Fight Teenage Drug Abuse With Drug Testing

INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Signs of Drug Abuse……………………………………………………………………………………… 4
Drug-Free Home Policy…………………………………………………………………………………… 5
Drug Testing……………………………………………………………………………………… 7
Drug Testing Methods……………………………………………………………………………………… 8
Popular Drug Trends………………………………………….……………………………………… 12
- Stimulants……………………………………………….……………………………………… 13
- Steroids…………………………………………………….…………………………………… 14
- Club Drugs………………………………………………….…………………………………… 15
- Narcotics……………………………………………………….………………………………… 16
- Depressants……………………………………………………..………………………………… 17
- Hallucinogens……………………………………………………………………………………… 18
- Inhalants………………………………………………………………………………………… 19
Taking Action……………………………………………………………….………………………… 20
Drug Information & Statistics…………………………………………………………………………… 22
A Final Note……………………………………………………………………………..…………… 23
Table of Contents

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Drugs are not picky. They do not dominate in any one race, gender, ethnicity or social standing.
Drugs can affect any family and with endless resources out there, it may seem next to impossible
to know where to start the prevention process. That is where we come in. Drugs are a horror to
which many families have thought themselves untouchable. Even if you’ve raised your kids well,
illicit substances and the pressure to experiment with them can still influence your child’s life.
Experimentation with drug use is a slippery slope, as it often leads to more frequent use and
eventual addiction.
This brochure aims to help busy parents like you learn what you need to know about drugs, how
to prevent your kids from using drugs, and if the problem arises, how to fight to save your
children. While you may not have hours to devote to sorting through studies and documents on
teen drug abuse, we have condensed a great deal of “must know” information into this easy-to-
read format, including resources to help you research further.
For preventing drug use in the home, you will need a competent set of tools. The most powerful
tool at your disposal is information. To help your teen stay away from drugs, you will need to:
- Know what signs to look for that may indicate drug abuse
- Learn how to prevent drug abuse in your home.
- Acquire knowledge about the latest in drug testing technology.
- Understand the popular drug trends occurring among young people today.
- Learn how to intervene should you discover your child is abusing drugs.
- Find much more information and resources to keep you informed and ready to battle
drug abuse.
Never assume that your child cannot succumb to drug abuse. Regardless of race, gender or
social class, drugs can affect your teen’s life. In order to set up your plan of action, you must
learn and recognize the signs of abuse.
Introduction
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www.confirmbiosciences.com ~ drug testing redefined

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Drug abuse can make itself apparent in several ways: physical, emotional, social, and/or
behavioral. As a parent, tune in to your child’s behavior patterns. Are they suddenly acting
unusual? Do they fail to maintain hygiene? Do they wish to stay home from school often or
ditching classes? Are their grades suffering? The following warning signs could indicate your
child is using drugs and call for immediate action:
Physical:
» Bloodshot or red eyes
» Unexplained bruises or an increase in bruises
» Difficulty speaking or slurring of words
» Drastic change in appearance or weight
» Lack of attention to hygiene
» Poorly kept clothing and appearance
» Change in sleep (insomnia or sleeping all day)
» Fatigue
» Persistent cough
Social:
» Lack of interest in things or activities that once brought enjoyment
» A sudden disassociation from friends
» A sudden acquiring of a new social group
» Dropping of grades
» Failure to go to school
» Secretive or sneaky behavior
» Staying out late frequently
» Stealing
» Leaving for extended time periods
» Sudden anger or agitation when asked about reason for behavioral changes
» Avoidance of eye contact
Emotional:
» Suffers emotional breakdowns
» Very aggressive or argumentative
» Depression or withdrawal from social activities
» Irritability
» Lack of judgment skills
Behavioral:
» Abnormal odor on breath or clothing
» Prescriptions medications, alcohol or money disappearing from the household
» Failure to meet responsibilities to work, school and extracurricular activities
» Notification from a teacher, coach or employer of abnormal behavior
» Discovering pipes, rolling papers, bongs, needles, powdery substances in their room
These signs, or any combination of them, may indicate a problem. With this information in hand,
you are now prepared to develop a plan of action for your home to stop drug abuse or keep it
from starting.
