Unlike designer clothes, designer drugs are easy to obtain and inexpensive. Referred to as designer drugs because they’re created in labs, not because they’re upscale, these synthetic drugs are not regulated and are often laced with dangerous chemicals. In recent years, designer drugs have become more of a problem thanks to drugs that aren’t regulated because they’re sold as bath salts or incense and are labeled as "not for human consumption." Older synthetic drugs such as Ecstasy and Methamphetamine have recently given way to drugs that can be purchased legally in convenience stores and gas stations in many states.

Unknown Ingredients
It’s impossible to know exactly what chemicals are in drugs like bath salts and synthetic marijuana products, sometimes  referred to as incense or spice. It’s also impossible to know the potency or how relatively safe a dose might be. According to drugabuse.gov, these unknown mixtures can cause dangerous side effects, such as seizures, memory loss, coma and even death.

False Marketing
How can drugs be legal?  These substances are sold legally as incense, cleaning products or bath products, allowing teens to easily skirt the law. A popular “incense” called Jazz recently contributed to a teen’s death in Safety Harbor, Florida. 19-year-old Logan Kushner drowned after smoking the incense and swimming. Jazz can cause side effects like hallucination and dizziness.

Bath salts, marketed under many names, is an amphetamine-like chemical that may have long term side effects similar to meth, making it a highly dangerous yet not always illegal substance. It has the potential to cause overdose, severe hallucinations, and even death. Over the past few years, emergency rooms have seen an upswing of patients suffering intense side effects from snorting these so-called “bath salts.”

Dangerous Combinations
Because these drugs are created in labs, they can be changed easily to avoid government bans on certain chemical formulations. This also makes it difficult for drug tests to accurately detect these drugs in the body. The combination is creating a dangerous situation ripe for substance abuse, overdose and accidental death due to intoxication from designer drugs. This presents additional danger in cases of overdose, because hospitals aren’t always aware of the specific toxicology in the synthetic drugs, making it difficult to diagnose and treat overdose appropriately.

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Not all drugs are difficult to obtain. Over-the-counter medications, or OTC drugs, can be found at local pharmacies and supermarkets. They're easy for teens to obtain and easy for teens to abuse.
                   
Impairment
According to Abovetheinfluence.com, The most commonly abused OTC drugs include those that contain the ingredient dextromethorphan, or DXM. This is often found in drugs to treat cold, cough and flu. Teens may believe that because cough medicine is available over-the-counter, it’s safe. But a large dose can cause serious effects like hallucination, vision problems and loss of coordination. Teens have been killed while impaired with high doses of DXM.

Drug Interaction
When combined with alcohol and other drugs, OTC drugs become even more dangerous. Side effects are enhanced, and can often lead to hospitalization for breathing problems, severe vomiting and heart problems.

Overdose
When taken in large doses, DXM can cause death or brain damage. According to DrugAbuse.gov, hypoxic brain damage has occurred due to the combination of DXM with decongestants often found in the medication. Talk to your teen about the potential of never recovering from severe brain damage due to abusing simple cough syrups.

Long Term Health Concerns
Even OTC drugs can cause dependence. Addiction leads to further unhealthy behaviors and impaired judgment. Kids with addictions to OTC medications may suffer long term health problems and may be more at risk for injury or death from accident or overdose.

Unhealthy Weight Loss
Diet pills, diuretics and laxatives can quickly become habit-forming, especially in teens with body image issues. The feeling that weight can be lost easily with the help of a simple pill can quickly enticing. This type of weight loss isn’t healthy, and in many teens with eating disorders, weight loss isn’t healthy or necessary. If you suspect your child has a problem with using OTC drugs to diet, intervene with the assistance of your child’s doctor.

Problems at Work and in School
Teens who abuse OTC drugs may begin to have problems in school, at work and with friends. Because the high associated with these drugs can cause severe impairment, it’s especially dangerous for kids who get behind the wheel or operate machinery of any kind.

