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Do you warn your kids about unusual ways to get high?
Or is that just giving them ideas? What about prescription and over-the-counter drugs that are easy to get and easy to overlook?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I received a note from a mom recently who is concerned about talking to her kids about drugs. It seems like she’s pretty comfortable with the whole “Don’t smoke pot or do crack,” but she is wondering if you warn them about more unusual ways to get high? Would that help prepare them for the situation or just give them ideas?
Here’s part of what she wrote:
“I was watching that show, ‘The Dr.’s’ (I love that show!), yesterday, and they were talking about new ways teenagers are being stupid — specifically dealing with drugs. They talked about something that I’d never heard of before: salvia. You smoke it and it’s supposed to be a quick high, just a few minutes, and it’s legal. I couldn’t imagine why since anything that’s hallucinogenic only needs a minute (or less) to get you into some life-changing trouble like a car crash….”
“The show also talked about other things that teens were doing like soaking a tampon in vodka and then inserting it to get the alcohol straight into the bloodstream quicker (or putting it in other places for guys.) And they had a girl there in the audience who had videoed herself snorting vodka up her nose.”
Along these same lines, I have been corresponding with a group about raising awareness of over-the-counter cough medicine abuse. It is a very easy for drug for teens (and kids) to get their hands on and something parents could easily overlook as a threat. Here are some stats on cough syrup abuse from the Consumer Healthcare Products Association:
“According to a recent survey from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, one in 10 teens has reported abusing OTC cough medicines to get high - and even worse, one in four say that they know someone who has. As back-to-school pressures begin to mount (73% of teens say that coping with school stress is the main reason they turn to drugs), this issue is of utmost importance.”
“Cough medicine abuse is no accident. Teens who abuse these medicines are intentionally taking excessive amounts — sometimes up to 50 times the recommended dose—to get high from the active ingredient, dextromethorphan (DXM). When taken at these high levels, and when mixed with alcohol and other drugs, the effects can be incredibly dangerous.”
“Despite the prevalence of this type of abuse among teens, most parents are unaware that this type of abuse is even possible. While studies show that kids who learn about the risks of drugs at home are up to 50 percent less likely to abuse them, a recent survey of parents shows that only 21 percent have talked to their teens about cough medicine abuse.”
“For this reason, five mothers from across the country have spent the past year using the internet (the same forum that teens are using to promote this type of abuse) to educate parents about the dangers of cough medicine abuse. Through their web site, www.fivemoms.com, The Five Moms: Stopping Cough Medicine Abuse campaign has reached more than 23 million parents, using online channels including personal blogs, a tell-a-friend messaging system and a “viral” video to address this disconnect and encourage parents to talk to their teens.”
Are you talking to your kids about drugs at all? Are you talking to them about over-the-counter or prescription drug abuse? Are you talking with them about crazy drugs they may have never even thought of? How do approach each of these categories for discussion and at what age? (I’ve talked to my 7-year-old about not doing drugs in general, but I think the vodka up the nose will wait for a later discussion.)
Permalink | Comments (27) | Post your comment | Categories: Health
Comments
By numb
November 18, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
uh………..what?
By MomsRule
November 18, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
Sorry for the long post ahead!
People engaging in this type of activity are determined to get “high” regardless. As parents we cannot specifically address each and every stupid scenario that a person determined to get high can concoct in their mind.
Tampons soaked in vodka? Snorted? My brain could not possibly have come up with these ideas.
We discuss drugs frequently in our home. Our approach has never been from a “lecture” or “sit down we need to talk to you” stance.
Our “parenting” conversations are always non-confrontational discussions (often during dinner) where we speak openly and share our thoughts and ideas about behaviors. Children’s thoughts and ideas are incredible when you give them an open forum to express themselves and ask questions. We have been lucky enough to have some very interesting conversations.
My husband and I subtly steer conversations to educate and engage the kids in discussions about things we want them to know. My husband may say, “hey sweetie, did you see that news article about the kids snorting vodka?” To which, one of the kids would say, “What is snorting?” Or “Why would someone do that?” And we go from there…
We are educating them, letting them know our opinions, the dangers, etc. all without lecturing (tune Mom and Dad out time). We have fun with the conversations (no matter how serious the topic).