Signs of Drug Abuse

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According to recent studies, one of the most important reasons teens cite for choosing NOT to try
drugs is his or her parents. When a teenager is raised fully aware of the fact that their parents
do not approve of drug use, they are more likely to also take the issue seriously. In that sense,
ensuring a drug-free home is kind of like ensuring a drug-free workplace.
Setting up a policy to take control of drug use in your home can seem like a daunting task, but
luckily, this guide can help to make the process a lot easier. Here are some of tips for a
successful drug-free home policy:
• Make it clear to your kids that you disapprove of drug use and you are serious about
this.
• Incorporate drug testing into your drug-free home plan, and communicate your kids
that this is to ensure the safety and happiness of all family members.
• Earlier you start drug testing your child is better. When drug testing is random and
frequent, and it becomes a part of your child’s life, there will be much less chance
that your child will use drugs.
• Be a part of your child’s life, keep an eye on for the possible drug use signs, keep
talking and drug testing.
Preventing Drug Use
Knowing the signs of drug use and which common substances are abused by young people today
are important, and helps to lay the foundation for preventing drug use in your home. Once
you’re informed, you are prepared to discuss the issues that concern your child and their biggest
fears, worries, and peer pressure – and any other factor that may contribute to drug use.
In order to prepare your son or daughter for the world and for the offers of drugs they will most
likely encounter, take an involved approach to parenting:
• Talk: It may sound overly simple, but taking the time to talk to your child can make
all the difference. Start a dialogue with your child about drugs and always keep the
lines of communication open. Don’t talk with your child about drugs once, but many
times. These don’t have to be formal, sit-down discussions, but even from an early
age, talk about drugs, how you feel about them and remember to listen to their
concerns. By establishing this communication with your child from the start, they are
more likely to come to you in times of crisis, or when they are confronted with drug
use for the first time. Likewise, showing that you know a lot about the subject
shows your child how much you care and that you’re serious when it comes to drugs.
Emphasize the health aspects of using drugs and their negative impact on quality of
life. But most of all, just let your child know you understand the pressures they face
as a young person today and try to help them work through these moments.
• Make Your Position Clear: It is never too early to make sure that your child knows
you are against drug use. They should know that you disapprove of any drug use
and that you are serious about it.
• Be Available: You can have sit down talks with your kid about the serious
implications of drug use, but if you’re not there for them when they truly need you,
Drug-Free Home Policy
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talking won’t matter that much. Let your child know you’re there for them and will
always be there for them. Let them know they can come to you when they need to.
Reinforce the notion that even if they’ve broken the rules, you still love them and will
help them through their issues. Oftentimes, the most insightful and helpful talks you
will have with your child will be entirely impromptu, and initiated by your teen.
• Act It Out: Telling your kid to “just say no” isn’t enough. If your child should
actually be offered drugs, resisting peer pressure can be tough and overwhelming.
So rather then sending your child out into the world unprepared, take the time to
practice potential conversations they would have. Visit
http://www.drugfree.org/parent for some great scenarios that can help you teach
your child just how to say “no.”
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Drug Testing
If necessary, part of preventing drug use in the home lies with drug testing. Sometimes
verbalizing a no drug policy isn’t enough. In fact, opting to perform drug testing on your child or
teen can greatly reduce the likelihood of their trying drugs or succumbing to peer pressure.
Whether or not to establish drug testing in the home is an important decision and there are many
factors to consider. Your child may be hurt or upset by your decision, even if it is made with
their best interests in mind. It is important to let them know your reasons and listen to their
opinions and concerns.
There are several questions you need to think about in regards to drug testing:
What type of drug testing?
Each drug testing method, as we will talk about more in detail below, has advantages and
disadvantages. Weighing the pros and cons of testing methods for you and your child’s case is
the best way to decide.
Which drugs should I test for?
There is a wide variety of drugs that you need to be concerned about. In one of the following
sections, we will talk more about different drug types and that should give you an idea about
which drugs are more important. Also keep in mind that depending on the state or city you
reside in, different drugs might be more popular than others. It would be a good idea to ask
around the community and school district for advice. At a minimum, here are the most popular
drugs that you should consider drug testing your child for: Marijuana, Amphetamines, Ecstasy
and Cocaine.
When to drug test?
Frequent and random drug testings are important factors for a successful drug-free home. With
all the test adulteration methods and materials available to purchase on the Internet, drug
testing your child on a predictable schedule is not a good idea. Even if your child is not successful
in their attempts to cheat the drug test, there is no reason why you should give them the chance.
