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The Drug Landscape and Its Impact on Children
Learn about the challenges faced by children in the drug landscape and how early conversations can make parenting easier.
During a conversation with my 15-year-old cousin battling drug addiction, I asked him why quitting was such a struggle. His response struck a chord. He said, “Imagine being stuck in a scorching desert, almost dehydrated. When you finally get a sip of water, nothing else matters. That’s how it is with drugs.” He compared the grip of drugs to that intense thirst, saying nothing else seems important when faced with that craving.
But something else struck me during our chat: his parents had never really broached the topic of drugs with him before he ventured into that dangerous territory. Maybe they avoided it because they thought discussing it might spark his curiosity about drugs, or they were not fully clued in on the risks and effects themselves. It is also possible they assumed, as parents often do, that “not my kid.”
The reality, though, is that drugs do not discriminate. They can sneak into anyone’s life at any time. Engaging in early discussions about drug addiction with children offers numerous benefits. Here are additional reasons to underscore its importance.
The importance of early conversation about the Drug Landscape?
It is never too early to have these discussions
It might surprise you, but the influence of parents significantly affects their child’s decision to experiment with drugs. In today’s landscape, where even 8th graders are involved in drug experimentation, initiating these discussions early is more vital than ever.
Drug Use Among Youth: Facts & Statistics
61% Drug use went up among 8th graders between 2016 and 2020.
62% Of teenagers in 12th grade have abused alcohol.
50% Of teenagers have misused a drug at least once.
Engaging in honest, open, and fact-based conversations with trust and respect ensures that children will not be afraid to confide in you when they are caught up in something tricky or feeling worried. This open channel of communication paves the way for early intervention, allowing problems to be nipped in the bud before they grow into something bigger.
For tips on handling challenging conversations, read here: Navigating Tricky Conversations: When, what, and how to talk to children about drugs?
In Maggie Lovenge’s insightful book, she explores the crucial role of early dialogue in parenting, particularly around the challenging Drug Landscape. Lovenge highlights how Evolving Parenting strategies, including open and early conversations about drugs, can significantly ease the parenting journey. Her work offers practical advice on navigating these discussions, emphasizing that knowledge and communication are key to preventing substance abuse.
For those interested in modern parenting techniques and the importance of addressing the Drug Landscape proactively, Lovenge’s book is a valuable resource. If you’re looking for actionable insights to make parenting more manageable and effective in today’s world, consider subscribing for more updates and discussions on evolving parenting and the Drug Landscape. Your engagement and subscription will keep you informed and prepared to tackle parenting challenges with confidence.
Silence speaks loudly too
Typically, children lack accurate information about drugs and often rely on sources like their friends, social media, or television. We cannot allow our children to form their views or decisions based on these sources alone. Furthermore, when we avoid discussing the harmful effects of drugs, our silence might unintentionally suggest to them that drug use is not particularly bad.
Helps us act before danger takes hold
We must help our children understand that when they choose to experiment with drugs today, it might not remain a choice tomorrow; it can quickly turn into an addiction without them even realizing it. Often, when children start experimenting, they believe it will be a temporary thing, and they will quit when they want. However, drugs can manipulate the brain, creating strong cravings that make quitting incredibly challenging. So, before they experiment, they must know what they are signing up for.
Increased risk of Drug Landscape
According to NIH, diving into drugs before turning 15 puts children at higher risk for adult substance dependence, STIs, early pregnancy, and even criminal behavior. It is a serious wake-up call, highlighting why preventing early drug experimentation is crucial to shield our children from these significant and life-altering dangers.
Approximately 50% of adolescents exposed to alcohol and illicit drugs prior to age 15 had no conduct-problem history, yet were still at an increased risk for adult substance dependence, herpes infection, early pregnancy, and crime. Efforts to reduce or delay early substance exposure may prevent a wide range of adult health problems and should not be restricted to adolescents who are already at risk.
Is it important to prevent early exposure to drugs and alcohol among adolescents? – PubMed (nih.gov)
Impact on developing brain
Given that their brains are still maturing, the impact of drugs can be significantly greater on children compared to adults. It is important to understand that as human beings, we are wired to seek activities that make us feel good. For example, when you excel at work, you experience a sense of satisfaction and motivation to continue putting in similar efforts. The key neurotransmitter responsible for these feelings of pleasure is known as dopamine.
