Teen Substance Abuse

TIPS & INFORMATION Substance Abuse & Addiction

Parents can play a big role in getting a teen healthy and free from addiction by speaking with them and having an open conversation about drugs and addiction.

In 2012, 6.5% of 8th Once addiction develops, the Alcohol effects on the brain interfere with graders, 17% of 10th • In low doses, euphoria, mild one’s ability to make voluntary stimulation, relaxation, lowered graders, and 22.9% of 12th decisions, leading to drug craving inhibitions. and compulsive drug use. graders used marijuana in • In higher doses, drowsiness, the past month.1 The health impact of drug abuse can be slurred speech, nausea, emotional serious. It can lead to cardiovascular volatility, loss of coordination, disease, stroke, cancer, HIV/AIDS, visual distortions, impaired hepatitis and lung disease. Some of memory, sexual dysfunction, loss these effects occur when drugs are used of consciousness/increased risk at high doses or after long-term use, but of injuries, violence, depression, some may occur after just one use. hypertension, liver and heart disease and possible fatal Here is a list of commonly abused overdose. drugs and their related health risks: Cocaine/Methamphetamine Acid/LSD/Mescaline • Increased heart rate, blood pressure, • Altered states of perception and body temperature, metabolism, feeling, hallucinations and nausea. feelings of exhilaration, increased • For LSD and mescaline—increased energy, mental alertness, tremors, body temperature, heart rate, blood reduced appetite, irritability, pressure, loss of appetite, sweating, anxiety, panic, paranoia, violent sleeplessness, numbness, dizziness, behavior, psychosis/weight loss, weakness, tremors, impulsive insomnia, cardiac or cardiovascular behavior, rapid shifts in emotion. complications, stroke, and seizures. • LSD—flashbacks, hallucinogen • Cocaine—nasal damage persisting perception disorder. from snorting. • Methamphetamine—severe dental problems.

1. National Institute of Drug Abuse www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/ high-school-youth-trends

This document is for your information only. It is not meant to give medical advice. It should not be used to replace a visit with a provider. Magellan Health Services does not endorse other resources that may be mentioned here. Ecstasy Marijuana Steroids (Anabolic) • Mild hallucinogenic effects, • Euphoria, relaxation, slowed • No intoxication effects/ increased tactile sensitivity, reaction time, distorted sensory hypertension; blood clotting and empathic feelings, lowered perception, impaired balance cholesterol changes, liver cysts, inhibition, anxiety, chills, sweating, and coordination, increased hostility and aggression, acne. teeth clenching, muscle cramping/ heart rate and appetite, impaired • In adolescents—premature sleep disturbances, depression, learning, memory, anxiety, panic stoppage of growth. impaired memory and hyperthermia. attacks, psychosis/cough, frequent respiratory infections, and possible • In males—prostate cancer, reduced Heroin/Opium mental health decline. sperm production, shrunken • Euphoria, drowsiness, impaired testicles, breast enlargement. coordination, dizziness, confusion, PCP • In females—menstrual nausea, sedation, feeling of heaviness • Feelings of being separate from irregularities, development in the body, slowed or arrested one’s body and environment, of beard and other masculine breathing/constipation, hepatitis, impaired motor function/anxiety, characteristics. HIV, and possible fatal overdose. tremors, numbness, memory loss, nausea, analgesia, psychosis, Prescription Medications Inhalants aggression, violence, slurred speech, • This category includes a wide array • Varies by chemical, although loss of coordination, hallucinations. of depressants, stimulants and pain common effects are stimulation, relievers. Symptoms vary but include; loss of inhibition, headache, nausea drowsiness, confusion, weight loss, or vomiting, slurred speech, loss insomnia, high or low blood pressure, of motor coordination, wheezing/ poor coordination, poor judgment cramps, muscle weakness, and possible depression. depression, memory impairment, damage to cardiovascular and nervous systems, unconsciousness, sudden death.

This document is for your information only. It is not meant to give medical advice. It should not be used to replace a visit with a provider. Magellan Health Services does not endorse other resources that may be mentioned here. Contact Us What parents can do: • Talk to your child. Drug use can be the result of other problems. Your program provides access to tools Explain your concerns to your teen and make it clear that you love him or Maybe your teen is not fitting in and other resources online or call us at school or is reacting to a major directly to speak to a professional her and are worried about his or her well-being. It’s important that your change in his or her life, such as counselor who is available everyday a divorce. at any time to provide confidential teen knows you are supportive but that assistance at no cost to you. you will not tolerate drug use. Open • Get help. Sometimes teens need communication can go a long way in to hear your message from another Visit MagellanHealth.com/member helping your child get back on track. adult to whom they will listen, such as a coach, family doctor, Resources Here are some steps you can take to teacher or aunt or uncle. help your child and put a stop to this Substance Abuse and Mental behavior: Health Services Administration • Set rules and consequences. www.samhsa.gov Your teen should understand that using drugs comes with National Institute of Drug Abuse consequences. Make sure these are www.drugabuse.gov very specific. Don’t make empty threats or set rules you cannot ® The Partnership at Drugfree.org enforce. Make sure your spouse or www.drugfree.org partner agrees with the rules and will enforce them. • Monitor activities. Know where your teen goes and know his or her friends. Check possible hiding places for drugs—in backpacks, between books on a shelf, in DVD cases or in make-up cases. Explain that this lack of privacy is a result of being caught using drugs. • Help your teen find other interests. Encourage healthy hobbies and activities, such as team sports and school clubs. Independence Blue Cross, Family of Companies EAP 1-800-424-4238 For TTY Users: 1-800-456-4006 Magellan Self-Screening: 1-866-272-4093

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