DRUGS OF ABUSE
Drug trends are always in a state of flux based on what is available and affordable. Parents should become familiar with the different drugs as well as the suggested ways to help your child avoid drug use that is paired with each substance.
Music influences our youth, often without the knowledge of parents who may even tap along to the beat of their teen’s choice of music, not understanding the message that glorifies underage and illegal drug use. For many substances, you will find a link that pairs the drug to a movie or music video or lyrics.
Drugs:
Adderall
- Increased heart rate
- Constricted blood vessels
- Seizures
- Uncontrollable shaking and tics
- Hallucinations, paranoia
- Depression and anxiety
Snorting Adderall to be able to concentrate on homework and tests.
Adderall is a drug used to help patients with ADD and ADHD, to help them live a more normal life. If one is taking high doses, or taking the drug in larger amounts, or snorting the drug, it can be life-threatening. This is a drug that is regulated by doctors, and the person with the prescription is the only person that should be using it for the purpose it is meant for. Adderall is a drug that teenagers are selling to each other to help study and focus, and this needs to be taken more seriously. Parents and teachers need to be cautious of their children and check in on them when doing homework and taking tests.
Read how Adderall poses problems when misused. On our website, you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
Alcohol
Alcohol is the most accessible drug to youth. There is potential for abuse by youth and adults in their life. Risk is accelerated when youth perceive adults view underage consumption of alcohol as a norm.
- Can damage to the liver causing cirrhosis of the liver
- Interferes with the brain’s communication pathways, and can affect the way the brain looks and works
- Increase the risk of alcohol-related problems, including addiction in early adulthood and beyond.
Ingestion of hand sanitizers for alcohol has resulted in deaths.
Music Video – “Blame It On the Alcohol – Jamie Foxx”
You can limit or prevent teenage alcohol use by role-modeling safe drinking habits and talking about safe alcohol use. Take a quick PERSONAL ALCOHOL QUIZ to assess your own use. Talking about alcohol can be tricky, but it is important to prevent or limit the use of alcohol. Younger people are at a greater risk of alcohol-related harm compared to adults, this can happen because the brain keeps developing until your mid-twenties, whereas drinking alcohol can risk damage to the developing brain.
View videos created by teens calling for an end to associating sports with drinking: https://freeoursports.org/
ARK Behavioral Health offers information every parent should review to learn more about the risks posed by use of alcohol. How much do you know about Alcohol Use Disorder? Review the impact it has on the brain and the body - especially the long term impact - in the resource suggested
Your teen is very aware of how alcohol is used or misused in family gatherings. Talk about any alcohol addiction in your family and the impact it has.
Take a personal look at your own alcohol consumption to learn How Much is Too Much?
CAFFEINE/ENERGY DRINKS
- Affect concentration, ability to sleep
- Slow maturing process of brain
- Anxiety, nervousness, insomnia
- Addictive
- Puts pressure on heart, rapid heart rate
- Withdrawal symptoms (e.g., headaches, agitation, irritability and fatigue)
Teenagers are consuming caffeine in a lot of different ways such as drinking sodas, energy drinks and coffee, even green tea and energy pills. Parents can limit their children’s caffeine intake by letting them drink sodas without caffeine and to avoid energy drinks and coffee. With energy drinks being packaged in a way to be attractive to young adults, it is easy to buy a can at any grocery store or gas station.
On our website, you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
Mayo Clinic “Rethink Your Energy Drink: Beware of Extreme Caffeine” video 1:36
Reality Tour, "Beyond the Buzz: Caffeine Hazards."
CLUB DRUGS
Katamine, methamphetamine, lsd
- Causes unconsciousness
- Depression, memory loss
- Affect self-control (used for “date rape”)
- Seizures
- Increase heart rate and blood pressure, can lead to heart or kidney failure
- Permanent damage to the brain’s ability to think and store memories
Party drug and used as date rape drug
Music Video “Acid Rain – Chance the Rapper”
Less than 1% of 12-17 year olds use Club Drugs on a regular basis, whereas 98% of people this age have never used club drugs. Some of the side effects of club drugs are not felt until weeks after the drug has been ingested, such as confusion, depression, anxiety, paranoia, and sleep problems. Teenagers and young adults on this drug are often victims of date rape. As a protective measure, parents should be talking to their children about the dangers of club drugs. Parents can help by teaching their children not to accept food, drinks, or any other substances from other people, especially strangers and people you do not trust. Do not drink or eat anything that they did not open themselves, keep drinks in sight, and watch their friend’s drinks. Also, teach them the dangers of these drugs.
