Substance Abuse Prevention
Exploring substance abuse prevention strategies by Paul Francisco, a Primary Prevention Specialist. The session covers defining substance abuse, statistics of youth substance use, types of substances used, warning signs for parents, and preventative measures. Learn about the harmful effects of vaping and engage in conversations with youth to address this critical issue.
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Substance Abuse Prevention By Paul Francisco, Primary Prevention Specialist II, Project Eden
Overview of Todays Session Defining Substance Abuse Statistics of substance use among youth Types of substances used among youth currently How youth are accessing these substances What do some of these substances look like? Warning signs parents should look for Preventative measures and conversations with your children
Substance Abuse Defined Substance abuse is a pattern of compulsive substance use marked by recurrent significant social, occupational, legal, or interpersonal adverse consequences, such as repeated absences from work or school, arrests, and marital difficulties. Source: American Psychological Association
Statistics of Substance Use Among Youth 1 in 4 teens vape 21.3 percent of 8th graders have tried illicit drugs at least once 50% have tried illicit drugs by 12th grade 25.6% of 8th graders have abused alcohol at least once 61.5 percent of teens have abused alcohol by 12th grade 11.2 % of overdose deaths were ages 15-24 Source: Substanceabusestatistics.org
Types of Substances used among youth currently Disposable Nicotine Vape Pen (Legal)
Types of Substances used among youth currently Flavored Nicotine Vape Pens (Illegal)
Types of Substances used among youth currently Mod Pens are legal but are often used for illegal substances. Mod Vape Pen
Vape Pens Vape brands are getting more clever with designs
Illegal/Bootleg Dab Pens No warning labels Bright graphics and cartoon characters that would appeal to children
Bootleg THC pens are dangerous California Labs find 80% of illicit vapes cartridges are tainted (either with poison, fentanyl and dangerous insecticides)
Legal THC pens sold in dispensary legal thc pens have warning labels on packaging
Other forms of THC Hashish
Other forms of THC WHITE DIAMOND THC 90% +pure thc
Other forms of THC Shatter: another form of concentrate thc
Other forms of THC For smoking concentrates
Secret stash compartments Sold at smoke shops
Other Substances
Psilocybin candy sold in smokes shops also known as magic mushroom and shrooms
Prescription Drugs Opioids are strong medications health care providers use if someone comes to the hospital in severe pain. They are very effective for relieving intense pain. A natural category of opioid, called opiates, are made from the opium poppy plant. These include morphine and heroin. There are also newer opioids that are synthetic drugs like fentanyl and methadone.
Fentanyl The amount equal to 10 grains of salt is enough to kill an adult
Preventions Parents should start by educating themselves, so they know what they re talking about, and to take an inquisitive and curious approach to what their child s experience is. The most important thing is keeping it as a dialogue. Start the conversation more generally by asking if a lot of kids at school vape. Once the conversation is initiated, you can slowly work up to asking things like, What is your experience with that? What are the flavors like? Get a sense of what they know (or think they know) about the substance, which gives you an opening to start educating them.
Signs Figuring out if your child is using substances can be challenging. Many signs of drug use in teens are typical young adult behavior. Many signs of drug use are also symptoms of mental health issues, including depression or anxiety
Signs Behavioral changes How to spot signs of drug use Changed relationships with family members or friends Absenteeism or a loss of interest in school, work or other activities Avoids eye contact Locks doors Disappears for long periods of time Goes out often, frequently breaking curfew Secretive with the use of their pho Makes endless excuses Uses chewing gum or mints to cover up breath Often uses over-the-counter shifts in mood & personality Sullen, withdrawn or depressed Less motivated Silent, uncommunicative Hostile, angry, uncooperative Deceitful or secretive Unable to focus A sudden loss of inhibitions
Health care professionals are urging people to carry naloxone (also known as Narcan) to help save lives. Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of opioids. It can quickly save the life of someone suffering from an overdose. Naloxone can be administered by anyone, not just health care workers. It comes in an easy-to- use nasal spray.
Thank You / Gracias
