FSM-PICADA
Youth ATOD Prevention Newsletter February 2017
Depression In Teens — Self Medication It’s not unusual for young people to experience "the blues" or feel "down in the dumps" occasionally. Adolescence is always an unsettling time, with the many physical, emotional, psychological and social changes that accompany this stage of life. Unrealistic academic, social, or family expectations can create a strong sense of rejection and can lead to deep disappointment. When things go wrong at school or at home, teens often overreact. Many young people feel that life is not fair or that
things "never go their way." They feel "stressed out" and confused. To make matters worse, teens are bombarded by conflicting messages from parents, friends and society. Today’s teens see more of what life has to offer — both good and bad — on television, at school, in magazines and on the Internet. They are also forced to learn about the threat of AIDS, even if they are not sexually active or using drugs.
Teens need adult guidance more than ever to understand all the emotional and physical changes they are experiencing. When teens’ moods disrupt their ability to function on a day-to-day basis, it may indicate a serious emotional or mental disorder that needs attention — adolescent depression. Parents or caregivers must take action.
Dealing With Adolescent Pressures When teens feel down, there are ways they can cope with these feelings to avoid serious depression. All of these suggestions help develop a sense of acceptance and belonging that is so important to adolescents. Try to make new friends. Healthy relationships with peers are central to teens’ self-esteem and
provide an important social outlet. Participate in sports, job, school activities or hobbies. Staying busy helps teens focus on positive
activities rather than negative feelings or behaviors. Join organizations that offer programs for young people. Special programs geared to the needs of
adolescents help develop additional interests. Ask a trusted adult for help. When problems are too much to handle alone, teens should not be afraid
to ask for help.
But sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, teens become depressed. Many factors can contribute to depression. Studies show that some depressed people have too much or too little of certain brain chemicals. Also, a family history of depression may in-crease the risk for developing depression. Other factors that can contribute to depression are difficult life events (such as death or divorce), side-effects from some medications and negative thought patterns. Continued on page 2
P A G E 2
Teens who Self-Medicate Self-medication is when a teen treats their own ailment
without consulting their physician or medical professional. An example of this would be a teen who suffers from generalized anxiety disorder and uses cannabis or alcohol to help cope with high levels of anxiety. It can also veer into a more a dangerous road when those who self-medicate try to treat their illnesses with medications that were prescribed for other people, or other maladies. The thought behind this is simple: “this makes me feel better when I’m anxious, so I’ll continue to use it when my anxiety reaches these levels again”.
Teens Self-Medicating with Cannabis Teens are turning to cannabis for help with anxiety/depression issues. Cannabis usage
in an underdeveloped brain can stunt the growth of a teenager’s development, resulting in a dangerous outcome. Aside from the obvious legal ramifications in most
states, it’s been shown that those who smoke cannabis in their teens have lower IQ’s all the way through to adult-hood.
Teens Self-Medicating using other Prescription Drugs Prescription drug use and abuse is on the rise all over the United States. While recreational use of these drugs is on the rise, so are attempts from teenagers trying to take care of their medical issues without having to see a doctor; this also includes abuse of over the counter drugs.
There are several issues with taking prescription drugs that are not prescribed for you or a specific condition. There can be extreme complications when combining different prescription drugs that can
induce hazardous side effects. Along with the threat of those complications, many prescription drugs are highly addictive and can lead to hardship down the road.
While self-medicating may seem like it is helping your issue at hand, in the long run it can actually complicate symptoms in the future. While the side effects of using the correct medications may have a slight impact on your life, self-medicating may lead to addiction, overdose or even death. Before beginning any treatment it’s imperative that you consult a medical professional and follow their specific instructions.
P A G E 3
OH, THAT
CAFFEINE
Most people in the
U.S. use
caffeine, whether in
coffee, soda, energy
drinks, or chocolate. Many are also
familiar with the effects of suddenly
having less caffeine than usual:
tiredness, headaches,
insomnia, and other
symptoms.
And many people talk about
being “dependent” to their
morning caffeinated coffee or
energy drink!
But can a person become dependent
upon it?
