This is Day 1 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
How Much Cough Medicine Do Teens Need to Consume to Get High?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r42J_CnlQvY
Teen use of cough medicine to get high is a serious problem. Cough medicine contains dextromethorphan (DXM), a drug that can cause hallucinations, seizures, and even death when abused.
Teens abuse cough medicine for a variety of reasons. Some teens are simply curious about the effects of the drug. Others are looking for a cheap and easy way to get high. Still others may be using cough medicine to cope with emotional problems or stress.
Teens can abuse cough medicine in a number of ways. Some teens drink large quantities of cough syrup. Others take DXM capsules or tablets. Some teens even extract DXM from cough syrup and snort it.
The effects of DXM abuse can vary depending on the amount of the drug that is taken and the method of administration. At low doses, DXM can cause euphoria, dizziness, and impaired coordination. At higher doses, DXM can cause hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis. DXM abuse can also lead to seizures, coma, and even death.
Teens who abuse cough medicine are at risk for a number of serious health problems, including:
Liver damage
Kidney damage
Heart problems
Mental health problems, such as psychosis and depression
Cognitive impairment
Accidents and injuries
If you are concerned that your teen may be abusing cough medicine, there are a number of things that you can do:
Talk to your teen about the dangers of DXM abuse.
Monitor your teen's behavior and appearance for signs of DXM abuse.
Keep cough medicine out of your teen's reach.
Talk to your teen's doctor about your concerns.
If you are concerned that your teen is abusing cough medicine and needs help, there are a number of resources available. You can contact your teen's doctor, a mental health professional, or a substance abuse treatment program.
It is important to remember that DXM abuse is a serious problem, but it is treatable. With help, teens can overcome their addiction and live healthy and productive lives.
This is Day 2 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
What is Fentanyl?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mtj8l3r_I_I
Key points to remember:
The majority of fentanyl-related deaths involve illicitly manufactured fentanyl.
Counterfeit pills are a huge risk, as they can contain deadly amounts of fentanyl.
Even small amounts of fentanyl can be lethal.
What Can Be Done?
Awareness is key. Educate yourself and others about the dangers of fentanyl.
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug use, seek help. There are resources available.
Naloxone (Narcan) is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. It's important to have access to it.
This is a serious problem, but by understanding the risks, we can work to prevent overdoses and save lives.
There are two types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical fentanyl and illegally made fentanyl. Both are considered synthetic opioids (made in a laboratory). Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, especially after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer.
However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdose are linked to illegally made fentanyl, which is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect.1 It is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous.
Illegally made fentanyl
Illegally made fentanyl (IMF) is available on the drug market in different forms, including liquid and powder.2
Powdered fentanyl looks just like many other drugs. It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills that are made to resemble other prescription opioids. Drugs mixed with fentanyl are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs contain it.
In its liquid form, IMF can be found in nasal sprays, eye drops, and dropped onto paper or small candies.
Fentanyl and overdose
Synthetic opioids like fentanyl contribute to nearly 70% of overdose deaths.3 Even in small doses, it can be deadly. Over the last few years, nonfatal and fatal overdoses involving fentanyl have continued to rise.
Drugs may contain deadly levels of fentanyl, and you wouldn't be able to see it, taste it, or smell it. It is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been mixed with fentanyl unless you test your drugs with fentanyl test strips.
This is Day 3 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
What Is Heroin?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVeEPWH5jzU
Facts about Heroin
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publication...
What is heroin?
Heroin is an opioid drug made from morphine, a natural substance taken from the seed pod of the various opium poppy plants grown in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Mexico, and Colombia. Heroin can be a white or brown powder, or a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin. Other common names for heroin include big H, horse, hell dust, and smack.
How do people use heroin?
People inject, sniff, snort, or smoke heroin. Some people mix heroin with crack cocaine, a practice called speedballing.
What are the effects of heroin?
Heroin enters the brain rapidly and binds to opioid receptors on cells located in many areas, especially those involved in feelings of pain and pleasure and in controlling heart rate, sleeping, and breathing.
