Author Archive
What is Krokodil? It’s a new drug and it’s awful.
Posted by: | CommentsA new drug called Krokodil, named after the large, green, toothy reptile, may be the next big killer for American drug users. This controlled substance has particularly heinous ingredients and effects, yet it’s use continues to spread.
Parents or communities that are currently watching a heroin problem in their neighborhoods will want to learn about Krokodil. It can be made in a home lab, using free how-to methods available on popular internet outlets. The typical Krokodil user is one who has been a heroin or opiate-based prescription drug abuser, but can no longer support the habit. Krokodil is a morphine derivative, and offers a similar high at a fraction of the price.
The alluring ingredients of codeine, iodine, lighter fluid, industrial cleaning fluid, paint thinner, gasoline and red phosphorus are combined to produce an addictive concoction called Desomorphine. The toxicity of these substances causes devastating and potentially fatal side-effects.
Beyond the obvious risks of drug use, Krokodil abusers typically experience an acute reaction at the site of injection. The skin and tissue cells die, scale over and fall off the body. Gangrene sets in. In many cases, entire limbs must be amputated due to exposed bone and decomposed blood vessels. The liver and kidneys are also affected and can suffer irreparable damage.
There may be as many as one million Krokodil users in Russia alone. For those reached by drug prevention efforts or addiction rehabilitation treatment, detox can last up to one month -that’s nearly twice the time it takes to detox from heroine.
In 2011, Krokodil emerged in the European drug market. Officials are cautious that it could be on a crash course for the world’s largest consumer of illicit substances….America. Fortunately, there do not appear to be any reported seizures of the drug on U.S. territory as of yet. Regrettably, we already have cheap and widely available substitutes that may serve as illegal drugs of choice in place of this illicit import.
Knowledge is power and prevention is key. For ideas on how you can prevent this and other drug use in your home or community, please visit our Drug Prevention Pages.
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Freshman Drinkers Much More Likely to Experience Sexual Assault
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Freshmen girls who engage in at least one incident of binge drinking have a 1 in 4 chance of being sexually assaulted during their first semester at college. This says a new study released today in the Rutgers University Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.
In yet another example of what many would claim to be science corroborating common sense, the study found that freshmen girls who consume between 4 and 6 drinks in any one sitting have a frightening likelihood of sexual victimization. For heavier drinkers, such as those who reported having consumed 10 or more drinks in any one given night, it actually became probable that they would become the victim of a sexual attack. Nearly 60% of these heavy drinkers reported being victimized by acts that ranged from unwanted sexual contact to rape.
The study further warned about the practices of drinking while in high school, the years that oftentimes foreshadow college drinking behavior. While abstinence in high school continues to remain substantially influential in higher abstinence rates at college, it does not guarantee it. Even occasional drinking in high school may predict heavy drinking during the first semester at college. This study found that nearly half of the girls who reported drinking “lightly” in high school ended up binge drinking at least once during their first college semester – a time when they are still below the legal drinking age.
For parents, it stands as a reminder of the important in keeping kids alcohol free during the formative high school years. Hard fought diligence in the years just prior to college life can reward kids with the practice and perseverance needed to maintain responsible behavior away from home. Kids who learn to socialize and enjoy activities while sober become much better equipped to deal with the dangerous peer influences and social pressures present on their new college campus. As this study again demonstrates. There is a lot to be gained by being sober. Respecting the law, standing your ground and setting the example when it comes to drinking may just stave off a sexual assault.
Click here to read the full text of this study.
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Resolving Organizational Conflict
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When I was much younger, I truly believed that collaboration was only made possible by an absence of group conflict. I was sold on the notion that organizational harmony was not only possible, but was the natural and inevitable result of an empathetic leadership style. Like many others in business, parenting or volunteer organizations, I committed myself to a democratic and responsive approach. I assumed that others would see the value of that approach and offer the same in return. After nearly twenty years of organizational leadership, I can say that these well-meaning suppositions were as futile as they were naive. In fact, my efforts to avoid conflict not only proved frustrating, but undoubtedly robbed my organizations of their true potential.
People are problematic. It’s just who we are. Even like-minded people bring differences to the table. Even civil discourse has a habit of exposing discord and even the world’s greatest diplomat will be exposed to her fair share of conflict, perhaps more so. But let not your heart be troubled, this is a wonderful thing.
Disagreement is not a sign of fragility or failure within your group. Don’t let the fear of conflict temper your enthusiasm or subdue your efforts. Truth be told, conflict is not only a natural, but extremely beneficial attribute of healthy collaboration.
Disagreement exposes thoughts, strategies, initiatives and traditions to the cleansing light of proof. I can think of many examples where a wonderful-sounding idea failed to produce the intended results. Had the idea only been washed through the suds of critical examination, many well-meaning resources could have been reallocated towards more successful endeavors. Or perhaps the original idea could have been tweaked to provide better results.
Disagreement can also have a palliative effect upon group dynamics. Issue-based conflict tends to expose incompatibilities amongst teammates. Whereas healthy organizations are fully capable of using conflict to facilitate productive exchanges, unhealthy organizations find themselves degrading into unpleasant territory. Usually, this is due to one or more people who are overwhelmed by their own weaknesses. Intolerance, pessimism, selfishness, arrogance or dismissive personalities just don’t work well in collaborative environments. These are the traits of independent contractors, and they can have a devastating effect upon the atmosphere of your group. It’s best to identify them early on, and respectfully part ways.
“He who wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skills. Our antagonist is our helper.” -Sir Edmund Burke
The organization’s role is not to avoid conflict, but to become adept at welcoming it and practiced at resolving it. The leader’s role is to embrace the usefulness of conflict and to set a productive tone of civility. This can be intimidating at first and will forever present a challenge. But it is a goal that every organization should have on their short-list. There are few better feelings than that experienced after your team has breached a difficult subject, exposed it to an honest and forceful debate, and amicably arrived at a well-vetted solution. That’s power, potential and productivity all wrapped up in one. True collaboration. Go get it.
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Heroin in a Breath Strip
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A new drug has hit the streets in an alarming new form. It’s an opiate, like heroin or oxycontin, and it comes in the form of sublingual film. Users simply remove the film from the packet and place it under their tongue. It dissolves in 2 to 10 minutes, and takes effect almost immediately.
The drug goes by the trade name Suboxone, and contains buprenorphine and naloxone. It has been sold on the street in its original pharmaceutical wrapper, which resembles that of a wetnap. The drug itself looks like a gelatine breath strip, such as those sold by Listerine and others. It also comes in tablet form. Both the strip and tablet bear the markings “N2″ or “N8″.
Though commonly used to treat opiate addiction, suboxone itself is known to be addictive, and can cause overdoses in uncontrolled amounts. It can also produce fatal results if combined with other common drugs like alcohol, antihistamines, antidepressants or sleep aids.
In clinical settings, Suboxone is a legitimate prescription medicine that has been approved by the F.D.A. to treat opiate addiction for patients who are under the care of a licensed practitioner. A video describing the administration of suboxone can be viewed at this link.
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Drug Proof Home Free Book!
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Available only as a FREE gift to our new email subscribers, ‘The Drug Proof Home‘, is a quick read. Forty pages that are absolutely jammed packed with cutting edge techniques, valuable insight and fun facts that you never knew existed. In as little as forty minutes, you can put your family on the right track towards a drug free future.
With over fifty little-known facts, five popular myths and ten killer drug-proofing techniques, The Drug Proof Home guarantees to leave you feeling infinitely more capable of preventing drug abuse. With more than thirty descriptive pictures and over twenty hot-links to additional information, it’s hard to imagine more information being packed into such a small package.
Best of all, it’s written in Timothy Shoemaker’s characteristically upbeat voice, lending you a very welcome dose of inspiration. Parents and professionals alike have already found this tool to be an indispensable asset. It’s an instant bonus for you, our prize for you joining our team. Click here to subscribe now!
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Growing Up Too Soon
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The Big Girl Chair
This guest post is authored by Sue Major, a mother of four from New Jersey.
The other day I was in Costco when I happened upon a young mom and her daughter “Sarah” who was about three years old and Sarah’s baby brother. Sarah clearly had about the same patience level for the Costco shopping experience that I do. I was about one aisle away from throwing the same tantrum Sarah was throwing. Sarah’s mom in an effort to diffuse the situation said “Sarah if you promise to be good I’ll let you come over here and sit in this big girl chair” Well Sarah lit up like fireworks on the Fourth of July. All was now peaceful in the outdoor furniture section. Normally I would have thought the whole thing was kind of cute but something struck a nerve with me.
As adults we know that spending time in the big girl chair is not all it’s cracked up to be but when we have our first child we can’t wait until they crawl, then we can’t wait until they walk and talk, we can’t wait until they read and we work really hard to get them to all these milestones as quickly as possible because well, it’s exciting and amazing to watch these little wonders grow and change. I did this myself with my first and I realize now I was very different with my youngest. I wanted to keep her a baby for as long as I could. I didn’t care when she walked or talked. I knew she was fine and would learn all these things when she was ready. I let her get messy and be a baby for as long a she wanted. I rewarded her with toys and trips to petting zoos instead of trips to the mall for big girl dresses and shoes.
As they have both grown into teenagers there is a tremendous difference in them today. My oldest while always a quick learner, honor student and fashion diva was very quick to want to experiment in the big girl world. She was always pushing to do the next grown up independent activity…unfortunately that included drinking alcohol. The thing about the big girl chair is that when you get in it before you’re ready there is a risk of getting badly hurt when you try to get off it and mommy isn’t there to catch you before you fall. My older daughter who learned so much so fast fell hard out of that chair… all the way into an emergency room being treated for alcohol poisoning…twice. Most of the big boys and girls she plays with have suffered the same fates, hospitals, trouble with police, the schools etc.
My younger daughter has chosen to still take refuge in the rewards of playing games. She loses herself in soccer and is still happy to be rewarded with trips for ice cream. Most of the time she wears soccer shorts and t-shirts. She has chosen so far not to get in the big girl chair with alcohol even though many of her friends have. There is a struggle inside her though, I know it’s not easy. I can see it. She wants to grow up but she knows some things are still out of her comfort zone. She’s moody and self conscious about her clothes and hair when she’s with her big girl friends. I’ve seen her happiest when she’s giggling with her friends who share her desire to stay little for a while longer. There’s no drama with them. It’s a safe haven and I have vowed to do whatever it takes to encourage that and never say “grow up” when she’s being a brat. She’s acting her age and I try not to forget that because it’s important.
I’m not saying that birth order determines underage drinking. There are so many factors and circumstances and one size does not fit all. I’m just saying maybe offering them the big girl chair is not the best reward.
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Hometown Hero Zach Mansley
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At just 17 years old, Zach Mansley has set himself on a path of tremendous success. A soon-to-be senior in high school, Zach’s choices and individual efforts have made him a sure standout amongst his peers.
Academically, he has established a record of impressive accomplishment. He has won awards in both Chemistry and Geometry, each for having the highest GPA in the subject. Then there were awards in both Math and Physics. He’s twice received the ‘Scholastic R’ award, and he’s a member of the World Language Honor’s Society. Recently, Zach’s prowess resulted in his selection to represent the town of Ramsey in MSG’s Varsity Challenge, and this summer, he will be attending Steven’s Institute of Technology’s Engineering and Science Exploration program.
Zach keeps himself busy with a wide assortment extracurricular activities. He plays in the marching band, writes for the school newspaper, and is a member of the Italian club. He plays recreation league soccer and runs track for the high school.
“I’d just like to thank my mom and dad for everything that they’ve done for me.” -Zach Mansley
What’s even more impressive, is the manner in which Zach chooses to pay his talents forward. He serves as a math tutor. He rides with the local ambulance squad and has already achieved state certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. The consummate role model, Zach invests dozens of hours in his community’s DARE program, and in 2010, he sought out the opportunity to join a Habitat for Humanity construction project in New Orleans. Though his age held him back from the trip, neither his heart, nor his intents were found wanting.
In his active spare time, Zach enjoys skiing, water skiing, hiking, mountain biking, hanging out with his girlfriend and beating his father at pool. He’s made time for everything important in his life, while squeezing out the things that aren’t. Zach’s never felt the need to experiment with drugs or alcohol, and is proud to be setting the finest example for those who hope to follow in his footsteps.
You are a success and an inspiration Zach. Godspeed in your future endeavors. MpoweredParent is proud to name you as our July 2011 Hometown Hero! Send Zach a question or comment below.
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Loving Your Addicted Child
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(This is a Guest Post by Cathy Taughinbaugh of Treatment Talk.org)
Love recognizes no barriers, it jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope. ~ Maya Angelou
Everyday I think about the people I love. I’ve been thinking about all of us who love an addict.
For all parents, our innocent babies were brought into this world with the sweet smells of a new life. We saw our children through each stage of their development, and provided opportunities to our new family member. We were there, in the cheering section, encouraging our children on as they matured and flourished.
We noticed their strengths and thought about what might be possible for their future. The idea that our children would grow up to be addicted to alcohol or drugs was not part of anyone’s plan.
Most children go on to lead rewarding lives. They excel in school, or do well enough. They find their passions and follow their dreams.
Cathy Taughinbaugh is a former teacher and mother of a crystal meth addict who has been in recovery for over 5 years. She writes on addiction, recovery and treatment at Treatment Talk.org.
For some, addiction gets in the way and sends them down a detour on the road to a successful life. Most find it challenging, if not extremely difficult to get their lives back on track.
We parents are left living a life that we never expected, nor one that we had planned for. The pain, and the emotional exhaustion is not what we thought parenthood would bring.
Many of our children have or will find their way to recovery, and become better people. As parents we also need to get our lives back, and let our child find their own way. The disease takes its toll on everyone involved, but as time goes on we hopefully will all find recovery.
The journey back requires hard work, discipline, focus and honest desire. The addicted ones may stumble and fall, but the strong find their way. They may go on to serve others with addiction, or they may just get on with their life. Either way, they never forget where they have been.
I believe people in recovery from any addiction appreciate every aspect of their new life, as it has not been easy. Life is not taken for granted. It has been a struggle.
To those addicts in the family, especially when they are our children, we love you, we always have, and we always will. We may have let each other down at times, and our hearts may have been broken. None of our lives will ever be the same. This may not be the life we expected, but this is the life we have, and we have learned to embrace it.
Each day we want to remind ourselves to cherish our loved ones, and love them unconditionally. We won’t enable those with the disease of addiction, but we will not forget all they have to offer either.
No matter what the circumstances, there is always hope.
• Hope that our addicted child will recover.
• Hope that they will reach their potential.
• Hope that they will live their best life.
My wish for all of us is that our journey brings us to recovery, to serenity, to peace of mind.
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Does Marijuana Use Lead to ADHD Treatment?
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Substance abuse professionals have been worriedly tracking increasing rates of marijuana use amongst teens and tweens. At the same time, prescription rates for psychological stimulants, such as Ritalin and Adderall have been blowing through all previous barriers. While the early assumptions as to why this is happening are not so surprising, they are certainly alarming.
Many high school and college students find that they cannot maintain an aggressive party schedule alongside a productive academic schedule. Rather than adjust their behavior, this new and naive generation has turned to amphetamine based prescription medicine as a remedy. The stimulants, meant to treat patients with psychologically induced attention deficiencies, increase awareness and mental productivity. Though widely prescribed and perceived by many to be harmless, Adderall and Ritalin are indeed habit forming drugs with potentially fatal side effects. Unfortunately, this does not phase many kids, nor deter some college officials from dolling out the drugs.
It is not yet common for college health clinics or primary care physicians to conduct drug screening on those who seek treatment for ADHD symptoms. Nor is it practice to deny psycho-stimulant prescriptions for those who test positive for marijuana. Yet some of those institutions that do test, are finding positive results upwards of 40%.
It’s a very disturbing trend, and one that cries for more dialog. Many feel that the responsible role of responsible officials is to rule out underlying substance use before prescribing additional drugs to a patient, particularly those at vulnerable ages. Others argue that the clinical denial of ADHD medicines to marijuana users will only push them into the black market. While the community has not yet reached consensus on this hot topic, one conclusion is clear, parents need to take an increasingly active role in shaping their children’s perception of drugs as performance enhancers. Pscycho-stimulants have quickly become the mental steroids of the new millennium.
For more information of marijuana, Adderall or Ritalin, please visit our Drug Fact Sheets.
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Teen Drinking – The Friend Factor Revisited
Posted by: admin | Comments (0)The first interaction was found in the manner by which younger teens select their friends. Below the age of 13 or so, friend selection is not based upon drinking or drug use. In fact, social activity within these younger age groups is more or less driven by circumstances outside the control of the kids themselves. Though preferences do arise, things like sports, proximity of homes and parental friendships become the driving factor behind most friendships.
Drinking and drug use begins to appear on the social scene around age 12. As kids enter the 6th and 7th grades, it becomes known that some of their friends are involved with substance abuse. At this stage, a kid’s existing friendships have a significant influence upon whether or not they themselves initiate drinking behavior. Having friends who begin drinking or using drugs is a strong predictor.
Around the ages of 14 though 16, we begin to see a different pattern. Kids in this age group exert much more control over their friendships. They begin selecting social circles based upon drinking and drug use patterns. A child who is interested in drinking and using drugs is far more likely to select friends with those same interests or activities. Conversely, those who do not wish to drink or use drugs commonly select friendships in line with those interests.
The implications of these studies suggest that kids in the lower teen years, say 13, would benefit greatly from the reinforcement of social refusal strategies. They should be encouraged to resist the influence of existing friends who begin to engage in risky behaviors. Those in the older age groups, say 15 years of age, should receive encouragement regarding their selection of friends who support a drug free lifestyle and who reinforce their own healthy values.
The studies, “Dynamics of Friendship Networks and Alcohol Use in Early and Mid-Adolescence” and ” Friendship Dynamics: Selection and Socialization in Early-, Middle- and Late Adolescent Peer Networks” were published in this month’s edition of the Journal of Alcohol and Drug Studies.
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