It’s all about the dopamine The world’s caffeine obsession can be
described as a “dependency”
because when you have less of it, you go
through a mild “withdrawal,” with the
symptoms listed above.
Like many
drugs—caffeine
enhances
dopamine
signaling in the
brain.
Dopamine is a
chemical that helps control movement,
motivation, and emotions, so enhanced
dopamine signaling makes a person feel
more awake and alert. Because caffeine
produces that alert feeling, it’s
classified as a stimulant.
While caffeine produces a small rise in
dopamine, it does not cause the large
surge that unbalances the reward
circuits in the brain. So caffeine
dependence is when a person who loves
to drink caffeinated drinks, when doing
without them, will have headaches and
irritability.
Too much caffeine—like too much
anything—can be harmful!
IS WHAT I KNOW LESS THAN WHAT I DON’T KNOW
WHEN IT COMES TO DRUGS IN MY HOME?
Although you might think your home is drug-free, your teenager might know otherwise. Many of the current
substance abuse and addiction trends among teens today are shocking simply because they involve household
products that are readily available. Back in the day, it was hairspray and Sharpies that were worrisome. Now
there are a dozen more substances out there that are just as dangerous, if not
more so.
Let’s take a look:
Teens have found themselves in emergency rooms as the result of
drinking alcohol extracted from hand sanitizer. This self-made
moonshine had a dangerous 60 percent alcohol content. You might want
to think again before supplying your kid with hand sanitizer. Good old
soap and water works just as well, if not better, and it’s
much safer.
Teens are also getting high off of simple spices often
used in baking, so you’d better think twice before leaving
the kids alone to make cookies after school. Videos of
teens drinking, ingesting, and smoking large quantities of
nutmeg have been popping up all over the Internet. The spice contains myristicin, a natural compound
known to cause hallucinations and euphoria when taken in large doses. You may have also heard of the
“cinnamon challenge,” which is also popular on YouTube. In this dangerous trend, kids try to swallow a
spoonful of cinnamon in less than a minute, and many have ended up in hospitals after damaging their
throat and lungs from choking on the spice.
Digital drugs are another major concern. These are digital audio files that
are proven to alter the brainwaves and disrupt the mental state of listeners,
essentially producing the same effects as narcotics. While tracks are
available for sale online, many are readily available for free on YouTube.
Although this trend may not sound that dangerous (the tracks sound similar
to white noise with special effects), some teens have gone to the hospital
after experiencing strange physiological effects due to I-dosing, or “Internet
overdosing,” on digital drugs.
Bath salts are one dangerous teenage substance addiction trend you probably
have heard of, so it’s a good idea to be wary of what your teens are purchasing on
their shopping sprees. Although the product names may sound harmless—”Bliss”
and “Vanilla Sky,” for example—it’s easy for your teen to sniff these dangerous
products, which contain amphetamine-like chemicals. Although they might not
always be available over the counter, teens can easily access them by ordering
online, so it’s a good idea to monitor Internet activity.
Cough syrup is another way teens are getting high. Robotripping has
become a scary trend among teens who are drinking multiple bottles of
cough syrups, such as Robotussin, to get a high from the active ingredient
dextromethorphan (DXM).
P A G E 5
IS WHAT I KNOW LESS THAN WHAT I DON’T KNOW
WHEN IT COMES TO DRUGS IN MY HOME?
The next trend is a hard one to monitor, but if you’re noticing a
serious lack of tampons in the bathroom cabinet, they might just
be being used as vodka tampons. This strange trend involves
teenagers dipping tampons into hard alcohol such as vodka and
then using them, which apparently results in a long-lasting
intense high because the alcohol is absorbed directly by the
bloodstream. Even if you don’t have a daughter, be wary. Your
son might be inserting these into his rectum.
If you love the sweet fragrance of
potpourri, your teen just might too. This fragrant spice and flower mixture that is
often found in the bathroom at Grandma’s house is actually being smoked by teens.
In addition to paranoia and hallucinations, it’s also known to cause dangerous heart
palpitations.