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Is Your Friend Using Drugs?

In 2009, 8.7% of people over the age of 12 had used illegal drugs in the past month. Many of those people, and likely people you know, have excuses and reasons for doing drugs. Those excuses come in handy when drug users try to rationalize behavior. But it’s important to understand the underlying truth and the power of addiction.       

“I can quit any time I want.”
Drug users may rationalize that addiction doesn’t factor in to drug use. The truth is, even drugs that aren’t physically addictive may be psychologically addictive. Most drug users are aware of the health risks and dangers, but continue to engage in dangerous and illegal behaviors. Detoxing from drugs often requires the assistance of medical professionals and counselors, as well as the support network of family and friends.

“This drug isn’t addictive.”
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana is estimated to produce addiction in approximately 9 percent, or roughly 1 in 11, of those who use it at least once. While not every marijuana smoker is addicted, it’s false to say that the drug isn’t addictive at all. On top of the potential chemical dependency, marijuana users can feel emotionally tied to the culture of smoking, making it difficult to quit.

“It isn’t dangerous.”
Drug abuse is dangerous. Depending on the drugs used, dangers can include contracting HIV, accidental overdose and death or injury from drugged driving. Inhaled drugs can cause lung disease while drugs like meth can cause gruesome side effects like open sores and rotting teeth. Drug users who claim that drugs aren’t dangerous are willfully ignoring the known dangers and related health problems.

“It isn’t hurting anyone else.”
Sadly, drug abuse affects entire families. Pregnant moms can cause severe health problems in unborn children by using drugs and alcohol during pregnancy. Addiction can have a rippling impact through families, causing emotional trauma for kids, parents and other loved ones. Drugged drivers have the potential to injure or even kill other drivers and pedestrians. Even accidental death from drug use can hurt people other than the drug user herself.

The LiveFree! Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is a coalition of community advocates who strive to address drug and alcohol abuse in Pinellas County. Visit us online to see how you can get involved in this cause that is so near and dear to our community.

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You see your friend smoking, and she keeps asking you to try a cigarette, too. But before taking that first puff, there are a few things you should consider. Like the impact it will have on your health, the health of those around you and your future. Bottom line: smoking causes death. That should be enough to stop you in your tracks, but if you still need more reasons why you shouldn't smoke, here are just a few:

Your Future May Be at Stake
No, cigarettes may not kill you right away, but smoking can affect your future in many ways. If you are active or participate in sports, smoking can cause breathing problems that may prevent you from being successful. Smoking can also cause serious health problems that can interfere with your daily life and activities.

It's an Expensive Habit
Buying cigarettes is like paying for poor health. Smoking is an expensive habit, with each pack costing $5 or more. If you smoke one pack a day, it will cost your more than $1,800 a year! Just imagine everything else you could have spent that money on!

Your Family Will Thank You
Smoking doesn't just affect you. Before picking up that first cigarette, think about the fact that it could affect your family and others around you. Secondhand smoke can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and lung cancer in those who don't smoke, including both children and adults.

You Might Get Sick Less
Studies show smokers take more sick time than nonsmokers in the workplace. On average, smokers take 7.67 more annual sick days than nonsmokers. It has not been proven that smokers actually got sick more, but  the difference between the sick time taken by smokers and nonsmokers is evident.

You'll Enjoy a Better Sense of Smell and Taste
Smoking causes a decreased sense of smell, and that diminishes a smoker's ability to taste. You will enjoy food and scents more if you don't smoke.

If you don't start smoking, you won't have to quit! Quitting smoking is much more difficult to do that not smoking in the first place. As a parent, it is important to set a good example and talk to your children about the dangers of smoking. Talking to kids can seem tough, but is important. Visit our website, where you can find many great resources  to use in preparing to talk to your kids about smoking.