On our website, you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
COCAINE
Also known as: Blow, Bump, C, Candy, Charlie, Coke, Crack, Flake, Rock, Snow, and Toot
Short Term Effects:
- Increased heart rate
- Contracted blood vessels
- Hallucinations
- Panic attacks
Long Term Effects:
- Permanent damage to blood vessels of heart and brain
- High blood pressure leading to heart attacks, strokes and death
- Liver, kidney and lung damage
Protective measures are important, especially in early childhood. Aggressive behavior can be changed or prevented with family, school and community interventions that focus on helping children develop appropriate, positive behaviors. If these aggressive behaviors are not addressed, it can lead to risks such as academic and social failure, which can further put them at risk for later drug abuse (Drugabuse.gov). Risk factors for these can be early aggressive behaviors, lack of parental supervision, substance abuse among peers, drug availability and poverty.
Parents should make a strong parent-child bond that will have greater impact on the children, as this will reduce the risk of substance abuse.
On our website, you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
Learn more about cocaine:
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cocaine
Crystal Meth
Short Term Effects:
- Hallucinations
- Convulsion, seizure and death
- Panic and psychosis
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature
Long Term Effects:
- Permanent damage to brain and heart vessels
- High blood pressure leading to heart attacks, strokes and death
- Kidney and liver damage
- Damage to brain similar to Alzheimer’s disease
- Respiratory problems
Crystal Meth is the most common type of methamphetamine which is a crystallized form. The teen addiction is a problem all over the United States, it is made in the United States and is an inexpensive drug. Parents are able to notice a difference in their children right away if they are under the influence, as their appearance and personality changes. NewPortAcademy states that the best thing parents can do is to get their children necessary help as soon as possible. Relapses in crystal meth are of longer cycles, and therefore needs to be caught right away before it becomes an addiction.
On our website, you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
Learn the signs to look for a meth lab. Print and share poster. https://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/crystalmeth.html
Interactive Course: https://www.drugfreeworld.org/course/lesson/the-truth-about-alcohol/
FENTANYL
- Can cause depression, damage to the immune system, slows breathing
- Death from overdose/poisoning
- Just a few grains (10) are a deadly dose
- Can be colorful and look like candy (rainbow fentanyl)
- Can look like name brand Rx pills
It is imperative to talk with your child about the risk of 'fake pills'. That can be any pill that you do not give them.
A deadly Fentanyl dose is found in 40% of pills sold by dealers. Just a few grains - equal to about 10 grains of table salt- is enough to kill.
Some of the pills are colorful and can look like candy to a child.
Parents can review Florida's Fentanyl Toolkit to guide discussions. It is a good idea to share this resource with your school as well.
Videos are powerful tools and the website SongforCharlie.org has the most up-to-date videos and information on fentanyl.
When fentanyl emerged as a drug trend, some communities already had the parent/child Reality Tour in place. It was easy to add information on this deadly drug.
Trends will continue to emerge. Consider what your community has in place to get information out to the public.
Contact the nonprofit CANDLE, Inc. to schedule a free consultation. Or spend more time on this website to learn how just a few people can bring sustainable drug prevention to a community,
GHB
GHB, also known as gamma hydroxybutyrate, is often referred to as the date rape drug. The drug’s liquid or white powder may be slipped into a drink undetected. Because it is colorless and only has a slight salty taste, a victim isn’t likely to notice. Watch how your drink is being made, don’t set it out of sight. If you forget and walk away from your drink at a gathering- discard it. The drug is also used recreationally. Side effects, some of which can be long term, include impaired movement, agitation, brain impairment and amnesia. Ketamine and Rohypnol fall into this same category and are sometimes referred to as club drugs.