Prescription Opioids and Heroin
Prescription opioid pain medicines such as OxyContin® and Vicodin® have effects similar to heroin. Research suggests that misuse of these drugs may open the door to heroin use. Nearly 80 percent of Americans using heroin (including those in treatment) reported misusing prescription opioids first
This is Day 4 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
What is Kratom?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SwFLCg17iM
From the National Institute on Drug Addiction :
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publication...
"Kratom can cause effects similar to both opioids and stimulants. Two compounds in kratom leaves, mitragynine and 7-α-hydroxymitragynine, interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing sedation, pleasure, and decreased pain, especially when users consume large amounts of the plant. Mitragynine also interacts with other receptor systems in the brain to produce stimulant effects. When kratom is taken in small amounts, users report increased energy, sociability, and alertness instead of sedation. However, kratom can also cause uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous side effects."
From the Mayo Clinic :
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-li...
"Users swear by kratom for mood enhancement and fatigue reduction, but safety issues and questions about its effectiveness abound.
If you read health news or visit vitamin stores, you may have heard about kratom, a supplement that is sold as an energy booster, mood enhancer, pain reliever and antidote for opioid withdrawal. However, the truth about kratom is more complicated, and the safety problems related to its use are concerning."
This is Day 5 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
What is Cocaine?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4ToGTTT2Z4
See More at :
Cocaine | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
This is Day 6 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
What is Suboxone and what is Suboxone used for?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vjTutsFwr0
Used for pain relief and to combat addiction to prescription pain medication. https://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events...
Suboxone is a medication used in the treatment of opioid dependence and addiction. It contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone.
Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it activates the same opioid receptors in the brain that drugs like heroin or prescription painkillers do, but it produces less euphoria and has a milder effect. It helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid dependence without producing the same level of euphoria or sedation.
Naloxone: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which means it blocks the effects of opioids by binding to the same receptors in the brain. Naloxone is included in Suboxone to discourage misuse of the medication. If someone were to try to inject Suboxone to get high, the naloxone component would likely induce withdrawal symptoms.
Suboxone is typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment program known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. MAT combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to address the complex needs of individuals struggling with opioid addiction.
Some key points about Suboxone include:
Effectiveness: Suboxone has been shown to be effective in reducing opioid cravings, preventing withdrawal symptoms, and improving treatment retention rates among individuals with opioid use disorder.
Administration: Suboxone is typically administered as a sublingual film or tablet placed under the tongue, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. It should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Regulation: Suboxone is a regulated medication due to its potential for misuse and diversion. It is only available by prescription from a healthcare provider who is certified to prescribe buprenorphine-containing medications.
Side Effects: Common side effects of Suboxone may include nausea, headache, sweating, constipation, and insomnia. These side effects are usually mild and tend to diminish over time.
Withdrawal: If someone has been using opioids regularly and abruptly starts Suboxone, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. It's important for Suboxone to be initiated under the guidance of a healthcare professional to minimize the risk of withdrawal.
Overall, Suboxone can be an effective tool in helping individuals with opioid dependence achieve and maintain recovery when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach. However, it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
This is Day 7 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
Judge Mack in Michigan talks about Overdose Awareness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkbDhz5dy3A
Opioid Awareness Information from the CDC – Centers for Disease Control
https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/php/toolkits/ioad.html
This is Day 8 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
Overdose Awareness from 2018!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlMa3ud_qJk
Being prescribed opioids does not make them safe. Opioids can be used to treat pain but carry serious risks of addiction, overdose, and even death. It is crucial to understand the risks and benefits of opioid therapy and to use them only as prescribed by a doctor. Opioids should only be used for as long as necessary, and it is important to discuss any and all side effects and concerns with your doctor to ensure safe and effective care.
This is Day 9 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
What is Ketamine?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdV7yW6XIyo
Further Information can be found at :
Drug Fact Sheet: Ketamine (dea.gov)
https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Ketamine-2020_1.pdf
This is Day 10 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
How can I prevent Drug Abuse?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjpBXpq6SRw
Educating individuals about the risks of drug use and promoting healthy coping mechanisms are effective strategies to prevent drug abuse.
s
The HIV Epidemic
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/hiv
This is Day 12 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
Overdose Awareness Day 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z1SE_HB4iI
This is Day 13 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
Chief Strong of the City of Wayne speaks about Drug Abuse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGd6TEKznSc
This is Day 14 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
Drugged Driving – Why Do It?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7mIRBmWbAA
This is Day 15 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
What is Addiction?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaK9JMlSDnI
Addiction is a complex condition, a brain disorder that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. People with addiction (severe substance use disorder) have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s), such as alcohol or drugs, to the point that it takes over their life. This leads to harmful consequences to their health, relationships, and responsibilities.