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Ever told someone that you feel stressed out?  If so, you’re not alone. We experience stress every day, while driving, while in school, at work and more. Relationships can be stressful. Problems can be stressful. Life events like divorce and financial woes can be stressful. When stress starts to build up, it can lead to depression, heart disease, ulcers and other health problems, according to the National Library of Medicine. Instead of letting this news stress you out, use it as an incentive to find healthy ways to deal with stress.

Be Positive
Seems easier said than done, right?  The truth is, developing a positive attitude can help alleviate your stress. When you’re trapped in a negative cycle of thinking, you’re going to see every little challenge and trouble in life as a bigger deal that it might be. Adjust your thinking whenever you can, making a conscious decision to be calm, collected and reasonable. Focus on problem solving and the things you can change.

Rest
Lack of sleep can affect your mood and your health. If you’re not getting enough sleep, you’re probably feeling additional stress. Set a firm bedtime and stick to it. Keep your bedroom peaceful and avoid doing things before bed that could stimulate you. If you know that reading a certain website or watching a certain show gets you riled up, save that for the morning.

Work Out
You don’t need to become a gym rat right away. But you do need to get moving. Fresh air and light activity can help you deal with your stress. Sometimes just clearing your head can make problems seem much more manageable. Regular physical activity also makes your body feel better and makes it easier to sleep at night.

Avoid Unhealthy Coping Strategies
Womenshealth.gov recommends avoiding unhealthy stress relievers like drinking too much alcohol, using drugs, smoking, or overeating. These activities often lead to further stress, through complications of the activity or simply making you feel bad. Lean on your friends and family instead of turning to substances. Consider taking on a hobby or just doing something that feels good, like meditation, getting a massage, taking a long bath or watching some mindless television.

Talk to Your Doctor
Sometimes you can’t beat stress alone. Chronic stress that you feel unable to escape from may require help from a doctor or mental health counselor. If you need to talk to your health care provider, take comfort in knowing that you’re not alone in this, and that you’re brave for recognizing the need for help.

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Yesterday, the National Institute on Drug Abuse released the results of their 2011 Monitoring the Future Survey.  The survey showed some disturbing trends about marijuana use among youth. Marijuana use among teens rose in 2011 for the fourth straight year. Daily marijuana use is now at a 30-year peak level among high school seniors. 36.5 percent of 12^th graders reported past year use and 6.6 percent reported daily use. The upward trend in marijuana use corresponds with the downward trend in perception of risk related to marijuana use.

“The increases in youth drug use reflected in the Monitoring the Future Study are disappointing,” said Gil Kerlikowske, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. “Mixed messages about drug legalization, particularly marijuana, may be to blame.”

Sixteen states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana under the guise of medicine and Florida may see a similar measure on the 2012 ballot.

States that have legalized marijuana under the guise of medicine have done so without regard to science or federal law. The THC in marijuana has been isolated and is available in legitimate pharmacies by prescription as FDA approved medications called Marinol or Cesamet. Consumer protection relies on the rigorous research and approval processes set forth by the Food and Drug Administration to establish quantity of dose, frequency and duration of administration and interaction with other medicines.  Smoking has never been a safe, acceptable method of administering medicine. Simply put, crude marijuana does not meet the standards of modern medicine

“Marijuana use impairs educational achievement, has been associated with increased risk of psychosis and recent studies have shown that adolescent marijuana use may be responsible for disrupted brain development,” states Jackie Griffin, Executive Director of LiveFree! “The survey illustrates the need for prevention and education efforts that clearly define the true harms of marijuana use.”

According to the 2011 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, 23.3% of 12^th graders in Florida reported past 30-day marijuana use, up from 19.7% in 2008. A recent report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that marijuana is listed as the primary substance of abuse for 31.1% of treatment admissions in Florida and of those, 52.6% were between the ages of 12-17.

If you would like to set up an interview about this issue with a member of the LiveFree! Coalition, please contact 813-503-5658.