Side Effects:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hallucinations
Overdose Symptoms:
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
- Coma
- Slowed heart rate and breathing
Street Names:
- G
- Georgia Home Boy
- Scoop
- Liquid Ecstasy
Other names for GHB: GEEB, Georgia Home Boy, Grievous Bodily Harm, Gina, Liquid E or X, Scoop.
Coming soon
On our website, you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
To learn more view:‘GHB in One Critical Minute’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-5GBQ3Zt8Q
HALLUCINOGENS (LSD AND PCP)
- Can cause psychotic episodes, respiratory issues
- Learning and memory
- Increase heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate and body temperature
- Panic, paranoia and psychosis
- Speech problems
- Seizures, coma and death
Risk and protective factors fan affect children at different stages in their lives. The more risk a child is exposed to, the more likely the child will abuse drugs, some of these risks can be peer pressure during the teenage years, however, this is where a strong bond between child and parent, as well as child and community, and child and extracurriculars, to reduce the risk, especially in the earlier years. (Drugabuse)
On our website (linked), you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
HEROIN
- Can cause collapsed vessels, infection of the heart, slows breathing
- Risk of HIV from shared needles
Teens are still developing important life skills, their identity likes and dislikes. If they send up in the wrong environment and decide to try drugs to fit in or gain friends, they set themselves up for life-threatening habits. The goal of prevention is to stop someone from taking harmful action that has consequences. Family Influence is important, as well as knowing about the right educational tools. (AddictionCenter)
On our website (linked), you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
The University of Rochester offers tips to parents on heroin
Heroin laced with fentanyl heightens risk of overdose and death. The Office of the Attorney General of MN offers insight as to what is happening across the US.
INHALANTS
- Brain damage from lack of oxygen
- Liver and kidney damage
- Heart and lung damage
- Overdose, seizures and coma
Every year young people die from inhalant abuse. Hundreds suffer severe consequences such as brain damage, loss of muscle control, destruction of the heart, blood, kidney, liver, and bone marrow (CPSC.gov). These drugs are sometimes not what we think they are, they can even be something that people have in their everyday household. To protect from this kind of drug, parents need to let their kids know about the dangers of normal household items. Talk to your children’s teachers, guidance counselors, and coaches.
On our website, you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
A Parents Guide to Preventing Inhalant Abuse
Inhalant Prevention Toolkit – Resources, statistics and printouts.
Inhalant ‘Whippet’ Trend in Detroit, MI – 2 min. video
Printable Whippet Flyer – 2 page printout to illustrate impact
Powerful ‘My Story‘ audio composite of a life impacted by misuse of nitrous oxide
The Truth About Inhalants - Booklet
KRATOM
- Can cause seizures, hallucinations
- Kratom is a tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa) native to Southeast Asia, with leaves that contain compounds that can have psychotropic (mind-altering) effects
- Hostility and aggression
The protective measures being taken against kratom is to try to restrict the use of it. The FDA are concerned with the drug as it affects the same opioid brain receptors as morphine, with properties that expose users of the drug to addiction, abuse and dependence. The federal government are now considering a federal ban on this drug. However, today, this is a drug easily accessible by teens and young adults, which leaves parents with an uneasy thought.
On our website, you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
Interactive Course: https://www.drugfreeworld.org/course/lesson/the-truth-about-heroin/
MARIJUANA
- Can affect brain development, loss of memory
- Can irritate lungs to cause long term problems such as higher risk of infection
- Schizophrenia, hallucinations, paranoia
- Insomnia, anxiety
In 2015, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) came out with a study that more than 22 million Americans aged 12 or older were using marijuana. In the adolescent ages 12-17, they found 1.8 million users, whereas in young adults aged 18-25 there is 6.9 million users. The DEA is concerned with marijuana use and the consequences it has on teens and young adults. To prevent the use of marijuana, schools can organize drug abuse prevention information fairs to help raise awareness in individuals, families but also communities, which is what we at CANDLE INC. are doing. Parents need to be talking to their children, as well as the schools and the community they are a part of about these drugs and consequences, as well as their children, to prevent the use of these drugs.