Here’s where drugs come into play: they can hijack this natural reward system, causing an excessive release of dopamine. With repeated drug use, the brain adapts to these heightened dopamine levels, leading to a reduction in its natural production. As a result, children begin to derive less pleasure from everyday activities and, consequently, may become increasingly reliant on drugs to experience that sense of satisfaction and pleasure. This dependency can quickly turn into a vicious cycle.
Facilitates preventive measures
According to a study, most parents store prescription drugs at home without taking adequate precautions to keep them away from teens. This lack of precaution often stems from a lack of awareness that these medications can be used to achieve a high. Many parents and teens tend to believe that prescription medicines are safer than street drugs.
However, if parents are well-informed, they can understand the potential dangers associated with certain prescription drugs and how they can be misused to get high. This awareness empowers parents to take appropriate preventive measures to secure these medications and safeguard their teens from potential misuse.
So, now let us take a closer look at the commonly abused drugs by children and how they affect them.
Commonly Used Drugs Among Children and Their Impact
Alcohol
Alcohol, as a legal but highly addictive substance, ranks at the top when it comes to addiction. Due to its widespread use among adults and its ready availability at home, many children perceive its consumption as acceptable.
When children start drinking alcohol early, it can harm their growing brain. It affects parts like the hippocampus and prefrontal lobe. Drinking too much for a long time can cause problems like trouble learning, feeling sad, getting easily annoyed, making bad choices, and doing risky things.
Marijuana
Marijuana is one of the most frequently used drugs among teens and young adults because it is commonly believed that is not harmful. It contains a psychoactive chemical called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), that triggers the release of dopamine responsible for making the user feel good.
Despite debates on its medicinal benefits, the AACAP emphasizes marijuana can harm young brains. Starting early may lead to addiction and affect thinking, problem-solving, memory, learning, and reaction times. Prolonged marijuana use can cause Cannabis Use Disorder and increase the risk of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
Prescription medicines
Children often mistakenly believe that when a doctor prescribes a drug, it is less harmful. What they tend to forget is that doctors prescribe medications based on a patient’s specific medical condition. They provide clear instructions on the appropriate dosage, the quantity to be taken, and any precautions or potential interactions to be aware of while using the medication.
Some of the most abused prescription medicines include:
- Opioids: Opioids, following alcohol and marijuana, are among the most frequently abused drugs. They are usually used to help with pain by stopping the brain from receiving pain signals. According to SAMHSA, commonly misused opioids include oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine, and codeine. Using prescription opioids, the wrong way for too long can make the brain dependent, leading to addiction in just five days. Opioid abuse can change behavior, impair thinking, and cause dizziness, coordination problems, and slow breathing. Mixing opioids with other drugs or alcohol can be life-threatening.
- Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants: These drugs lower brain activity, inducing drowsiness and a sense of calm. Common CNS depressants include benzodiazepines like Valium, Xanax, Ativan, or barbiturates like phenobarbital (Luminal), which are used to treat anxiety, sleep disorders, and seizures. Combining a CNS depressant with alcohol can be life-threatening. Misuse of CNS depressants might present as difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, slurred speech, and delayed reflexes.
- Stimulants: These drugs provide a notable boost in energy and alertness. They are often prescribed for conditions such as obesity, asthma, ADHD, and depression. Misuse can result in decreased appetite, weight loss, irregular heart rate, sleep issues, paranoia, and panic attacks. The risks are amplified when stimulants are used alongside other medications, like decongestants.
Over-the-counter medicines
Most over-the-counter medications used to treat coughs and colds contain an active ingredient known as dextromethorphan (DXM). When used as prescribed, DXM can produce the desired effects. However, if taken in excessive doses or administered through methods like snorting or injection, it can become potentially addictive.
Because it is legal, affordable, and easy to get, teenagers can acquire it readily. Some adolescents may mix DXM cough syrup with alcohol for a strong, intoxicating effect, but it is extremely dangerous. Misusing DXM can lead to a range of additional issues, including numbness, poor coordination, depression, nausea, and an increased risk of brain damage.
Inhalants
Inhalants are often the first drugs teens misuse. They are easy to get, and teens think they are not very addictive. Common household items like gasoline, polish removers, paints, and air fresheners are used as inhalants.