Our hope is that because we have done this their entire lives and no discussion is off limits in our home, they will have the knowledge and skills to make good decisions even when this wacky kinda crap is dropped into their laps!
Do I think discussing it is giving them ideas? Not at all. Knowledge is power. The more knowledge you have before you are presented with a scenario, the better decisions you will make.
Guess what we’ll be discussing over the next few days?! :)
By Colleen
November 18, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this
How about a funny column on holiday disasters (re: your thanksgiving story!)
It might be fun to break up the bad news about drugs/kids, etc. and go to a lighter note
just asking. I found this board a few days ago.
Hope to be back here again!
Colleen
By JJ
November 18, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
Well, with an uncle in law enforcement, a grandmother who was an ER nurse for 40 years, and a mother who has tried a few drugs in her day, my daughter will have NOTHING to do with any of that. (At least for now, I have no idea what the future holds, but she has a pretty good head on those shoulders.)
I have always kept the lines of communication open in my house. My daughter and I have spoken extensively on this topic.
Several of her friends have been caught with drugs. She has nothing to do with them. I’m not saying my child is perfect by any means, but I see her making good choices at this time.
The first time one of her friends got caught, my daughter was in denial. She was certain they weren’t hers. I told her, you are judged by the company you keep. If someone got busted for drugs, and you are hanging out with them, people will think you are doing drugs too.
Lead by example. I’m home every night. I don’t go out much at all. I’m happy at home. She needs to know that. She needs to know that I will always be “there” when she needs me.
We must be proactive with our kids and warn them, and be there for them. We cannot be their friends, we must be their parents. They need us to be parents.
One of my favorite sayings “Dear little one, I wish to give you two things, the first is roots, the other is wings”.
By C.C.
November 18, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
There’s nothing wrong with kids drinking and smoking a little weed, as long as an adult’s around to supervise.
By parentof4
November 18, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
This is why I like other “hovering mothers” really try to screen out my children friends. Yes I talk to them about drugs, but the tampon thing. Just too freakin’ crazy. These kids have too much unsupervised time on their hands. Who in the WORLD tried that first, then had the audacity to tell their friends that they did that. I think if I told them that one, it would give them ideas.
In the end I do try to emphasize open communications. And a lot of prayer.
By Amy
November 18, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
I just had a discussion over the weekend with my 10yr old daughter about the choking game and also people using aerosols to get high. She had learned about not doing drugs at red ribbon week in school and we just talked about what she learned and I tried to expand on it. Scary stuff that kids are doing to get high!!!
By Sugar
November 18, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Today’s Trolling Award goes to C.C.
By Becky
November 18, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Sugar, I’d like to think that parents don’t do things like this with their kids, but they do..My sister smokes pot & drinks with her son & daughter..I have another sister that buys pot for her son..Yes, all these nieces & nephews have been in jail, so worked out real well huh? The nephews for selling drugs & the niece for breaking parole..
By Stacey
November 18, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Like Amy, I’ve talked to my 7 year old about the choking game and about inhaling things such as the canned air used to clean computer keyboards. The choking game came up last year because we were watching the news together and they had a story about a local 1st grader who was found dead in his bedroom and it was believed to be a result of playing the choking game. My son said he thought the little boy was dumb, not because he played the choking game, but because he died! My son then went on to tell me how HE would just loosen the hold before he died. When my husband got home that night we both questioned him about whether he has tried it before and he said no and we believe him. Still we explained to him the dangers of things that kids do thinking that it’s innocent fun (that’s also where the huffing conversation came up). Since then, everytime there’s a story about it in the news we use it as an opportunity to reiterate the message.
By Sugar
November 18, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
Becky I just don’t get it. I don’t understand parents who make these choices in front of their kids.
However, I believe that we as parents should Educate our kids about drugs. I don’t think that should be left to the government. All they do is scare the kids. They need to be educated (key word) about certain things.
By HB
November 18, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
A friend of mine a few years ago worked for a government agency doing a study on DARE at the 10 or 15 year mark that was yet to be released. It wasn’t looking good. Basically, the program appeared to increase drug use and the researchers thought it was possibly because kids were being overeducated at a young age. When I think back to my own drug abuse ed, I have to say, there’s are things that to this day I would not know and paraphernalia I’d never have seen about had it not been taught and shown to me in school in 6th grade. So I lean toward a more vague educational approach. Talk about the dangers of addiction. Tell your kids that anything that gives them a high does so by impairing brain cells. Maybe get into specifics about things you know they encounter — alcohol, OTC meds, maybe even choking since that seems to be common. But don’t give them any new ideas or give so many details that it makes drugs more intriguing.
