternative extra-curricular activities do not succumb to drug-using behavior. In fact, these activities often provide a shield to negative influences such as peer pressure.

Finally, these are many different opportunities for parents to get involved. When parents get involved they send the message that they care. Moreover, children learn by watching their parents. If parents promote non-drug using behavior, they send clear messages about their values and priorities.

Help For Parents

Is Your Child Using Drugs? How To Find OutThe mood swings and unpredictable behavior of the teen and teen years often make it hard to tell if a child is using drugs-but there are warning signsyou can watch out for. If your child exhibits one or more of the following behaviors or moods, drugs may have become a part of his or her life:

She’s withdrawn, depressed, tired or careless about her personal grooming.

He’s hostile, uncooperative, and frequently breaks curfews.

Her relationships with family members have deteriorated.

He’s hanging around a new group of friends.

Her grades have slipped, and her school attendance is irregular.

He’s lost interest in hobbies, sports, and other favorite activities.

Her eating and sleeping pattern have changed; she’s up during the night and sleeping through the day.

He has a hard time concentrating.

Her eyes are red-rimmed and her nose is runny-but she doesn’t have allergies or a cold

Household money is disappearing.

You have found any of the following in your home: pipes, rolling papers,

small medicine bottles, eye drops, butane lighters, homemade pipes, or bongs

(pipes that use water as a filter) made from soda cans or plastic beverage containers.

Some of these indicators can be caused by emotional problems or physical illness. Discuss the possibility with your child’s doctor and, if necessary, take him for a physical exam.If illness is not the problem, it’s time to choose a course of action.

Tips To Keep In Mind And Put To UseKids and drugs. It be an overwhelming issue to deal with-but it doesn’t have to be. All you really need to begin are the tips on this page. Put them into practice and your kids will reap the rewards of healthy drug-free lives.

1. Be your kids’ greatest fan. Compliment them on all their efforts, and strength of their character and their individuality.2. Get your kids involved in adult-supervised after-school activities. Ask them what types of activities they are interested in and contact the school principal or guidance counselor to find out what activities are available for your child. Sometimes it takes a bit of experimenting to find out which activities your kids are best suited for,but it’s worth the effort. Feeling competent makes kids much less likely to use drugs.3. Help your kids develop tools they can use to get out of Alcohol –or drug-related situations. Let them know they can use you as an excuse: “My mom would kill me if I drank a beer!”4. Get to know your children’s friends and their parents. Set appointments for yourself to call them and check-in to make sure they share your views on alcohol, Tobacco, and other drugs. Steer your kids away from any friends who use drugs.5. Call kids’ parents if their home is used for a party. Make sure that the party will be alcohol-free and supervised by adults.6. Set curfews and enforce them. Let kids know the consequences if breaking curfew.7. Encourage open dialogue with your children about their experiences. Make sure your children understand that they can ask you anything-and that you’ll be give them an honest answer.8. Set a no-use rule for alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.9. Make, and enforce, clear rules.10. Show you care enormously about the choices your children make about drugs.11. Plan regular parent-child activities that both of you enjoy.12. Emphasize the things your children do right instead of only focusing on what’s wrong.13. Talk early and often about drugs, especially about the consequences of using them.14. Really listen to your children.15. Take advantage of every day “teachable moments” to discuss drugs.16. Arrange to have your children looked after or involved in activities from 3-5 pm, the time most trouble occurs.17. Make sure children who are unattended for periods during the day feel your presence by leaving them notes and talking to them on the phone.18. Make it easy for you child to leave a place where drugs are being used by offering to pick them up at any time.

1. You are important in prevention. When it comes to substance misuse, the quality of family life and relationships, which you help determine, are strong buffers against serious problems.2. The perfect parent is a myth. Because every family and every child is different, there is no perfectparenting method. But with effort, we can all find better ways to parent.3. You are you child’s number one teacher. Don’t leave it up to the school or community to teach your children to avoid drugs. And don’t be afraid to start talking with your children about medications,alcohol and other substances early.4. Your children need you. They need your love and reassurance that they have an important place in the family. They will feel better about themselves knowing this. And when they have a concern about things like drugs, they may be more likely to talk to you about it.5. Don’t be afraid to set limits. Reasonable but firm rules and expectations are strong protective factors for children. Be frank and honest in setting rules about alcohol or other drug use, and be firm in knowing where yourchildren are and when they are expected home.6. You are an important role model. You are your child’s most enduring example. By acting responsibly with medications, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, you are teaching your child an important lesson.7. There are no guarantees. Even if we do all we can, a child may still misuse substances. Often the parent’s first response is one of guilt and self-blame. Remember: your children are individuals and ultimately will make their own decisions. We can influence our children, but we cannot control their every action. The first step in helping a child is to help him/her accept responsibility.

For MORE INFO:Call: Mental Health & Addictions Information Line at 1-800-661-2121

For HELP:Call: Alcohol & Drug Referral Services at 1-800-663-1441 Vernon Alcohol and Drug Services at 549-5737

Where To Get Information:B.C. Partners for Mental Health and Addictions

http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/

Canadian Centre on Substance Abusewww.ccsa.ca

Center for Addiction & Mental Healthwww.camh.net

My Room (for kids)www.aadac4kids.com

Zoot2 (for teens)www.zoot2.com

Crisis Line545-233924-hr.