Teenage drug use trends, recognizing signs, the power of parent involvement

Amandine Lecesne, School Counsellor at PREM

This template can be used as a starter file for a photo album.

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What are some of the facts you need to know?

The chances are extremely high that your child will be offered drugs by the time they are 15, that they will at some point be surrounded by peers who are binge drinking and passing around marijuana, and that they are likely to feel pressured to (or even want to) join in. Important fact #1

Important fact #2There is a continuum of drug usethat spans from experimentation to addiction. Even experimentationcan have negative consequences.

Important fact #3Drug use is often self-medication. We can prevent it by responding to the underlying need.

Where are they drinking?

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The brain is the organ that is MOST SENSITIVE to drugs. Teenagers suffer fewer negative effects (like hangovers) and are less likely to consider consequences. WHERE ARE THE BRAKES?

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What drugs are your children most likely to be offered?AlcoholMarijuanaOpioids (prescription pills) EcstasyIce/YabaKetamine

Teens who struggle with anxietyare more likely to self-medicate through alcohol, marijuana, or opiods.

Those who struggle with impulse control, low frustration tolerance,Inattention, are more likely to self-medicate through amphetamines

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What do drugs look like?

Where do teens hide their drugs?

Wallets

Physical symptoms of being high: red eyes, enlarged or pinned pupils, weight loss

How they cover up: Eye drops, sunglasses, dryer sheets, air fresheners, cologne, baggy clothing

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3 things that make me want to pull my hair out!

Drug advertising that appeal to kidsDrugs can look like candy and use slang names for drugs that minimize negative effectsIce, Molly, Orange crush, chips, caviar, crescent roll, cocoa puffs, happy stick, hugs and kisses, jet fuel, joy stick, snowcone, M&M, joy juice, kit kat, goodfellas, jackpot, rainbows, hug

Drug dealers want to make more money, so they bulk up the drugs and sell it back to our kids

Since drugs cost a lot of money, drug dealers may cut their drugs with sugar, baking soda, flour, paracetamol, lead, procaine, strychnine (rat poison) in the drugs to save on product cost

Marijuana is MOST OFTEN cut with lead or glass (to increase weight)! Yikes!

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Doctors are quick to prescribe benzos for anxiety- highly addictive medication

What are the worse possible side effects?

National institute on drug abuse38

Penalties in Thailand for drug possession

Narcotics, marijuana, and magic mushrooms: up to 5 years imprisonment or fines up to 50,000 baht

Morphine, cocaine, ketamine, methadone: up to 10 years in prison or fines up to 100,000 baht

Heroin, amphetamines, methamphetamines: up to 10 years in prison or fines up to 200,000 baht

Possession of more than 20 grams may be sentenced to a variety of more severe intent to sell penalties including the death penalty.

What we do at Premto help students make healthy decisionsWe incorporate units on drugs and alcohol into the curriculum Instead of discussing specific drugs, we discuss harmful effects, peer pressureWe organize community building activitiesWe provide individual counselling and counselling workshops to discuss ways to cope with stress and the need to engage in self-care.We conduct drug tests and searchesWe investigate when we hear about drug useWe offer the Drug Awareness Week and bring in speakers

Why do teens do drugs?

Very simply put, drugs dramatically increase the feel-good chemicals in the brain

Experimentation

Coping with trauma

Self-medicating

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Serotonin present in cerebral cortex

Four antidotes to addiction1. Self-compassion2. Connection with others3. Tolerance of negative emotions4. Gratitude

What is in our controlIdeally, we would make sure that our teens never did drugs because if they dont do drugs, they cant get addicted and they cant suffer consequences of substance use. But because thats not altogether in our control... What we can work towards instead, what is most effective anyways, is ensuring that our teens have a healthy brain balance so that they are less likely to be drawn to using substances.

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Parent power

Parent power

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Tips for modelling responsible drinking

Limit your alcohol use, especially in front of your childrenDo not get drunk, especially in front of your childrenSometimes decline the offer of alcoholNever drink and driveDo not let other adults drive after they have been drinkingDo not portray alcohol as a good way to deal with stress such as by saying Ive had a bad day, I need a drink!Use healthy ways to cope with stress without alcohol, such as exercise, listening to music, or talking things over

Bump up your brain chemicals regularly and naturally!

Four core strengths to teach our kids at every opportunity1. Self-compassion2. Connection with others3. Tolerance of negative emotions4. Gratitude PS: this is the most important slide which is why its in this presentation twice!