Misusing inhalants can cause serious long-term problems like liver and kidney damage, hearing loss, and in extreme cases, brain damage. It is essential to know that an individual can overdose on inhalants, which may lead to seizures or even stop the heart.
Heroin
Heroin a very addictive illegal drug, is commonly consumed through injection, smoking, or snorting. Injecting is risky and can lead to diseases like Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, and HIV. If you see your child with syringes, facing money problems, or having symptoms like itchiness and sores, act quickly.
Indications of heroin usage comprise euphoria, erratic behavior, drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, hallucinations, and more. An overdose can cause low body temperature, slow breathing, convulsions, coma, and even death.
Cocaine & Crack Cocaine
Cocaine is an extremely addictive substance, capable of triggering addiction after just one use. Crack cocaine, derived from cooking cocaine powder with baking soda, induces a rapid and intense high. Cocaine gives a quick feeling of euphoria and alertness, but it wears off fast, especially with crack cocaine, making users feel nervous and sad, wanting more. Using cocaine raises heart rate and blood pressure. Even after just one use, it can lead to serious risks like heart attacks, strokes, or even death.
Synthetic cannabinoids/Spice/K2
Teens and young adults often use synthetic cannabinoids, known as Spice or K2. Originally designed in labs to mimic marijuana, these compounds are stronger due to their unique chemical makeup.
They are illegal, and makers keep changing the formulas to avoid the law, making the risks unknown. This significantly increases the dangers associated with the drug.
Abusing Spice can lead to various symptoms, including cognitive impairments, suicidal thoughts, confusion, anxiety, brain damage, violent behavior, paranoia, seizures, and more.
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens comprise a category of drugs known for their ability to induce hallucinations, distort perceptions, and bring about profound changes in thought, emotion, and consciousness. Examples of hallucinogens include LSD, magic mushrooms, peyote, PCP, ketamine, and MDMA (ecstasy), among others.
The impact of hallucinogens on the brain can be long-lasting, as they influence the neurotransmitter serotonin. Thus, users might experience enduring consequences such as mental disorders or psychosis. Potential side effects of these substances comprise hallucinations involving seeing, feeling, or hearing things that are not real, memory loss, extreme paranoia, as well as physical symptoms like vomiting and nausea.
You might be wondering if simply sharing this information guarantees their safety from drugs. More than a guarantee, isn’t it more beneficial to offer them factual knowledge, preparing them for this challenge with accurate information and allowing them to decide for themselves? Knowing the facts about drugs lets them handle tricky situations and peer pressure better. It is like giving them tools to say “no” or be aware if they decide to try things. Talking openly builds trust and makes them more likely to ask for advice when things get tough.
Knowledge is power.
Let us drive home a vital point: Knowledge is our most potent weapon in the fight against drugs. When we educate our children about drugs, we are not just teaching them facts – we are investing in their future and the well-being of our entire community. By giving them the lowdown on the risks and consequences of drug use, we are giving them the power to make smart choices, stand up to peer pressure, and take charge of their health.
This education does not just stop at drug awareness – it builds healthier relationships, supports mental well-being, fights stigma, and even helps keep our neighborhoods safer by preventing crime.
By educating our children about drugs, we are empowering them to be proactive, responsible, and caring individuals. It is not just about their futures; it is about building a healthier and safer society for everyone.
If you’re keen on delving deeper into the complexities of the Drug Landscape, understanding its implications, and discovering proactive measures to safeguard against its pitfalls, your engagement is crucial. The Drug Landscape is vast and multifaceted, impacting individuals and communities in profound ways. By contributing your thoughts and insights in the comments section, you play a vital role in enriching our collective understanding of the Drug Landscape.
Moreover, as we navigate through the intricate aspects of the Drug Landscape, your perspectives can shed light on nuanced areas, offering a more comprehensive view. This dialogue is essential in fostering a well-informed community ready to confront the challenges posed by the Drug Landscape.
To ensure you remain at the forefront of this important conversation, I encourage you to subscribe. Staying informed about the latest discussions surrounding the Drug Landscape is more than just a means to gain knowledge; it’s a step towards contributing positively to a societal issue that affects us all. Let’s continue to explore the Drug Landscape together, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other through comments and subscriptions. Your engagement is not only welcomed but necessary to make a meaningful impact.
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