We can help…
On our website, you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
Start the discussion now:
MDMA (ECSTASY/MOLLY)
- Can cause exhaustion, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure
- Risk of liver, kidney and heart failure
- Long lasting brain damage
- Psychosis
- Degenerated nerve branches and nerve endings
Young adults who have been using MDMA report that friends, substance use disorder treatment programs, the internet and physicians are their most trusted sources of information about this drug. Providing accurate and scientific information about the effects followed by taking MDMA is important. This is a drug mostly used in males between the ages of 18 and 25, which is when they are going away to college, and going to parties. This is when High Schools and parents need to step in to teach them about the drugs, before graduating and going off to college.
On our website, you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
METHAMPHETAMINE
- Intense scratching causing body sores, dental damage including decay and tooth loss
- Risk of psychotic behaviors
- Death by overdose
Methamphetamine is a drug that continues to cause problems all across the country. Meth360 is a program funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, that is divided into six educational topic areas, Meth Facts, How Meth Affects Users, Impact on Communities, Families and Prevention, Intervention and Treatment, and Communities and Prevention. They have also made a Parents360, to help parents and other caring adults understand, prevent and address drug and alcohol issues.
On our website, you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
Interactive Course: https://www.drugfreeworld.org/course/lesson/the-truth-about-crystalmeth/
MUSHROOMS
- Intense scratching causing body sores, dental damage including decay and tooth loss
- Risk of psychotic behaviors
- Death by overdose
Methamphetamine is a drug that continues to cause problems all across the country. Meth360 is a program funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, that is divided into six educational topic areas, Meth Facts, How Meth Affects Users, Impact on Communities, Families and Prevention, Intervention and Treatment, and Communities and Prevention. They have also made a Parents360, to help parents and other caring adults understand, prevent and address drug and alcohol issues.
On our website, you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
Interactive Course: https://www.drugfreeworld.org/course/lesson/the-truth-about-crystalmeth/
OPIOIDS
- Heroin, Fentanyl, prescription pain relief, Morphine
- Prescription opioid medications prescribed for pain include:
OxyContin, Vicodin
- Can cause overdose that can lead to death
- Raspatory distress
- Confusion, depression
- Low levels of testosterone
Teenagers and young adults get addicted to Opioids one in three ways, by getting a prescription from a doctor, by self-medicating to escape painful emotions or problems, or by taking them recreationally. Parents, family friends and friends, can start by hiding medicine in household medicine cabinets. Two-thirds of teens that are reported to misuse opioids, get them from friends, family or acquaintances by taking it from their medical cabinets, but also by sharing prescription medicines among friends.
View FBI 45 min. ‘Chasing the Dragon’ download free at www.fbi.gov/ChasingTheDragon.
On our website, you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINES
- Can cause overdose, extreme stomach pains, vomiting
Parents, family friends and friends, can start by hiding medicine in household medicine cabinets. Two-thirds of teens that are reported to misuse opioids, get them from friends, family or acquaintances by taking it from their medical cabinets, but also by sharing prescription medicines among friends.
On our website, you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
Interactive Course: https://www.drugfreeworld.org/course/lesson/the-truth-about-painkillers/
PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE (RX)
- Death from overdose
- Depressed respiration
- Heart attack and stroke
As prescription drugs are often obtained by friends and family, the chances of misuse and stealing is larger than any other drug. Parents can restrict access to prescription drugs at home, as well as they can easily talk to friends and family about the dangers of sharing these drugs. Teens who use prescription drugs for a high-feeling, are also more at risk to smoke marijuana and cigarettes, as well as try other drugs.
On our website, you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
Those seeking Rx drugs not prescribed for them are at high risk of fentanyl poisoning, as fentanyl labs are producing look-a-like pills - fake pills.
SongforCharlie.org offers short videos that are compelling to alert on the dangers of poisoning by fake pills.
Parents need to know the right questions to ask their child's doctor before pain pills are prescribed. The Partnership to End Addiction offers the questions to ask in this article:
When Opioid Pain Relievers Are Prescribed For Your Child: What You Should Know
RECOVERY
OPPORTUNITIES
Overcoming substance abuse is a courageous step towards reclaiming control of one’s life and well-being. It’s a journey fraught with challenges, requiring commitment, support, and a willingness to transform. This blog serves as a guide to those determined to overcome dependence, offering essential steps and strategies that pave the way toward recovery. From recognizing the problem and seeking professional help to building a supportive network and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we will explore the integral components involved in breaking free from the chains of substance abuse and rebuilding a life filled with hope, health, and happiness.