Addiction is characterized by:
Compulsion: The individual feels an overwhelming urge to use the substance or engage in the behavior, often to the point where it becomes difficult to resist.
Loss of Control: Despite efforts to cut down or stop using, the person is unable to do so. They may consume larger amounts over time or engage in the behavior more frequently.
Negative Consequences: Continued substance use or behavior despite experiencing negative consequences in various aspects of life, such as health problems, relationship issues, legal troubles, or financial difficulties.
Preoccupation: The individual may spend a significant amount of time thinking about using the substance or engaging in the behavior, and may prioritize it over other activities.
Tolerance and Withdrawal: Over time, the person may develop tolerance, needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect. Withdrawal symptoms may occur when the substance is not used, leading to discomfort or distress.
Addiction can involve substances such as alcohol, nicotine, opioids, cocaine, or illicit drugs, as well as behaviors such as gambling, gaming, or compulsive eating. It is considered a chronic, relapsing condition that requires long-term management, often involving a combination of medical treatment, therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes.
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-misuse-addiction
This is Day 16 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
Northville, Michigan Police Talk About the Opioid Crisis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIMd-iAQs5I
This is Day 17 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
What is Marijuana?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSXuU0mcBrs
This is Day 18 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
Vapiing Alcohol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHB3EUFP0iw
Vaporizing or Vaping alcohol is dangerous.
https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Redu...
I want to discuss a growing concern in our society: the rise of vaping alcohol among teenagers and why it should be a matter of utmost concern for all parents.
First, let's acknowledge the alarming rise in the use of vaping alcohol among our teenagers. This trend has captured the attention of parents, educators, and healthcare professionals alike. It involves inhaling alcohol vapor rather than the traditional method of consuming it through drinking. Why should parents be concerned, you ask? Because this form of alcohol consumption poses unique and severe risks to our adolescents.
What is Vaping Alcohol?
To begin, let's define vaping alcohol and understand how it works. Vaping alcohol entails the inhalation of alcohol vapor, and it is a method that some teenagers have been experimenting with. Unlike traditional drinking, where alcohol is ingested and metabolized through the digestive system, vaping alcohol introduces it directly into the bloodstream via the lungs. This rapid introduction of alcohol to the bloodstream is cause for concern.
Why Do Teens Vape Alcohol?
Now, let's explore why our teenagers might be drawn to this dangerous trend. Young individuals are often driven by curiosity, peer pressure, and a mistaken belief that vaping alcohol is safer than conventional drinking. The allure of a quick and intensified high can be alluring, but it comes at a substantial cost.
The Dangers of Vaping Alcohol
Let us delve into the heart of the matter: the dangers associated with vaping alcohol. These dangers include:
Rapid and Intensified Intoxication: Vaping alcohol can lead to a much faster and more intense high than traditional drinking, increasing the risk of accidents and dangerous behaviors.
Potential for Alcohol Poisoning: Inhaling alcohol vapor can lead to an elevated risk of alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening.
Increased Risk of Addiction: Like other forms of substance abuse, vaping alcohol can lead to addiction, causing a multitude of physical, emotional, and social problems.
Harmful Effects on the Respiratory System: The act of inhaling alcohol vapor can be detrimental to the respiratory system, leading to various health issues over time.
Negative Impact on Brain Development: For our teenagers, vaping alcohol can impair brain development, with potentially lasting consequences. This is particularly concerning during adolescence when the brain is still developing.
Signs of Alcohol Vaping
As parents, it is vital to recognize the signs of alcohol vaping in our children. These signs may include changes in behavior, mood swings, or the discovery of unusual items such as alcohol-infused vaping devices.
How to Talk to Your Teen About Vaping Alcohol
Now that we understand the risks, let's explore how to engage in conversations with our teenagers about this matter. Effective communication is key to addressing the issue. We must actively listen to our children, create open lines of communication, and maintain an environment of trust.
