Teen Drug Trends Update

We’ve got good news and we’ve got bad news. The good news is that fewer teens are doing illegal drugs. The bad news is that more teens are abusing prescription drugs. From 2002 to 2008, illegal drug use declined from 11.6% to 9.3% among teens. However, greater than 60% of teens said that drugs were available and sold at their school. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration stated that there has been more than a 400% increase in abuse of prescription painkillers. This increase in prescription drug abuse has increased the number of related deaths, as 7 Floridians die every day from them.

In addition to prescription drugs, an unlikely drug that teens have been using is synthetic stimulants marketed as bath salts. They’re also called Aurora, Stardust, Cloud Nine, Vanilla Sky, Bliss, or Hurricane Charlie, just to name a few. They are legal in some states, but have been banned in Florida since February 2011. Bath salts, which are usually ingested by sniffing or snorting, are similar to amphetamines or cocaine. Over 3,470 calls have been made to poison control centers nationwide this year. Theses substances can cause paranoia, seizures, rapid heart rate, chest pains and vomiting.

Another teen drug trend that’s on the rise is Spice. It’s known as legal marijuana, but its effects can be 10 times stronger than marijuana as it’s made from synthetic cannabinoids. The biggest concern with Spice is that it doesn’t show up on drug tests. It has recently been banned by the federal synthetic ban on marijuana (K2 incense/bath salts). In 2010, over 1,500 calls were made to poison control centers in just the state of Florida. Spice can cause bad trips, paranoia, illness and lung damage.

While marijuana abuse had declined for the past decade, it is again on the rise. Unfortunately, so is Ecstasy. However, parents can help prevent drug abuse in teens! Parents who talk to their teens about alcohol and drugs and their associated risks are up to 50% less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol than teens whose parents do not. By being involved with their teens on a daily basis, parents can influence their decisions and help them to make the right choices.

The LiveFree! Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Pinellas County is dedicated to helping teens make good choices. Visit us online to find out how you can help the teens in your life say “no” to drugs.

Related Posts:
Saying “No” to Drugs – Even to Your Friends
Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs and Their Street Names
Street Drugs 101