What will be the consequences of a positive result on the drug test?
It is a good idea to be prepared for what to do, in case of a positive test result. You need to be
sure that the test is indeed positive. We recommend either having the positive test result
reconfirmed in a lab or taking your kid the next day to a lab nearby to be retested.
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There are many types of drug tests available on the consumer market today, but which one is
right for you and your family? The following three drug testing methods work well in the home
setting and require little to no experience.
1. Urine Drug Tests
Urine drug testing is the most commonly sought drug testing type, in the home, among
employers, and law enforcement. Urine tests can detect drugs in a your child’s system for up to
three days after use. If you are unsure of when the drug use took place, but believe it happened
in the past week, a urine drug test is perfect for your situation. They can detect all of the major
drug types at once, but can also be used to test for only a single drug. Additionally, urine drug
testing kits are simple and easy to use. Just be sure to stay close by while your teen provides a
urine sample and perform the test more than once. If he or she comes to expect the drug tests,
there are ways to adulterate the results. Practicing random drug testing is an ideal way to
identify drug use in your home.
2. Hair Drug Tests
Hair drug tests are by far the most accurate consumer drug test on the market. They are not
easy to adulterate – as it is the core of the hair which is tested. Shampoos, bleach, or diet will not
effect the result. Furthermore, you now have the ability to test for possible drug use for up to 90
days, as opposed to urine and saliva testing which will only allow you to test for up to 72 hours.
Hair testing can be more costly and requires the sample to be sent to a lab for testing, however
the results can provide you with very vital information e.g. how often a drug is taken and also
the amount of the drug in the donor’s system. Unlike urine and saliva testing, hair drug tests can
be performed discretely and a small sample of hair is all that is needed. Though we encourage
you to let them know, your child or teen doesn’t even have to be aware they’re being tested.
This way, you don’t have to make accusations or create conflict until you know for sure if your
child is using drugs. Hair drug tests can detect a variety of drug types, but be sure to check the
packaging before purchase to make sure it detects the drug of most concern to you. These
testing kits require an inch-and-a-half of hair, each half inch representing 30 days, which not only
makes it one of the most effective testing methods in revealing drug abuse but it also enables
you to test your child 365 days out of the year, with a quick, simple test every 90 days (or three
months).
Drug Testing ~ Drug Testing Methods
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What Is The Best Way To Test My Child?
Random drug testing is by far the best method for testing children for drug use. In this fashion,
you are much more likely to catch drug abuse if it is occurring or discourage use altogether.
Urine or saliva drug tests are the best way to accomplish random drug testing as they are quick,
effective methods that are kind to the pocketbook. For added assurance, add a hair drug test to
the mix every six months to a year. These tests detect a larger-window of drug use and allow
you a sense of certainty, whether or not your child is using drugs.
Is It Right To Test My Own Child?
No one likes to think that their teen is using drugs. But knowing the truth and acting on it is of
more help than living in denial of the situation.
Performing drug tests on your teen can also potentially save them from jail time or becoming
addicted to illegal substances. You may feel as though you’re invading their privacy, but using a
drug testing kit on your teen could save them from a life of addiction.
Utilizing drug testing in the home can put a stop to drug use before it starts. A good drug testing
policy that incorporates random and periodic drug testing can help to ensure your teenager is
drug-free. And although it may seem difficult to start, placing your child on the road to a life
without drugs early on helps to guarantee that they will have a brighter future and a happy,
healthy life. The time, effort, and money are worth it when weighed against your child’s future.
Additional Resources
Preventing Drug Use Among Children and Adolescents- Second Edition: A pamphlet distributed by
NIDA that helps parents, teachers and community groups get a handle on drug abuse.
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The need for change and dedication to a drug testing policy does not stop at home. In fact, in
order for a truly successful drug-free plan to be effective, all primary figures in a child’s life need
to be involved, including educators, teachers, school administrators and PTA organizations.
Parents have a responsibility to monitor their young teen’s exposure to drugs at home, yet what
about when the teen is at school? Educators must also bear some of the burden in preventing
drug use that coincides with the efforts of concerned parents. While parents may choose to
perform drug testing at home, schools can also choose this route in conjunction with anti-drug
education and awareness programs.
While some feel the education system has no right to test students for drug abuse, it can prove
to be a powerful tool in detecting drug abuse in young people early on, before addiction can
develop and before lives are ruined.
Why Is Drug Testing Use in Schools?
While an obvious reason to perform drug testing in schools is to harbor a drug-free environment,
they are also necessary in the maintenance of youth health. For instance, use of drugs cause
physical changes in brain chemistry. While the pleasurable effects of a drug may only be felt for
a few hours, its lasting damage can affect a child for months, years – even the rest of their lives.
Marijuana is known to cause problems with memory and learning ability. Likewise, MDMA and
other methamphetamines reduce one’s ability for critical thought. These symptoms are
permanent and irreversible.
As children grow up, their brains continue to develop as well. Introducing the foreign chemicals
contained in drugs can cause permanent damage, leading to lowered ability and lowered success
once the child becomes an adult. By instituting drug testing in schools early on, children can
grow to become healthy, competent adults, without experiencing the harmful and lasting effects
of drug use.
Types of School Drug Testing
The most common method of testing students is by randomly selecting a percentage of the
student body each week and subjecting them to a drug test. Sometimes, if there is reasonable
suspicion, students may be selected based on number of absences or if unruly behavior has
suddenly become a consistent problem.
Urine tests are the most typical choice of drug test in the school environment. Samples are
relatively easy to collect, the tests are budget conscious when bought in bulk and provide
accurate results on the spot. Some schools, however, decide to utilize other testing methods,
such as hair, saliva or sweat tests. While these testing methods are also accurate, they tend to
cost more and may not be approved for a particular district.
How To Get Involved In Your Child’s School Drug-Free Program
As a parent, you may wish to become involved in your child’s school in some way or another.
PTA organizations are a great way to have a say in how your child is educated, including how
Drug Testing in Schools

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drug testing is carried out. If your child’s school is considering implementing drug testing, it is
important to consider the following:
- How will students be selected for testing?
- How often will drug tests be administered?
- Who will carry out the tests?
- Should a positive result be recorded, what sorts of disciplinary and rehabilitative actions
will be carried out?
- How much will testing cost?
- Will there be confidentiality in the testing?
- What about students who are on prescription medications that may cause a positive
result? What sort of procedure will be put in place to handle such cases?
Once a clear policy is developed, plenty of public support must be gained. You can help by going
out in the community and talking with other parents about drug testing and learning their
opinions. Coming to a consensus as a community is important in order to have orderly drug
testing that is taken seriously by parents and students alike. A great way to garner public
support is to invite a drug prevention or treatment professional to speak at a parent meeting.
This way, skeptical parents can learn about the benefits of drug testing kids in school as well as
how cost effective and successful previous testing programs have been.
Resources
For more information on drug testing in schools and how you can get involved as a parent, the
following resources may be beneficial to you:
What You Need To Know About Starting A School Drug Testing Program: The ONDCP’s brochure
on how to start a program.
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While many of the drugs that were popular with youth when you were a teenager have
maintained their popularity, there are new drugs that you may not be aware of. Many young
people are abusing drugs that are unexpected and more readily available, such as cough syrup,
solvents, and cleaning agents. In order to be prepared for preventing drug use in the home and
confronting abuse, parents need to know what drugs our children face, how they are used and
how teens refer to these illicit substances.
While drug use amongst young people overall is on the decline, the numbers are still startling.
For instance, according the Monitoring the Future Survey, 16.5% of eighth graders in 2005
admitted to using marijuana at least once in their lives. Likewise, the percentage of eighth
graders who admitted to use of inhalants, amphetamines, alcohol and tobacco at least once in
their lifetimes were, respectively, 17.1%, 7.4%, 41.0% and 25.9%. Young teens are most
interested in drugs that are easily obtainable and do not cause life-threatening side effects—at
least according to the misinformation they have received.
For more information on drug trends among teens, the following section provides detailed facts
on types of drugs, slang terms, side effects and warning signs. With this information in hand, you
are better prepared to take action against the drug abuse, if any, that is occurring in your home.
Drug Types Most Commonly Used By Children and Teens:
1. Stimulants
2. Steroids
3. Club Drugs
4. Narcotics
5. Depressants
6. Hallucinogens
7. Inhalants
Popular Drug Trends

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Stimulants are a classification of drugs that are identified by their tendency to speed up brain
activity and other bodily functions. Since use of stimulants such as cocaine causes the blood
vessels to narrow, heart failure is a great risk for users. These drugs can be taken in capsule or
tablet form, snorted, smoked or injected.