The challenge of treating patients battling drug addiction is a complex and evolving field in healthcare. With the rise of opioid addiction and other substance abuse disorders, medical professionals must continually adapt their knowledge and skills to effectively support and guide their patients toward recovery. This document aims to outline practical strategies and resources for healthcare providers looking to expand their expertise in the care of drug-addicted patients. From understanding the biochemical underpinnings of addiction to navigating the emotional terrain of recovery, our goal is to offer a comprehensive guide to enhance your approach to this critical aspect of patient care.
In an era where technology and education intersect more than ever, the landscape of medical education has significantly evolved. The convenience and accessibility of online platforms have opened new avenues for medical professionals and students alike to further their knowledge and skills without the constraints of traditional classroom settings. This guide aims to explore the vast expanse of online medical education, offering insights into the best courses, platforms, and strategies to maximize learning. Whether you're looking to expand your expertise in a specific area, preparing for certifications, or simply eager to stay abreast of the latest developments in the medical field, our comprehensive guide is designed to steer you toward achieving your educational objectives efficiently and effectively.
RITALIN
- Rapid heart rate
- Panic attacks
- Low appetite
- Irritability
- Depression
Used for people seeking a brain boosting effect.
Ritalin is used to treat the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, often known as ADHD. However, this drug is also used by teens and adults seeking a high. Teenagers are asking other people for their Ritalin pills and lying to doctors to get extra pills. A concerned parent can recommend treatment, and even though the effects of Ritalin addiction can damage a person’s life, most effects can be reversed with the right treatment., therefore, parents need to seek help as soon as they get suspicious about an addiction.
On our website, you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
Parents of youth diagnosed with ADHD, for which Ritalin is sometimes prescribed, have a special need to know more about the drug and any later implications.
Read more on this:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/adhd/Pages/ADHD-and-Substance-Abuse-The-Link-Parents-Need-to-Know.aspx
STEROIDS
- Extreme mood swings, enlarged heart, increased risk of stroke
- Anabolic steroids are synthetic variations of the male sex hormone testosterone.
- The proper term for these compounds is anabolic-androgenic steroids. “Anabolic” refers to muscle building, and “androgenic” refers to increased male sex characteristics.
Parents of teenagers and young adults in athletics should be watching for signs of abuse. Some of these signs are mood swings are the first side effects, mania, depression, acne, breast development in boys, increased body hair in girls and surprising gain of muscle mass (FDA)
On our website, you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS
- Increased anxiety, paranoia, increased heart rate
In 2015, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) came out with a study that more than 22 million Americans aged 12 or older were using marijuana and cannabinoids. In the adolescent ages 12-17, they found 1.8 million users, whereas in young adults aged 18-25 there is 6.9 million users. The DEA is concerned with marijuana use and the consequences it has on teens and young adults. To prevent the use of marijuana, schools can organize drug abuse prevention information fairs to help raise awareness in individuals, families but also communities, which is what we at CANDLE INC. are doing. Parents need to be talking to their children, as well as the schools and the community they are a part of about these drugs and consequences, as well as their children, to prevent the use of these drugs.
On our website, you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
Interactive Course: https://www.drugfreeworld.org/course/lesson/the-truth-about-synthetic-drugs/
Booklet: https://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/marijuana.html
https://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/synthetic.html
SYNTHETIC CATHINONES (BATH SALTS)
Bath salts, plant food, jewelry cleaner
- Violent behavior, reduced motor control, death
- Hallucinations
- Panic Attacks
- Paranoia
This drug is considered to be a new psychoactive substance (NPS), meaning they are an unregulated mind-altering substance with no legitimate medical use, and are used to copy the effects of controlled substances. The short-term effects of bath salts are also similar to methamphetamine, cocaine and MDMA. Stores can make sure that these products are purchased by someone over the age of 18 (adult), while the parents can teach their children about the products and how they can harm them.