The LiveFree! Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition consists of members of the community coming together to address alcohol and other drug use in Pinellas County among young adults and middle and high school students by creating more systematic, environmental strategies and promoting the use of evidence-based prevention programs. LiveFree! encourages community advocacy, involving youth, law enforcement, parents and businesses in coalition activities, and promoting public awareness of substance abuse in Pinellas County. For more information on LiveFree! please visit http://www.pinellascoalition.com

Most drivers and passengers are aware of the risks of drunk driving. But are you aware of the risks of drugged driving?  From cold medicine to prescription medication to illegal substances, drugs can affect the way you drive and may significantly impair your ability to drive safely.

Consider the Facts

• According to the DEA, 3.6% of the U.S. population reported driving under the influence of illegal drugs in 2001.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that illegal drugs are used by approximately 10-22 percent of drivers involved in all motor vehicle crashes.
• According to the White House report on drugged driving, even drugs prescribed by a physician, can impair perception, judgment, motor skills, and memory

The Risks
Not every drug affects people the same way. One illegal drug might slow a driver down, causing delayed reaction times and additional risks as a result. Another might impair judgment, causing erratic or reckless driving. Another drug might cause changes in behavior that lead to aggressive driving. Some painkillers make drivers sleepy and sluggish, and thus dangerous behind the wheel. Because drivers may have both alcohol and drugs in their system, it isn’t always easy to pinpoint exactly what caused the impairment. It’s difficult to characterize the specific impairments of driving drugged because of the broad spectrum of effects of being on various drugs. Despite this, it’s important to focus on the fact that any drug that affects things like mood, judgment and motor skills has the ability to significantly impair driving.

The Bottom Line
Drugged drivers shouldn’t get behind the wheel. Passengers should not get in the car with someone who is on drugs. Teens may not understand that smoking a joint and driving is as serious as having several beers and driving. Unfortunately, this kind of casual attitude toward drugged driving can lead to motor vehicle accidents and death. Consider that according to the CDC, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among young people aged 16 to 19. Set an example by never getting behind the wheel when taking drugs that can cause impairment. Talk to your teen about drugged driving and the risks. Make sure that your teen understands that drugged driving and drunk driving are equally risky and illegal.

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According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the U.S. Marijuana is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, and its “natural” origins have lead to widespread myths about its potency, risks, and effects on the human body. However, many of these myths are just that. Here are the most common myths about marijuana, and the real truth:

Myth #1: Marijuana is harmless
Truth: Marijuana may have natural origins, but it certainly isn’t harmless. Short-term effects include: impaired judgment, memory loss, anxiety, and trouble with thinking and problem-solving. Long-term, damaging effects of marijuana use can include: memory loss, increased cancer risk, structural and functional damage to the brain, poor academic performance, depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.

Myth #2: Marijuana is not addictive
Truth: According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy,  marijuana meets the criteria for substance dependence set forth by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSMIV). In long-term users, marijuana has been shown to cause withdrawal symptoms; is used even though it may interfere with family, daily activities and school; and creates a strong urge to use the substance again.

Myth #3: Marijuana is a popular medical treatment
Truth: While marijuana is debated to help provide relief for certain conditions, it has not been approved for medical treatment. Marijuana has been deemed a Schedule I controlled substance under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970. The DEA office of diversion states:

Substances in this schedule have a high potential for abuse, have no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and there is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision.

Myth #4: Marijuana’s effects are short-lived
Truth: Marijuana has both short- and long-term effects. In the long run, marijuana can have negative effects on the heart, lungs, brain, and mental health.

Myth #5: Marijuana isn’t as bad as tobacco
Truth: Marijuana contains more cancer-causing chemicals than tobacco substances, can increase the risk of cancer more than smoking cigarettes or using other forms of tobacco, and can cause the same respiratory problems as cigarettes.

Despite all the myths, marijuana is not a harmless substance, and it can be just as dangerous as any other illicit drug. The LiveFree! Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is a coalition of members of the community who strive to address alcohol and drug use in Pinellas County. Visit us online today to see how you can get involved in this cause and help stomp out some of the myths surrounding marijuana and other illicit drugs!