The last thing you would have thought your teen would
be getting high off of is the air conditioner! If it’s been
breaking down a lot, you may just want to investigate. A current trend involves
teens prying open the machines with screwdrivers and smoking the Freon that
gives air conditioners their cooling ability. The results are slurred speech, frostbite,
and even brain damage.
Dust Off is another dangerous household substance
your teen might have discovered. This popular keyboard
cleaner can be used for “dusting,” but not just your
keyboard! “Dusting” in the substance abuse world is
snorting the gas of keyboard dusters to get high.
Whip-Its, which are basically any aerosol
spray cans of whipped cream, are an easy way
for teens to get their hands on nitrous oxide, more commonly known as
laughing gas. This is the same substance sometimes used by dentists to
knock patients out for their wisdom teeth operations. This substance
causes a high that can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few
minutes, but it can be dangerous if taken in large doses. Even actress
Demi Moore was said to be abusing Whip-Its before she was
hospitalized.
Given these current substance or
drug abuse trends, it would be best
to monitor the household products
you keep in your home and per-
haps even teach your teenager why they might be dangerous. Contact
us ([email protected]) today for more information about the effects
of drug abuse and options for drug abuse treatment.
LET’S KEEP THEM SAFE
P A G E 6
PAGE 6
PAGE 7
What You Need to Know About I-Dosing If you’re like many modern parents in today’s digital age, then you probably spend a lot of time asking your
teen to put away the phone, tablet or laptop. Now it appears that adolescents are using technology to get high.
I-dosing music is the latest risk that threatens the well-being of kids.
What Is I-Dosing?
I-dosing is a type of loud, droning music written in only two tones.
The music is “designed to alter the brain waves, just like other drugs
can do,” according to Health.More4Kids.com. The combination of
tones allegedly brings about “a state of ecstasy.” In some cases, people
who listen to “idoser” tracks are also convinced to buy a guide to
i-dosing that explains how to get high.
Although some feel binaural audio doesn’t influence the brain, others
suggest that testing the brain’s response in this way can lead to real
substance abuse — and bigger problems. In fact, binaural audio often
mimics the same brainwave activity as marijuana, cocaine, LSD and
ecstasy.
The Negative Effects of I-Dosing
Cracking down on i-dosing may be more difficult than you think. Think of how
many hours your teen is online, whether that’s doing homework or posting to
Twitter. Limiting screen time helps, as does paying close attention if your teen
expresses a constant desire to listen to music. Although Apple Music, Spotify,
Pandora and other legitimate music sources are safe, websites such as YouTube
may not be.
Signs needing further attention include:
An obsessive need to listen to music. If your teen starts ignoring other
activities and friends in favor of their headphones, i-dosing could be a
problem.
Odd behavior. If your teen acts as if he is under the influence of drugs or
alcohol and you are certain he hasn’t been using, check his devices for digital
drugs.
Inappropriate laughing, hyperactivity or uncontrollable shaking while
listening to music.
Trying drugs or alcohol after spending a lot of time using digital drugs.
What to Do If Digital Drugs Are a Problem
There are several steps you can take to avoid problems with i-dosing:
Check browser histories and use parental controls. Maintain a family policy that permits you to
spot-check visited websites, especially as they pertain to music.
Find out what they’re listening to. If your teen is listening to music intently, ask in a nonthreatening
way if you can share.
Pay attention to all aspects of their life. Teens who feel isolated or unhappy are
more likely to experiment with mind-altering substances and activities. Don’t be
discouraged if your first few attempts fail. Keep trying. Be an active listener.
Be aware of the signs of alcohol and drug abuse. Slipping grades, new fr iends, a
loss of interest in old activities and sudden changes in mood are all warning signs of drug
abuse.
Have a discussion. Talk with your teen openly about the r isks of using drugs,
alcohol and digital drugs, and set clear boundaries.
P A G E 9
The Negative Effects Electronics Have on Teens by HOLLY L. ROBERTS Last Updated: May 16, 2015
Children and teenagers spend an average of four hours a day just on television time, according to the Palo
Alto Medical Foundation. Add in computer time, time spent on the Internet or smart phone, and video game
playing, and it's easy to see how teens can spend a significant chunk of their waking time plugged in.
Electronics, while useful for communication, schoolwork and entertainment, can cause problems if they're
overused.
Increased Obesity Risk
Too much screen time can promote a sedentary lifestyle -- one
of the major contributing factors to obesity and a major risk
factor for heart disease, according to the Texas Heart Institute.
As many as 33 percent of teens are obese, according to
estimates by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent
Psychiatry published by the Texas Heart Institute.
Obese teens are more likely to grow up to become obese
adults, giving them an increased risk for chronic health
conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.
Trading even just 30 minutes of electronics time per day
for physical activity can help significantly reduce these
risks.
Increased Aggression
Teens whose electronic time includes violent television and video games may
also experience increased aggression, according to the Palo Alto Medical
Foundation. Teens who spend a significant amount of time playing violent video
games or watching violent television shows are more likely to fight with their
peers, argue with their teachers and generally engage in more aggressive
behaviors.
Sleep Problems
Electronics in your teenager's bedroom can negatively affect his normal sleep cycle. Late-night texts, phone
calls and emails can keep your teen from sleeping soundly even if he's not reading or answering them,
explains TeensHealth.org, an online parenting and health information resource maintained by the Nemours
Foundation. Encourage your teen to turn his computer and phone off at bedtime to eliminate sleep-disrupting
updates.
Potential Mental Health Problems
Spending too much time playing video games can increase depression in teens
who have a predisposition to social or mental health problems, notes researcher
Douglas A. Gentile, an associate professor of
psychology at Iowa State University who studies
the link between video games and depression, in
a January 18, 2011 article in "The New York
Times." According to Gentile, teens with mental
health issues may turn to video games for relief, but then become addicted to
playing, causing social, academic and emotional problems that may last well
into adulthood. In some cases, teens become so addicted to video games that
VALENTINE WORD SEARCH
Arrow Beautiful Blushing Candy Card Caring Committed
Considerate Cupid Dedicated Devoted Emotional Everlasting
Exciting Flowers Fond Happy Heartfelt Heartwarming Inspirational
Intimate Kiss Lasting Lovable Loving Passionate Perfect
Precious Ravishing Red Romantic Sentimental Sexy Special
Sweet Together Treasured True Trustworthy Undying Unselfish
Wonderful
D B C X P P E Y G N I V O L K B F K C A N D Y G R
E E I S F E E R I G S W E E T U R G S S I K W N I
R A N H U S U D N N U M T L E F T R A E H V O I G
U U T G N Z R N S I L P D R Q V Y P P A H N N R N
S T I P D C T O P T A Q P E H W R U S E X Y D A I
A I M Y Y O K F I I S D D A D U E S I F Z Q E C H
E F A D I X R S R C T C O N S I D E R A T E R W S
R U T T N V B E A X I L G T R S C Z K Z P N F W U
T L E R G P Z N T E N O F G A D I A P Z J H U E L
K Q S U L R N T I B G G L N V S A O T Q X S L L B
H O R S P E F I O Z W I A I I T F B N E C I B B W
B N E T C C S M N C T B N M S C W R P A D F K A O
H R W W O I T E A I L V O R H E Z U V X T L D V R
L L O O M O O N L T N D I A I F K X U W V E E O R
P A L R M U G T I N X Q T W N R N U L F B S V L A
J I F T I S E A T A B A O T G E V B X C U N O C F
I C O H T U T L C M O R M R L P C E G O C U T F C
Z E R Y T X H Z G O S K E A G N I T S A L R E V E
G P T D E F E X M R P E J E L L J Y C U P I D J J
O S S Y D J R I M Q M G R H Z U B S H D R A C C X
This is how to say Happy Valentine's Day in various languages:
Arabic - Eid hob sa’eed, habibi (to a male); Eid hob sa’eed,habibti (to a female)
Dutch - Fijne valentijnsdag
French - Bonne Saint Valentin
