Children no longer go to school just to learn reading, writing and arithmetic. Drugs like cocaine, ecstasy and magic mushrooms are part of the roster even in elementary school.
One-fourth of children between the ages of eleven and fifteen have been offered drugs, and one in six has taken them. Officials encourage parents to get more involved in the anti-drug movement, as drug education may be the only answer for this future generation of drug users.
The Facts
The age at which drug use occurs continues to get younger and younger. One in twenty children aged eleven have reported taking drugs in their lives. Five percent of eleven-year-olds admitted to taking drugs in the past year.
Popular drugs include not only marijuana and inhalants, but more potent drugs like cocaine, ecstasy and magic mushrooms. Psychoactive drugs are a big favorite, including synthetic drugs such as bath salts and synthetic marijuana.
Dangers Of Drug Use Among Teens And Tweens
Alcohol is the leading cause of automobile accidents and death among American youth. Following that is marijuana. Accidents are common among those under the influence of drugs, and in children it can be fatal.
Drug use encourages risky behavior. Rape, assault, suicide and murder are more common in the wake of substance abuse. Teen pregnancy is frequently linked to drug use.
Not only do teens and tweens experiment with alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and prescription drugs, those looking for cheap highs may turn to even more dangerous methods. Whippets, or nitrous oxide found in aerosol cans, is a common way of getting high. Teens also syphon freon from air conditioning units, sniff glue, or use nail polish for the immediate but short-lived high. Experts compare these methods to playing Russian Roulette–even the first experiment can prove fatal. Inhalants can quickly cause brain damage and coma.
Watch for signs of drug overdose in your child. This includes:
• Changes in vital signs (temperature, respiration, blood pressure, etc.).
• Sleepiness, confusion, and coma. This can be especially dangerous because a person may choke on vomit in this case.
• Chest pain.
• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, especially if tinged with blood.
Long-Term Effects
Studies show that drug use in the younger years can cause lowered IQ and memory problems in adulthood. The human brain develops into the early twenties, and drugs and alcohol may cause permanent damage. Additionally, addiction is more likely if drug abuse begins at a younger age.
On the other hand, studies show that parental involvement has tremendous impact in reverting the above statistics. Officials urge parents to talk to their children about the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol on their lives and their future. Various methods of law enforcement have been attempted around the world, but the truth of the matter is, parents and peers have the biggest influence on drug abuse.
Talk to your children about drugs and if a problem comes up get them immediate help. For more information call us today.