Prevention and Awareness
We can take proactive steps to prevent our children from falling into the trap of vaping alcohol. This includes setting clear expectations, providing education about the risks, and being positive role models. Additionally, we should seek opportunities to raise awareness about the dangers within our community and schools.
Resources and Support
Lastly, there are resources and support available for parents facing this issue. Numerous organizations, hotlines, and websites offer guidance, information, and a supportive community to help parents navigate the challenges of addressing alcohol vaping among teenagers.
In conclusion, it is of paramount importance that we, as parents and caregivers, are well-informed and proactive in addressing the dangers of vaping alcohol among our teenagers. Let us remember that the safety and well-being of our children are at stake. By engaging in ongoing dialogue and providing unwavering support, we can empower our teenagers to make safe and healthy choices.
This is Day 19 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
Anabolic Steroids – Use and Loss
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2mqCQ7h9O4
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. Some common names for anabolic steroids are Gear, Juice, Roids, and Stackers.
This is Day 20 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
Recreational Drugs are Not Real
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29Uul9R8Rb8
In today's world, we are bombarded with countless messages through music and advertising, many of which portray alcohol and drugs as glamorous, liberating, and synonymous with a good time. From catchy tunes to eye-catching visuals, these messages often convey the impression that alcohol and drugs are not only acceptable but also desirable choices for recreational activities. However, it's crucial to peel back the layers and critically examine these portrayals, for beneath the surface lies a stark reality that paints a very different picture.
The Power of Persuasion
Music and advertising are powerful tools of persuasion, shaping our perceptions, values, and behaviors. The seductive allure of these mediums can easily create a false narrative that alcohol and drugs are essential ingredients for fun and excitement. Yet, we must remember that these messages are carefully crafted by industries with a vested interest in promoting their products.
The Illusion of Bliss
Many music lyrics and alcohol advertisements romanticize the notion of euphoria, suggesting that alcohol and drugs are pathways to happiness and a carefree life. These messages often omit the less appealing side effects, such as addiction, health problems, and emotional turmoil. The reality is that these substances can provide fleeting moments of pleasure but often come with a heavy price tag.
False Freedom
Alcohol and drug advertisements frequently depict scenarios of freedom, rebellion, and non-conformity. They create a false sense that consuming these substances liberates us from societal constraints. However, the actual outcome can be the opposite - addiction and dependence can ensnare individuals, limiting their freedom and potential.
Consequences Ignored
In music and advertising, the consequences of alcohol and drug use are typically glossed over or ignored entirely. The relentless pursuit of pleasure without acknowledgment of potential harm can mislead impressionable minds. The reality is that substance abuse can lead to a wide range of negative consequences, including impaired judgment, accidents, health issues, damaged relationships, and legal troubles.
Perpetuating Stereotypes
Both music and alcohol advertising have a tendency to perpetuate stereotypes related to gender, social status, and identity. These messages often link alcohol and drug use to social success, attractiveness, and acceptance. In truth, these substances can exacerbate societal inequalities and lead to isolation and exclusion.
The Importance of Critical Thinking
To navigate the complex web of alcohol and drug messages presented in music and advertising, it is essential to cultivate critical thinking skills. Encourage young people to question and analyze what they see and hear, helping them develop a discerning eye and ear for the manipulation inherent in these mediums.
While alcohol and drug messages in music and advertising may be enticing and persuasive, it is imperative to see through the illusions they create. The realities of substance abuse, addiction, and the consequences of reckless behavior are far removed from the glamorous portrayals we encounter. As parents, educators, and mentors, our responsibility is to engage in open and honest conversations with young people, providing them with the knowledge and tools to make informed choices that prioritize their health, well-being, and future success. We must help them see beyond the illusions and embrace a reality grounded in responsibility, self-respect, and true happiness.
This is Day 21 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
How Can I Quit Vaping?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFsTcgM1N_0
Ready to Quit?
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-quit-vaping
This is Day 22 of a 22-day series focused on illicit drug awareness, public health, and community safety. As a business professional and researcher, I’m sharing these insights to help families navigate the current crisis.
Opioid Addiction Epidemic - Drugs and the Brain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxviRtpcuQk
Drugs and the Brain
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain