The program was started in 1998 by the County Meth Strike Force with the aim to rescue children who have no choice but get exposed to the dirty world of drugs. During last Thursday’s conference, officials presented recently saved kids of about 100.

Methamphetamine use in San Diego may be on a decline, but it still remains prevalent and dangerous.

Jose Alvarez, spokesman for the county’s health and human services agency, confirmed that meth is still the top drug choice in San Diego. From the 12,000 individuals presently receiving drug treatments from the county’s treatment centers, 34% of them receive care for meth-related problems.

The funding for the Meth Strike Force was at $40,000 during the fiscal year 2007-08. Today’s figure has increased at $75,000 for the fiscal year 2011-12. The said amount of money is shared with the county’s child welfare services division, says Alvarez.

The county’s program has proven its importance in the continuing fight against drugs. Officials claim that because of the existence of the program, children from raided drug homes are immediately attended to by social workers.

Before the rescue program was implemented, kids that become entangled in their drug raids end up in patrol cars, and some of them go back to their drug-infested environments.

Health and Human Services Agency director Nick Macchione stressed the importance of the kind of shelter a child should have. “A child’s home should be the safest place for them to be, but the reality is that sometimes it is not. Children in raided homes are living in a meth hell because, to a meth user, the most important thing is the drug. The children come last.”

Medicine or Kitchen Cabinets

Painkillers have proven to be one of the most abused drugs. Many teens have been using powerful medications to get their high. Cough syrups and other over-the-counter drugs may also be abused. Studies have revealed that many teens who abused drugs get their drug fix from home.

School Bags

It may sound like you are invading your kid’s privacy, but remember that you are only trying to protect him or her from nasty drug habits. Drugs can be hidden easily and they circulate within campuses. Adderall, for example, is a very popular drug in several campuses. It is believed to assist in maintaining focus to study.

Computer

The internet is one of mankind’s greatest outputs, but it is also one of the scariest. It does not only provide information on drugs, it can also lead your kids to possible drug dealers. Many suppliers disguise as online pharmacies to get to your kids with less scrutiny and less hassle.

It is, therefore, important that you are aware of the common drugs abused by teens so you can easily identify them when you see them in their bags or clothes, or when you read about them in their computers or notes. Aside from painkillers and study drugs, be familiar with weight loss pills and performance enhancing drugs.

The recovery process is a long and painful journey from dependence on drugs to a drug free healthy lifestyle. It is the process for making intrapersonal and interpersonal changes. It is the time for healing the damage caused by addiction by learning new skills and tasks to face the challenges of the drug free life.

The process of recovery begins when the addict sees that he can go no further accepting the fact that he is over-powered by drugs and there is actually no safe way of using it. Most of the time his family members and friends intervene to make him realize the fact.

Recovery from addiction is thus a dynamic and progressive process and it could be divided into certain stages on the basis of the developmental growth events experienced by the individual during his recovery journey.

The “Unfreezing Phase”/Ambivalence

This is the phase of emotional awakening when the person suddenly realizes the sorrowful condition of his existence, the things that he has lost, troubles he has caused, the innocent people he has hurt. After many false starts he accepts help, begins to trust a helping person, evaluates experiences and recognizes the damage and distress that drug has caused. He begins to feel hopeful and decides to accept directive help to learn to live without drugs.

The “Reshaping Phase”/Commitment

The recovering addict learns to live without drugs. Slowly he becomes adapted to the new routines of life and at the same time he develops better self-control and self-respect. He also develops an alliance with other recovering peers and practices the recovery skills together with them. The stronger the bondage the better the chances of recovery.

The “Refreezing Phase”/Integration
This is the final stage in which he makes progress in all aspects of life. The process of assimilation and validation occurs most naturally. He assumes responsibilities with confidence and adapts to recovery practices in everyday life to reduce drug craving and risk of relapse. He becomes a part of the mainstream community.

Prescription drug abuse has been a growing source of concern. Often the victims start using the drug without even knowing about its addictive nature. But gradually, with increased usage, the primary purpose of using it fades away and the person gets hooked to it.

Adderall is one such prescription drug, the use of which has gained tremendous popularity among college students as well as housewives. It is a Central Nervous System stimulant and students use it for staying awake at night during their exams. It also helps in reducing weight and is thus well-liked by women who like to shed that extra fat to get the swimsuit figure. The increasing demand for Adderall prescriptions amongst parents of college students coupled with a college culture that encourages its use is leading to a rise in Adderall addiction.