By Mothers Little Helper
November 18, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Do you let your kids watch sports on TV? If so you are subjecting them to the most intense alcohol advertising, that the numbers show is a far more destructive drug than any in this country. They learn the rest from watching you take your mother’s little helpers. Are you serrious witht the tampon thing??? Please go ahead and have that discussion with your kids, they won’t think you’re completely out of touch at all. By the way, if your kids do wind up hooked on drugs and alcohol, it must have been God’s will right? Or does that only apply when something good happens???? Dumb with a capitol D
By MomsRule
November 18, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Becky, how old are the children? And at what age did the parents start this behavior?
By Xavier & Jayden's mom
November 18, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Anyone that buys alcohol for their children should be arrested for child abuse. Anyone that buys/smokes pot with their kids should be arrested. We have to set the standard for our children. We must lead by example, and even if you are one of those parents that smoke or drink on a regular basis, please be mindful enough not to do it in front of your kids, let alone with them. How can you tell them not to do drugs, when they see you come home everyday, take a drink and take a toke!!! Lead by example people.
By Becky
November 18, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
momsrule, one sister has smoked pot with her son & daughter since they were teens 17-18..The other sister bought pot for her son when he was about 17..
As others have said, I’m not a saint, but I just think that’s wrong on so many ways..They say, well they are gonna do it one way or another, so why not? Duh..I can give you lots of reasons why..So they laugh at me & call me a fuddy duddy..Suits me just fine..
The one sister is the actual grandmother of the 2 great nieces that I had custody of..We were at a b’day party for her sons 4 year old daughter earlier this month & one of his cousins (Dad’s side) offered the 14 year old a beer..Then got mad when I told him just what I thought about him.
Sorry for the long rant..I’ll be on vacation all next week, so I’m gone for now..Hope that all have a great Thanksgiving & a very safe one..
By ccs
November 18, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Yes, parents should talk to their children about drugs. Parents should educate themselves on what kids are doing and talk to their children about it. It is shocking what kids are doing these days. Although I’m not a parent, I am an educator and I strongly believe that parents need to keep the lines of communication open with their children. Elementary age (7-111) is NOT too young to talk to your children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. You do not have to go into great detail. Most elementary schools talk about these things in health and/or during Red Ribbon Week in October. Do not assume that “good kids” will not try these things. I’v heard and read too many stories about “good kids” who tried things like sniffing inhalants (just an example) and died the first time they tried it.
By Total Traitor
November 18, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Sadly, as much as we educate our children we have something more to worry about. Other children’s parents. Way too often my daughter would come home with (to me) horror stories of her friend’s step parents (usually) and how they shared pot and encouraged the friends to join in. You can’t even trust other parents. And then you have to not allow your child to visit that friend’s house anymore. I learned early on to scrutinize the parents even more than the “friends” my kids were hanging out with.
By Sugar
November 18, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
If you “arm” your kids with information, they will make the right choices. But that involves alot of time, and talk. Alot of parents are too busy, like one poster said, working to give them everything they want. If you give them everything they want, what do they have to look forward to, or what do they learn. They learn that no matter what they do and how they act, Mommy & Daddy will still give them everything.
Remember, though, we made some bad choices too, and most of us turned out ok. God knows I’ve made my share of mistakes and bad choices, but we learn and grow from those mistakes.
But as long as we give them the proper ammunition (sp) to go out into the real world, we have done our job as parents. It’s up to them, to choose how they want to live their lives.
You are responsible for your actions, and your actions have consequences.
Those words were instilled into me growing up by both my parents.
By nina
November 18, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
I have been a pot smoker for about 25 years now. Never tried or wanted anything stronger and I only partake with it when my stress levels are out of whack. I don’t smoke in front of my (grown) chidren but they do know that I do it and they know I only do it in the comfort of my own home. When they each were about 15, I told them when they wanted to try it, come to me instead of thier friends. One did, the other two never even had a desire to try it. The one that did try it, never even liked it and to this day, none of my 3 kids drink or do drugs.