Types of Stimulants
Amphetamines are made synthetically in a laboratory and are taken to treat conditions such as
narcolepsy, ADHD and as an appetite suppressant. Even though there are legitimate, medical
uses for amphetamines, they are often abused on the street for the high they produce.
Methamphetamine is a type of amphetamine in a clear crystal form that can be easily dissolved in
water or alcohol. People from all walks of life have been known to abuse this drug as it is made
of inexpensive and easy-to-find ingredients.
Cocaine is obtained from the leaves of the cocoa plant and can make users feel euphoric and
elated. It can be taken in powder form for snorting and crystal form for smoking. While it was
historically used as an anesthetic, it is now an illegal substance that is highly addictive and
damaging to the human body.
Methylphenidate or MPH is a prescription drug used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and brain injury
but has been known to be abused for its affects as a stimulant.
Effects of Stimulants
Stimulants can cause a wide variety of side effects and symptoms including increased heart rate
and blood pressure, euphoria, talkativeness, anxiousness, elation and heart failure.
Common Slang Terms for Stimulants
Amphetamines: Amp, bennie, blue boy, Christina and jolly bean.
Methamphetamine: Speed, Ice, Chalk, Crystal, Crank, Fire and Glass.
Cocaine: All-American Drug, candy cane, crack, perico and snort.
Popular Drug Trends ~ Stimulants
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Anabolic steroids are a type of drug that is taken typically by athletes in order to increase muscle
size and overall athletic performance. These drugs do, in fact, increase muscle size, but the side
effects are alarming and indicative of how damaging they can be to the human body. Even more
disturbing is that in a 2004 study conducted by NIDA, 3.4% of high school seniors admitted to
using steroids at least once in their lives.
Types of Steroids
Primobolan, Anatrofin, Bolasterone, Deca-duabolin, Delatestryl, Dep-testosterone, Dihydrolone,
Durabolin, Dymethzine, Enoltestovis, Methatriol, Quinolone, Therobolin, Trophobolene, Anadrol,
Anavar, Maxibolin, Methyltestosterone, Proviron, Winstrol, Abolic, Dianabol, Equipose,
Finajet/finaject, Parabolin, Winstrol V
Effects of Steroids
Steroids have an adverse affect on bodily organs and are known to cause high blood pressure,
acne, shrunken testicles, facial hair growth and a deepened voice in women, and breast
development in men. These drugs can also prematurely halt development in teens and cause
increased levels of aggression. Some of the more serious consequences of abusing steroids
include heart attack, high cholesterol, and liver cancer.
Common Slang Terms for Steroids
Pumpers, Juice, Arnolds, Gym Candy, Stackers, Weight Trainers.
Popular Drug Trends ~ Steroids
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Club drugs are a class of substances taken by teens and young people at all-night parties or
“raves.” These drugs allow party-goers to dance all night long with increased endurance and
stamina, while experiencing a whole host of effects from euphoria to altered sensory perception.
Other club drugs act as sedatives, allowing for “date rape” situations.
Types of Club Drugs
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA acts as a stimulant but also has mind-altering
affects. It is typically used at all-night dance parties to produce increased stamina and is taken in
tablet form.
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate or GHB is often taken in tablet or capsule form and is used in “date
rapes.” Many times, a tablet can be slipped into an unsuspecting person’s drink at a party,
causing them to pass out and be taken advantage of.
Ketamine is a central nervous system depressant and has similar effects to PCP. It acts as an
anesthetic that can be injected, smoked or snorted. While sold legally for both animal and
human use under a prescription, only around 10% of these prescriptions are intended for human
consumption.
Rohypnol is a sedative, although not a legal one in the United States. It is often used to facilitate
sexual assaults or “date rape” due to the impairing effects of the drug.
Effects of Club Drugs
The effects of club drugs can vary widely, as the different types cause different reactions. MDMA
can cause anxiety, depression, confusion, paranoia, increased blood pressure, nausea,
hyperthermia, stroke, kidney failure and memory loss. Rohypnol acts as a sedative and muscle
relaxant and can cause confusion, drowsiness and decreased blood pressure. Higher doses can
cause loss of consciousness and amnesia. GHB can cause drowsiness, nausea and even coma.