Adderall is a Schedule II drug and its annual sale is roughly $600 million. You need a prescription to get this drug since it has high potential to be abused and may lead to severe physical and psychological dependence.

The effects of Adderall are insomnia, lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting, palpitations, dizziness, changes in heart rate and blood pressure which usually increases but may also decrease in certain cases, headache, abdominal pain, digestive problems skin rashes and itching, weight loss, unexplained muscle tenderness, muscle weakness, flu like symptoms, toxic psychosis and psychotic episodes. Paranoia, hallucinations, feelings of hostility, excessive repetition of movements and formicaton (sensation of bugs and worms crawling under the skin) are related with long-term, excessive use of the drug. Overdose may also lead to cardio-vascular failure and convulsion.

Thus Adderall is not really a buddy as your friends might be portraying it. Don’t get lured by its temporary benefits since it might pave your way to the rehab centre in the near future.

For more information on the matter you can call The Atlanta Recovery Center of Georgia at 1-877-236-3981.

The use of substances has been a very common practice amongst people in all cultures since the earliest times. But today the pattern of abuse as well as the nature of substances has changed considerably thereby affecting the consequences.

Newer substances are being found. The present day youth can also design drugs! But citizens like us, who have taken up the challenge to combat against this hydra headed monster, are also finding out better ways of reaching out to people and sensitizing them against the issue and the results have been quite rewarding. 

Globally primary preventive activities are being adopted and implemented to control substance abuse. The approaches basically aim at reducing risk factors and strengthening protective factors at the individual and environmental levels. In order to make primary prevention effective the involvement of the government, communities and others is an absolute necessity.

The Individual Approach of primary prevention aims at imparting necessary knowledge and developing skills and resources which helps in bringing about a change in the attitude, beliefs and values of the individual. Peer Education has proved to be very effective since it involves young people both as receivers and providers of information.

Building social and personal/cognitive skills improves young people’s abilities to interact socially, clarifies values and enhances self awareness. Participation in group projects providing leadership opportunities, discussion of feelings, values and perception through role play motivate young people to resist social pressure and teach them skills like decision making, problem solving and goal setting. Developing vocational and livelihood skills can increase work opportunities and increase independence.

The Environmental Approach aims at developing positive social norms by providing a safe and supportive environment. Providing interesting recreational activities, participation in community service projects, etc. helps in social bonding which acts as a protective factor. Availability of adequate resources and referral system, involvement of key persons in the local community are prime factors in primary prevention.

The factors that influence drug abuse have been discussed at length. There are a number of factors that act as RISK FACTORS increasing the risk of drug abuse by pushing the individual towards it. But there are also more than a few PROTECTIVE FACTORS which do just the opposite. Various studies have identified specific individual and environmental factors that have a risky or protective influence, but they are not exhaustive or absolute. What might be risk for one may not be risk for another. But identification of the factors is an absolute necessity to prevent youngsters from abusing drugs

Individual Level
Risk Factors

• Excessive dependency, over protectiveness, poor social skills, low self esteem, physical and mental problems, willingness to take risks for the sake of new sensation and thrills.
• Poor performance in school, aversion towards school, school dropout.
• Early exposure to substance use.
• Lack of religious beliefs. 
• Having a positive view about substance use behavior.

Protective Factors

• Independence and ability to cope with stress, good social skills like problem solving, decision making, interpersonal skills, good temperament and personality e.g. optimism, intellectual competence, understanding of different aspects of life, empathy, self esteem, a positive goal in life along with determination and perseverance to achieve the goal.
• Positive attitude towards school, good academic performance, appreciation, involvement in extra-curricular activities.

Family Level

Risk Factors

• Broken family, poor parenting skills, substance abuse by a parent/sibling, violence, rejection, basic needs unfulfilled due to extreme economic deprivation.

Protective Factors

• Healthy bondage among family members that fosters care and support, few stressful events.
• Effective parental skills, proper monitoring, inculcating a positive value system.
• Fulfillment of basic needs.

Community Level

Risk Factors

• Lack of healthy recreational facilities, peer using substances, lack of school values, high rate of unemployment, lack of proper laws pertaining to drug use.
• Easy availability of substances.

Protective Factors

• Availability of healthy recreational activities, employment opportunities, favorable peer group, positive value reinforcing norms.
• Effective policies and laws to limit availability of substances.

The developing countries in the eastern part of the globe are facing a new challenge – controlling the spread of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS amongst street teenagers. Such children, who are on the street deprived of any guidance and affection, are at a risk of substance abuse and HIV/AIDS contraction. The difficult circumstances under which they live make drug abuse and sexual exploitation inevitable parts of their lives.

Street children are abjectly neglected and are mostly considered as a nuisance to the society. They are an extremely mobile population who are abused at different levels. The threats of street life force them to conform to gangs where drug abuse and sexual activity are desired sources of pleasure. Lack of information regarding the issues is yet another curse which makes them even more vulnerable.

The Government and Non-government agencies have been trying hard to bring the situation under control. Dr.Nghyen Dang Phan of the Binh Dan hospital in Vietnam said that in 2004 and 2006 he had witnessed 85 HIV/AIDS patients die in Mai Khoi Charity Medical Centre of whom 93% were male drug users. Phan said 66% of the HIV positive people are infected through drug abuse and 18% through unsafe sexual practices. He was attending a seminar organized by the Centre for Applied Social Work of HCM City Open University to promote a healthy life for street teenagers. This was a part of the project launched by the university to help addicts quit their habit. The Director of the Department said that last September a group was formed with 15 former drug users who work as peer motivators encouraging other users to kick the habit.

Different NGOs in India are also working for the cause. Homes have been set up for these children. Education and Life Skills Training form integral parts of the different projects that are being run by different organizations that have proved to be extremely successful.

This startling information is a confirmation of the findings of previous studies on the issue. In 1985 the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration study showed that a third to a half of all the randomly tested currency in a Federal District Bank had traces of cocaine. In another study, more than 135 bills were tested in seven cities of the country and all except four, were contaminated. Cocaine binds in the green dye in the bill.

Zuo said that the contamination was 100% in cities like Detroit, Boston, Orlando and Los Angeles, 85% in Toronto, 77% in Salt Lake City, Utah, 75% in Brasilia and 20% in Tokyo and Beijing. He also found that $5, $10, $20 and $50 had greater chances of contamination. 

The quantity of contamination could vary between a nanogram (one-billionth of a gram) to milligram. Thus it actually does not pose any health risk. But those who have to handle an extremely large number of bills everyday – in bank tellers or soft rooms of casinos- repeatedly inhale cocaine involuntarily and has a chance of being positive on a drug test report.

Money gets contaminated if a cocaine user snorts with it and also during drug deals. But not all money gets infected that way. In powdered form cocaine is extremely fine. So when a dirty bill is processed or sorted through the machines, traces of the drug are easily passed on to the other bills in the same batch. Thus bills also get infected through ATMs, counting machines in banks and casinos. Whatever be it, the fact remains that the initial contamination was through the drug users and dealers.

I  have been dealing with substance abusers for more than fifteen years. I have seen bright young potentials getting lost and wasted under the influence of drugs.

The society has lost some of its human resources that it would have otherwise loved to treasure – doctors, engineers, academicians. Many a time I hear people saying that drug addiction is on the decline.

But I beg to differ from them. It is true that the trend has changed, but the menace of drug addiction still continues to maintain its overpowering nature grasping the young generation under its venomous claws.

“Why did you start taking drugs” – is one of the basic questions that are asked to people having problems with the substance. Interesting enough, a large majority say “Just for fun”. It is true that none of the drug users start using drugs to get hooked to it. Some can manage to stop after having the fun while others fail. They become drug dependents.

Some of the most common factors that lead to drug use are

Curiosity and the urge to experiment – teenagers are always trying to experiment with new things. They are curious to experience the feeling of “high” associated with the use of a drug. This could be the starting point of addiction.

Peer pressure – teenagers always strive to conform to their peer group. Drug abuse in the peer group is a risk factor.

Stress – resulting from problems at school / college, work pressure, strained relationship, financial difficulties.

Frustration and depression resulting from several factors like failed romance, bereavement, marital problems, academic failure.

Mental illness – to overcome depression, anxiety.

Physical conditions like severe pain, insomnia, etc. might lead to abusing prescription drugs.

Loneliness and boredom.

Childhood trauma.

Family history of addiction.

A knowledge of these causative factors will help you in assessing the vulnerability of your child and helping him to stay away from drugs.

Looking forward to your suggestions, tips, and experience!

Not all of us are writers, but each one of us has a mission — to inform, inspire and ignite change. We devote our time and effort to different tasks that all lead to one goal, and that is to build drug free communities. We are united by a shared passion to keep parents and kids away from the real dangers of illegal drugs.

Join our discussions by leaving comments on posts or sending us emails.

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Fleur Li

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