By jct
November 18, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Wow! I read this early this morning but had to think on this for a while because I would have never thought to do that with a tampon and vodka.
Now that I am more composed. We have take with our son from an early age. We try to reinforce life lessons while driving in the car, watching TV and when he brings up stuff that is happening in his life.
Since his has severe ADHD and has been on adderall for years, we have stressed how important it is that he not share/give his medication to others nor should he take someone else’s medication. That his dosage is determined by his age and weight. That is one of the many reasons why he goes to the doctors for check ups so often.
You have to speak with your child often in a non-confrontational way. They will experiment with drinking. They may also choose to partake in marjuana but you have got to arm them that this not good for you. When confronted with the decision you hope they make the correct choice.
I think our behavior is also important. I think it was JJ who stated that actions are important. I so agreee. I think that your child will mirror your behavior. I think it is important to drink responsibly in front of your child. Having a glass on wine with dinner every now and again is okay for adults.
Too many times, we lecture at our children but they see few adults who act responsibly while drinking. Kids learn more from our behavior than from our words.
By Shannon
November 18, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
BB, I admire and respect the way that you are raising your children. It sounds like they are getting the best possible upbringing by two extremely intelligent and level-headed people. Hats off to you!
By Judy
November 18, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
I know that smoking is legal and not considered a “drug” per say but I am always shocked to see teenagers smoking in a car with a parent. While I haven’t ever smoked, if I did, I would think the last thing in the world I would want is for my child to do it. We try and talk to our kids about drugs, drinking, etc. but no matter how much you try, you can’t cover everything. I think the most important thing is to be a good example.
By fk
November 18, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
Never take for granted that your teenagers “know”. Keep talking. My nephew, 19, died from an accidental overdose. His mother is an RN with a a lot of degrees…she runs the emergency room of a hospital in another state. His dad is a former police officer, now an attorney. Both parents were fully aware what goes on as well as the signs of drug activity. They talked to their kids. The problem is that kids don’t think bad things happen to them, but always to someone else.
That night, their son experimented with alcohol and cocaine…but the cocaine was laced with heroin. Heroin? They were shocked and devastated. He went to sleep and never woke up. He did not choke, no distress. When the toxicology reports came in, there were only traces of the drugs, and although his blood alcohol was “legally too drunk” to drive, it was not enough to kill him. However, the combination of drugs and alcohol was lethal. There are no labels on illegal drugs.
No one knows if he knew there was heroin in the cocaine, or why he would even want to do drugs. He was a good kid. Lots of friends. The boy you would hire to mow your yard, the kid there to help you bring groceries into the house. There is a growing epidemic of heroin use in the upscale suburban communities of NYC. Talk to your kids. Educate yourselves. You never want to hear that awful wail of a mother crying over her dead child. You just never know who will have the ability to influence your child.
By Penguinmom
November 18, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
We have discussed drugs in general not specific how-to type things. I’ve always told my kids that doing drugs (including smoking) is just stupid. We also talk about the consequences of stupid decisions.
By DS
November 20, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
I know for my wife and I the entire subject of drugs would be much easier to approach if they were all legalized and abuse was treated as a medical issue not a criminal one.
Much the way most people drink more before they turn 21 than after, the illegality, huge profit motives, etc. for the seller, and the taboo, tend to put drugs closer to kids than if they were just sold behind the counter at the local pharmacy.
Face it folks, humans have been altering their consciousness since they came into being. Traditional western religion falls far short for most people at helping to deliver the spiritual, blessed experience that most people attempt to achieve with drugs. Eastern religions like Buddhism and Hinduism are far better and this likely accounts for lower drug abuse problems in these cultures.
The tragedy is that reactionary drug testing of every kid for every occasion has drive too many of them to “huff” paint, canned air, glue, gasoline, pam and the like. Say what you will, marijuana doesn’t kill brain cells and these other things do.
Prohibition failed miserably but nobody learned anything. Now parents are so reactionary that they are driving their kids to abuse inhalents while failing to help them understand where real happiness can be found.
By No Name
November 20, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
This is Darwin at work. Any person stupid enough to do those things deserves to leave the gene pool.