It has also been used in cases of date rape and poisonings, some of which have resulted in
death.
Common Slang Terms for Club Drugs
MDMA: Ecstasy, XTC, X, Adam, Clarity, Lover’s Speed.
GHB: G, Liquid Ecstasy, Grievous Bodily Harm, Georgia Home Boy.
Ketamine: Special K, K, Vitamin K, Cat Valium.
Rohypnol: Roofies, Rophies, Roche, Forget-me Pill.
Popular Drug Trends ~ Club Drugs
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Narcotics refer to drugs derived from opium or opium synthetics. Narcotics are probably one of
the easiest drug types to be detected by drug screening tests as most can screen for opiates.
The primary use of narcotics is as a pain reliever and are often abused for their ability to create a
sense of calm and relaxation. They are taken orally, through skin patches, or by injection.
According to the 2004 Monitoring the Future study, 1.6% of 8th
graders admitted to using heroin
at least once in their lifetimes.
Types of Narcotics
Heroin is a very dangerous drug and often administered intravenously, making users more prone
to contracting diseases such as Hepatitis and HIV. Heroin is processed from morphine and
appears either white or brown in powder form.
Opium is the direct substance obtained from the poppy plant. It is brown in color and has a bitter
taste in liquid form. While it is processed for use in many prescription pain relievers, it is highly
addictive.
Morphine is prescribed as a powerful analgesic and can relieve intense pain. Oftentimes, a
patient who is prescribed the drug develops tolerance, dependence and even addiction to it.
Morphine is also obtained illegally through false prescriptions and street markets.
Methadone is a synthetic opioid that while producing many of the same effects as morphine and
heroin, is very different chemically. This substance is primarily used in a prescription drug format
as a means of weaning heroin addicts off of the drug. It is also, however, found on the street
and many people use methadone itself to get high.
Effects of Narcotics
Heroin causes intense euphoria, clouded mental capacity and alternating states of wakefulness
and drowsiness. Addicts many eventually develop liver disease, lung problems and collapsed
veins due to the intravenous nature of the drug. Opium, while relieving pain, also provides a
sense of wellbeing, stupor and is very addictive very fast. Morphine slows mental functioning,
creates a sense of euphoria and can cause lethargy, blurred vision, lack of appetite and
constipation. Use has also been linked to insomnia and nightmares. Methadone can last in a
person’s system for a long time, making it the ideal method of beating a heroin addiction.
However, it can produce a sense of euphoria, drowsiness and other effects similar to both heroin
and morphine.
Common Slang Terms for Narcotics
Heroin: Speed Smack, H, Ska, junk, rain, snow, kabayo and Karachi.
Opium: Auntie, dream gum, dream stick, mira, gondola, pen yan and tar.
Morphine: dreamer, goma, miss emma, morphina and mary.
Methadone: Amidone, fizzies, glass and dollies.
Popular Drug Trends ~ Narcotics
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Depressants, or more accurately, central nervous system depressants, are also often referred to
as sedatives or tranquilizers because of their ability to slow down the CNS and other bodily
functions. They are often used to treat anxiety and sleeping disorders. In 2001, the National
Household Survey on Drug Abuse reported that 3.3% of children between the ages of 12-17
admitted to using tranquilizers or sedatives at least once in their lifetime.
Types of Depressants
Barbiturates are available by prescription often for sleep disorders under the brand names
Nembutal, Seconal, Luminal and Amytal. They are often used as an anesthesia, for treating
insomnia, seizures or for preoperative sedation.
Benzodiazepines are used to treat milder cases of insomnia, anxiety and as a relaxant prior to
anesthesia. It is given intravenously or in an oral syrup. They can also be used as
anticonvulsants. These drugs can become addictive wherein tolerance and dependence
develops. Some brand names include Xanax, Valium, Doral and Restoril.
Effects of Depressants
Depressants relieve anxiety, relax muscles and can make users feel drowsy. Breathing is slowed
as well as heart rate. Abusers of CNS depressants may experience confusion, inability to control
limbs, impaired judgment, slowed reflexes, slurred speech, depression and/or euphoria.
Common Slang Terms for Depressants
Downers, Yellow Jackets, Ludes, Barbs, Blue devils, rainbows, green dragons, peanuts, knockout
drops and goofballs.
