The plague of addiction is growing ever larger in its scope. This plague has infected the most vulnerable and valuable asset in our world today: our youth. The most shocking realization is the extent of drug use, especially by children and teenagers.
It’s that time of the year again. All the kids are getting ready for school. You are stressed over school supplies, registration, and car-pooling the whole neighborhood… but have you considered the dangers school can present for your teens? Here are some 2001 survey statistics, taken from grades 9-12, that you should know about:
Latest drug trends are targeting children and youth by disguising hard drugs like meth and heroin to look and sound as innocent and inexpensive as candy. Meth cooks are adding flavoring such as strawberry and chocolate to make the drug look, smell, and even taste like candy. Also, heroin is being mixed with Tylenol PM and other cold medicines and sold for as little as $2 a hit. By disguising some of the bitter taste and steep price of drugs, and giving them innocent names such as “strawberry quick” and “cheese”, dealers are tricking many youth into believing that these drugs are harmless.
Last week Stephen Kazmierczak entered Northern Illinois University and began a shooting rampage killing six, wounding 16, and killing himself. This devastating event came “without warning” to many of the the gunmen’s friends and family. It seems stories like these are becoming common place in our society. Names like Omaha Nebraska Mall, Virginia Tech and Columbine Massacre come rushing to our minds. But can such a horrific event really come completely without warning? Are there possibly some red flags that could help prevent these tragedies?
Does your child have behavioral problems? Does your child have a problem with alcohol? According to recent studies, these questions may be interdependent.
One does not have to be an economist to realize the condition of our economy is not ideal. People all over the United States are struggling to make ends meet. This bleak setting has left many parents feeling helpless when faced with all of their financial responsibilities. While you may not be able to solve the economic recession, you can teach your children smart financial habits that will help them in the future.
Peer pressure: people feel it, inflict it, and increasingly let it control their lives. According to the Department of Student Support Services peer pressure is the most powerful influence in a childs decision to join a gang.
Public school is great for many teens but for those that need special attention, public school can be harmful. Teens with behavioral problems can fall through the cracks of the public school system. Sadly, this lack of attention can lead to problems like drug use, gang involvement, sexual promiscuity, and underage drinking.
Without even realizing it, many parents are providing teenagers and their friends access to what has become the second most popular drug after marijuana: prescription drugs. It is estimated that an overwhelming one-third of all U.S. drug abuse involves prescription drugs (National Institute On Drug Addiction). Teens are getting these prescription drugs from their own homes, from friends, and through websites on the Internet.
With prescription drugs so accessible to teens and adults alike it is no wonder they are misused. For some it is the lack of education, for others it is simply easy and instant gratification that draws them to misuse prescription drugs.