German - Happy Valentinstag
Hawaiian - Hau’oli La Aloha
Indonesian - Selamat Hari Kasih Sayang
Italian - Felice San Valentino
Japanese - Shiawasena Barentainde
Portuguese - Feliz Dia dos Namorados
Mandarin - Qingren jie kuaile
Spanish - Feliz dia de San Valentin
Swedish - Glad Alla hjartans dag
Thailand - Sook San Wan Valentine
Turkish - Sevgililer Günün Kutlu Olsun (to one person)
VALENTINE WORD SEARCH ANSWERS
D B G N I V O L C A N D Y G
E E I E I G S W E E T S S I K W N
R A N U U D N N T L E F T R A E H O I G
U U T N R N S I L D Y P P A H N R N
S T I D T O P T A P E R S E X Y D A I
A I M Y F I I S A D E E C H
E F A I S R C T C O N S I D E R A T E R S
R U T T N E A X I R S C F U
T L E R G P N T E N G A I A H U E L
S U R T I G L N V O T S L L B
R S E I O A I I T N E I B W
E T C C M N C N M S C A D F A O
W W O I T E A I O R H E T L D V R
L O O M O O N L T I A I F E E O R
A L R M U G T N T W N R S V L A
I F T I S E A A O T G E N O
C H T T L M M R P U T
E Y T H O E A G N I T S A L R E V E
P E E R E C U P I D
S D R H D R A C
Boy: Do you have a date for Valentine’s Day?
Girl: Yes, February 14th
My WIFE IS A high-ScHooL EngLiSH TEAcHEr. For vALEnTinE’S onE day I SENT HER AN EXPRESSION OF MY LOVE IN A LETTER. True to
her nature she graded it. She gave me B minus on my love letter.
In hopes of bettering my grade and in the spirit of the
valentine season, I sent her an extravagant heart-shaped box of chocolates with the pre-PrinTEd inScriPTion: “BE MinE.”
The following day, I received in return a valentine from my
wiFE. iT rEAd: “THAnK you, BuT iT’S STiLL A “BE MinE-uS.”
_________________________________________________
A prince was put under a spell so that he could speak only one word EAcH yEAr. iF HE didn’T SPEAK For Two yEArS, THE following year he could speak two words and so on.
One day, he fell in love with a beautiful lady. He refrained FroM SPEAKing For Two wHoLE yEArS So HE couLd cALL HEr “My
dArLing.”
But then he wanted to tell her he loved her, so he waited three more years.
At the end of these five years, he wanted to ask her to marry
him, so he waited another four years.
Finally, as the ninth year of silence ended, he led the lady to THE MoST roMAnTic PLAcE in THE KingdoM And SAid, “My dArLing, i
LovE you! wiLL you MArry ME?”
And THE LAdy SAid, “PArdon?”
The construction of nearly every prevention program begins with an understanding of factors that place people at risk for or protect
them from problem behavior.
PICADA Programming for 2016
abovetheinfluencedcw.org (All things Prevention website)
An Apple a Day (School AOD prevention: grades k-5— fee-based program)
AODA Basics (All ages/Community)
Alcohol Education Options Program (Court option program: ages 17-20)
Crcadanecountywi.com (All things AODA prevention and Addiction)
Fortress (6th -12th grade, peer to peer support group for students living in substance abusing homes)
Media Detective (3rd - 5th grade, media advocacy/awareness program)
Media Ready (6th and 7th grade, media advocacy/awareness program)
Multi-Jurisdictional Alcohol Program (Court option program: up to age 16)
Prevention and Management of Alcohol Problems in Older Adults (AOD prevention and intervention
program for those 60 and above)
Outreach/Networking (Community support programs)
PICADA (A program of Family Service Madison)
608-316-1118; [email protected]
Website managed by PICADA
abovetheinfluencedcw.org
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Family Service Madison is a health care facility with the goal to instill hope and promote wellness.
Family Service continues to be a strong Madison health care agency by creating and sustaining
quality services through entrepreneurship and collaborative partnerships that make our community
a better place in which to live.
FAMILY SERVICE MADISION
128 E. Olin Ave.
Madison, WI 53713
Ph: 608.252.1320
Fax: 608.252.1333
www.fsmad.org