Popular Drug Trends ~ Depressants
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Hallucinogens are dangerous illicit substances that cause changes in the perception of reality. All
sensory perceptions can be entirely hallucinated while under the influence of these substances.
Hallucinogens can be derived from plants and fungi or made synthetically in a laboratory. In the
2005 Monitoring the Future study, 8.8% of high school seniors admitted to using hallucinogens at
least once in their lives, while 5.8% of sophomore students admitted to using.
Types of Hallucinogens
Phencyclidine or PCP, is a white powder that can be snorted, smoked, or swallowed as a capsule
or tablet. It is often mixed with color dyes and is even sold in liquid form.
Lysergic acid diethylamide or LSD is derived from a fungus that grows primarily on rye called
ergot. It can be taken in tablet or capsule form as well as blotter papers. LSD contains no
signifying odor or color and it creates unpredictable side effects involving distortions in
perception.
Dextromethorphan or DXM is found in over-the-counter cough suppressants. When these
medications are taken in large quantities, they can produce effects similar to PCP.
Effects of Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens can cause a variety of effects on the human body including increased heart rate
and blood pressure, dilated pupils and altered sensory perceptions. PCP is fast acting and can be
noticed within minutes of ingestion. Usage can cause increased breath rate, blood pressure and
heart rate and nausea. Effects can last for several hours.
LSD is unique to each individual who takes it. A lot of a person’s reaction depends upon their
prior mood and environment. Along with rapid heart rate and increased blood pressure, LSD can
cause dilated pupils, dry mouth, tremors and sweating. An effect that is unique to this drug is
the feeling that sensations are blurred in that they can see music and hear shapes. Users of
DXM often experience a loss of awareness and distorted perceptions.
Common Slang Terms for Hallucinogens
PCP: Angel, angel dust, Cadillac, ozone, rocket fuel, peter pan, purple rain and super grass.
LSD: Acid, boomers, yellow sunshines, mellow yellow, widow pane, dots and blotter.
DXM: robo, Dex, Skittles, Syrup, Tussin and Triple C
Popular Drug Trends ~ Hallucinogens
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19
Inhalants are a classification of drugs that include solvents and volatile chemicals that are sniffed
or inhaled through the mouth or nose to obtain a high. These substances are found in many
household products including paint thinner, fingernail polish remover, glues, gasoline, cigarette
lighter fluid and cleaning solvents. Children often easily find these products in their own homes
and sniff them either directly from the container or a cloth that has the chemical on it. In 2001,
the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey found that 14.7% of high school students have
engaged in sniffing activities at least once.
Effects of Inhalants
Those high on an inhalant will appear to be drunk or inebriated by alcohol. After the initial inhale
of the substance, the user experiences a loss of oxygen to the brain, making the heart beat
faster, senses to heighten, and perceptions to be distorted. Soon after, the user feels tired and
has the sensation that blood is flowing rapidly to the brain, very similar to “head rush” when one
stands up too fast. Side effects include headaches, nausea, dizziness and slurred speech. With
continued use, an inhalant abuser can become dependent upon the substance and even go
though withdrawal.
Signs of Inhalant Abuse
If you notice paint stains on your child’s body, mouth sores, red eyes, irritability or a dazed
expression, they may be abusing an inhalant.
Common Slang Terms
Whippets, poppers, snappers, air blast, bagging, bolt, discorama, glading, gluey, hardware,
hippie crack, honey oil, huff, huffing, kick, moon gas, oz, poor man’s pot, snorting and whiteout.
Popular Drug Trends ~ Inhalants
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20
Should you discover your teen is using drugs, there are many ways to go about putting a stop to
it. Intervening now is the best way to end your child’s drug use and get them the help they
need. While it is certainly a difficult situation to navigate, stepping in and helping your child beat
their drug problem is the first step in the right direction.
Intervention
Staging an intervention is the first step to helping your child combat a drug problem or addiction.
It doesn’t have to be formal or a huge gathering of the family. Rather, an intervention may be
most effective when only close relatives and friends attend. It can be as simple as calmly stating
you do not want him to use drugs and explain why this is the case. Some important things to
keep in mind include:
- Be Open Minded: While you certainly have every right to be upset about your child
using drugs, don’t jump to conclusions. Remaining calm and collected, yet still
expressing your feelings about the matter helps your teen see that you are serious and
truly wish to help.