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It happens to the best of us–even us adults. We have a long break off from work for vacation or the holidays, and it's hard to get back into our normal, everyday routine. So we can't blame our kids for having a rough time getting back into the day-to-day routine of going to school after a nice, long break for the holidays. Here are some great suggestions for making the transition back to the school routine as smooth as possible:

Ease Into Early Mornings
Don't wait until the first day back to school to wake your kids up at 6 a.m. or sooner. Instead, encourage them to start waking up earlier each day the week before, so they will gradually work up to their early mornings again. They will be happier, and the transition from sleeping in to waking up early will be a lot smoother. You don't want your kids to be groggy on their first day back at school!

Prepare the Night Before
Make sure your children have everything ready for their first day back, instead of scrambling around the morning-of. Lay out their outfits or uniforms, shoes, backpacks and supplies. If you are waiting on a supply list from your child's teacher, make sure they have the essentials for their first week back–pencils, pens, 3-prong folders and notebook paper.

Encourage Healthy Eats
Now that the holidays are over, it's a good time to get your children back into the routine of eating healthy, nutritious breakfasts and lunches. Help your children plan what they will take for lunch, including plenty of fruits and veggies and whole grains. Allow them to help pack their own lunches or make their own breakfasts, as they will be more likely to eat them if they took part in the preparation. A healthy breakfast and lunch will help kids stay focused and energized at school.

Schedule Homework Time
Your children may want to play outside as soon as they get home from school, especially since they just spent a few weeks relaxing and getting into a routine that did not include the word "homework." To break them from this routine, be firm and set aside a specific time for homework. Encourage them to finish their homework during this time by allowing them some play time when they finish. Setting a specific time as "homework time" will get them into a routine that they can follow for the rest of the school year.

We all wish the holidays were a little bit longer, but just like parents have to get back to work, children have to get back to school. Set a good example for your children by showing your excitement for the New Year and a fresh start back to work, and they will follow your lead as they head back to school. The LiveFree! Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Pinellas County is dedicated to setting good examples and helping teens make good choices. Visit us online to find out how you can help the teens in your life say “no” to drugs.

Have you ever heard that it takes a village to raise a child? Your teen is no exception to this idea. As your teen grows and learns, she is influenced by her teachers, by peers, by you and by popular culture. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry suggests preparing for the teen years by providing a safe and loving home environment. If grandparents are part of your teen’s extended family or home environment, allow them to step into a role model position to help support your teen’s development and well being.

Grandparents Aren’t Parents
Sometimes, teens simply don’t want to talk to parents about personal issues. Before you allow this to hurt your feelings, try to remember being that age. Did you want to share every hope and fear with your parents? Probably not. Sometimes a grandparent is the perfect person to offer to listen and support teens. Not every conversation has to be about a big issue. A grandparent can also be a fresh sounding board for your teen to talk about her day.

Grandparents Raised You
Grandparents have a special insight into something that likely mystifies your teen: Your own teen years. While you might not want to share tales of your crazy haircut or curfew breaking, they can be important stories to help your teen piece together a full picture of who you are as an individual. Grandparents help teens fill in the blanks as they start to understand that their parents are humans too.

Grandparents Were Teens Once, Too
While grandparents grew up in a different day and age, some aspects of being a teen are universal. As role models, grandparents can talk to teens about the everyday stresses involved with friendship, dating and school. While their lives may seem quaint and far away now, issues like having a crush or not fitting in will always be universal.

Grandparents are Fascinating
Teens may be likely to connect with grandparents over stories and history that are unique to that grandparent. If your teen shows an interest in a grandparent’s hobby or history, provide time for your teen to spend quality time and ask questions. Grandparents can serve as role models regarding hobbies, potential careers and sports. Remember to keep this time between your teen and his grandparents sacred. Don’t pry or ask too many questions.

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