On our website, you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
Learn more about 'Bath Salts'
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/bath-salts.html
VAPING, TOBACCO, NICOTINE, & MORE
- Causes cancer including lung cancer
- Chronic bronchitis, emphysema
- Nicotine dependence
- May include other substances/toxins
5.6 million of American’s younger than 18 will die early from a smoking-related illness, statistically this is 1 in 13 of Americans who are 17 or younger who are alive today (CDC).
What parents can do to help is to set a good example, and understand the attraction. They need to let their children know that they can expect peer pressure, but that they can say no. Teens tend to believe that using e-cigarettes, compared to regular cigarettes, are less harmful, however, these carry health risks.
Review the What Parents Need to Know Guide to help you help your teen.
On our website, you can find more tips on what you can do in the home to prevent experimentation with drugs or alcohol
Start with Vaping Myths
How to help overall:
- Ask your teen’s views. Avoid lectures. Instead, listen to your teen’s opinions and questions about drugs. Assure your teen that he or she can be honest with you.
- Discuss reasons not to use drugs. Avoid scare tactics. Emphasize how drug use can affect the things that are important to your teen — such as sports, driving, health and appearance.
- Consider media messages. Social media, television programs, movies and songs can glamorize or trivialize drug use. Talk about what your teen sees and hears.
- Discuss ways to resist peer pressure. Brainstorm with your teen about how to turn down offers of drugs.
- Be ready to discuss your own drug use. Think about how you’ll respond if your teen asks about your own drug use. If you chose not to use drugs, explain why. If you did use drugs, share what the experience taught you.
Other preventive strategies:
- Know your teen’s activities. Pay attention to your teen’s whereabouts. Find out what adult-supervised activities your teen is interested in and encourage him or her to get involved.
- Establish rules and consequences. Explain your family rules, such as leaving a party where drug use occurs and not riding in a car with a driver who’s been using drugs. If your teen breaks the rules, consistently enforce consequences.
- Know your teen’s friends. If your teen’s friends use drugs, your teen might feel pressure to experiment, too.
- Keep track of prescription drugs. Take an inventory of all prescription and over-the-counter medications in your home.
- Provide support. Offer praise and encouragement when your teen succeeds. A strong bond between you and your teen might help prevent your teen from using drugs.
- Set a good example. If you drink, do so in moderation. Use prescription drugs as directed. Don’t use illicit drugs.
Recognize warning signs:
- Sudden or extreme change in friends, eating habits, sleeping patterns, physical appearance, coordination or school performance
- Irresponsible behavior, poor judgment and general lack of interest
- Breaking rules or withdrawing from the family
- The presence of medicine containers, despite a lack of illness, or drug paraphernalia in your teen’s room
XYLAZINE (TRANQ, ZOMBIE DRUG)
- Causes a long deep sleep
- Slows movement to zombie-like effect
- Causes skin-rotting called necrosis
- May result in amputations
- Can be in any street drug & vapes
- Deadly - Does not respond to Narcan
Vapes have become the new drug delivery device for street drugs. Now that the vaping device is accepted by youth - with over 2 million high school students vaping - the risks have skyrocketed for overdose or even death. Xylazine in e-cigarettes and pills presents the most alarming and deadly trend in drug ever!
If your child is vaping, it is imperative to monitor and get help now. Use of our Vaping Toolkit will allow monitoring for use of nicotine, marijuana, fentanyl and alcohol.
There are resources to quit vaping.
Review the What Parents Need to Know Guide to help you help your teen.
The nonprofit CANDLE, Inc. offers parents a Vaping Toolkit .
The toolkit will allow you as a parent, to test for past use of nicotine, marijuana, fentanyl and alcohol.
Use as a deterrent by keeping the kit in a visible place and explaining its use to your child.
Use to monitor a child known to vape. Vaping any substance has always posed risks, Those risks are now elevated to a 'red alert'.
Every parent should have the Vaping Toolkit on hand and talk to their child about this drug that has infiltrated the drug scene. Even taking a puff from someone's vape should be strongly addressed with your child.
Watch this TV News report on 'Tranq' to understand the deadly scope of Xylazine.