- Show Compassion: This is your child we’re talking about here. You love them more
than life itself—let them know it! Everyone makes mistakes, and while abusing drugs is
certainly serious, don’t compromise your love for your child over it. Try to understand
his side. Don’t condone drug use, but don’t disown him for it, either.
- Avoid Angry Confrontation: Screaming through the house to get your point across
never helped anyone. Rather than being confrontational and accusing your child of all
sorts of unsavory behavior, step back for a moment, take a deep breath and stay calm.
You’re the adult here.
- Listen: After confronting your teen about her drug abuse, take the time to listen. Most
of the time, there are deep-seated psychological issues at the heart of drug abuse. Hear
what your child has to say and talk him through this difficult moment.
Seeking Outside Help
If after repeated attempts to discuss drug abuse with your son or daughter fails, bringing in
outside help may be most beneficial. Denial is often a major problem for people with substance
abuse problems, whether teens or adults. If they deny using drugs or alcohol, you may want to
have them evaluated by a healthcare professional. Remember to show concern for your child’s
condition—don’t make this doctor’s visit seem like a punishment.
After the evaluation, it may be discovered that she is addicted to drugs or alcohol. Now is the
time to act. There are many treatment facilities all over the country and it should be fairly easy
to locate one that suits your child’s current needs.
Seek out other parents that have been through the same situation. It may seem like the end of
the world to find that your child is using drugs, but getting them on the first steps toward
recovery can be the best gift in the world.
Popular Drug Trends – Taking Action
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21
Associations & Organizations
The Partnership For A Drug-Free America: resource for parents to find information on drug
abuse, how approach it and more. Also offers forums for parents to seek the consult of other
parents.
Parents. The Anti-Drug: shows how parents can prevent drug use in the home.
School Violence Prevention: Safe & Drug-Free Schools: SAMHSA’s website devoted to preventing
violence and drug abuse in the nation’s schools.
Office of Safe & Drug Free Schools: organizes violence and drug prevention activities in schools.
Community of Anti-Drug Coalitions of America: a collective of anti-drug coalitions across the U.S.
that work together to create safer neighborhoods for all.
Drug Testing
Once your child stops using drugs, it may be a good idea to enforce a regimen of drug testing in
the home to ensure such behavior never occurs again. Random drug testing is usually best in
this sort of situation, wherein you test your son or daughter for drug use regularly but at
unpredictable times. Once he or she passes the drug tests for a consistent period of time, it may
be safe to say you have beat the drug habit together.
How To Find a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facility
A great way to begin your search for a drug and alcohol treatment facility for your child is on
the Internet. There is a boundless number of resources available to parents in the exact same
situation. A few places to start include:
SAMHSA - Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator: This search engine allows parents the
convenience of finding drug treatment facilities in their area.
Sober.com – Adolescent Teenage Drug Rehab Centers: A directory of drug and alcohol and drug
treatment facilities with special programs for teens.
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22
Not all of the information as a parent may be included in this guide. For those with a desire to
explore more deeply into the topic of teenage drug abuse and prevention, the following links and
information should be helpful.
Resources
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America
Office of National Drug Control Policy
Street Drugs
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
Medline Plus: Drugs & Supplements
Monitoring The Future
Teen Drug Use Statistics
Taken from the Monitoring The Future Survey: “Trends in Lifetime Prevalence of Use of Various
Drugs for Eighth, Tenth, and Twelfth Graders”
Any Illicit Drug Any Drug Other Than
Marijuana
Any Drug Including
Inhalants
8th
21.4 12.1 30.0
10th
38.2 18.0 42.1
12th
50.4 27.4 55.5
The full survey is available at: http://www.monitoringthefuture.org/data/05data/pr05t1.pdf
Drug Information & Statistics
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23
Hopefully, you have found the previous information helpful. Making informed decisions about
your child’s life is of the utmost importance, and with an arsenal of knowledge, you can now take
the first steps toward drug-proofing your home and your child’s life. Prevention is everything,
and we want to help parents stop drug abuse before it even starts.
We wish you the best of luck in educating yourself and your family about the reality of drug use
and making a clear, precise drug-free home policy that works. You, the parent, are your child’s
first step toward a successful future. Make it an educated step, with a drug prevention plan that
helps to put drugs out of sight and out of mind.
A Final Note
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Fight Teenage Drug Abuse With Drug Testing

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