Illicit Drugs and High School Students: What are we missing and What can we do? David Yost, Brad Imhoff, William Soto, and Dr. Christine Suniti Bhat
Ohio University
Agenda 1. What drugs are high school students using and what should we know about them? 2. What kinds of resources can school counselors use in order to prevent and respond to high school substance abuse? 3. Where could I refer a student for more comprehensive substance abuse treatment in Ohio?
Why is this important for school counselors? • Substance abuse is associated with: – School absenteeism and dropping out – Disruptions in the family system – Relational and physical aggression in both males and females – Anxiety and mood disorders – Risk-taking behaviors other than substance abuse (risky sexual behaviors, threats to personal safety)
Monitoring the Future • National Institute on Drug Abuse conducts survey on 8th, 10th, and 12th graders – Amount and frequency of use – Perceptions of harmfulness – Ease of access to substances – Approval/disapproval of different levels of use
• Useful for observing trends over time
2010 Overall Prevalence • Lifetime illicit drug use rates – 8th grade: 21% – 10th grade: 37% – 12th grade: 48%
• Combined 28% of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders have used an illicit drug within past year
Drugs Increasing in Use • Marijuana – most used illicit drug – Declined during 2000s – Daily use increased within last two years – Perceptions of harm (physical or otherwise) declining – Disapproval of both frequent and infrequent use declining – Perceptions of availability increasing – http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_mj1.php
Drugs Increasing in Use • Ecstasy (MDMA, X, E, “rolling”) – Peaked in 2001 – Declined steadily during 2000s – Perceptions of harm sharply dropped in 2004 (lapses in awareness campaigns?) – Use increased in past two years – Specific risks: dehydration, “suicide Tuesday” – http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_xtc1.php
Drugs Decreasing in Use • •
Alcohol & Cocaine continue gradual decline Amphetamines – Ritalin declining – Adderall slightly increased – http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_stim1.php
•
Barbiturates/Tranquilizers – Declining since 2005 – http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/hpcd/chp/cdrr/ alcohol/pdf/kybarbiturates.pdf
Drugs Decreasing in Use • Prescription Drugs: – Vicodin – significant 1.7% decrease in 2010 among 12th graders – Oxycontin – use leveled off but not decreased
• Only 20% of 12th graders abusing prescription meds got it from a dealer or a stranger. • Most from friends or family (given, sold, or stolen) • http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_rx1.php
Drugs Holding Steady • LSD, PCP, psilocybin (“shrooms”) – http://archives.drugabuse.gov/pdf/monographs/download 146.html
• Inhalants (paint thinner, gasoline, model glue) – http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/Inhalants.html
• Crystal methamphetamine – http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/Methamphetamin e.html
• “Club drugs” – Ketamine (Special K): used to induce dissociative anesthesia in veterinary medicine – GHB (γ-Hydroxybutyric acid): similar in effect to Ecstasy, but operates differently in the brain – http://archives.drugabuse.gov/NIDA_Notes/NNVol14N6/ WhatAre.html
Legal, New, or Lesser Known Drugs • Bath salts (MDPV) – – – – – –
Recently made illegal in Ohio Easily available over internet Stimulant – similar to amphetamines (“legal speed”) Typically smoked or melted for IV use Effects of single dose last 3 to 4 hours Repeated or regular use can result in psychotic symptoms associated with sleep deprivation – Withdrawals similar to those of other stimulants (hypotension, depression, lethargy) – http://teens.drugabuse.gov/blog/bath-salts-tub/
Legal, New, or Lesser Known Drugs • Dextromethorphan: found in cold medicine and cough syrup – “Robotripping” – causes hallucinations in large doses – http://teens.drugabuse.gov/peerx/pdf/PEERx_Toolkit_Fact Sheets_DXM.pdf
• Lysergic acid amide (LSA): Found in blue morning glory and Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds – Crushed and eaten or distilled using potentially harmful solvents (methanol, ether, dichloromethane) – Very dangerous if also taking an MAOI (found in certain less-common anti-depressants) – http://www.erowid.org/plants/morning_glory/morning_gl ory_basics.shtml
Legal, New, or Lesser Known Drugs • Synthetic Cannabis (K-2, Spice, “stuff”) – Designer drug – blend of synthetic cannabinoids – Recently made illegal in Ohio (along with bath salts) – http://www.aolnews.com/2010/07/12/syntheticmarijuana-explained-quick-facts-about-k2/
• Salvia Divinorum – – – –
Diviner’s/Seer’s Sage Intense, short-term hallucinogenic effects Illegal in Ohio, but legal in most states http://www.salvia-divinorum.com/salvia-divinorumfaq.htm
Signs and Risk Factors • Behavioral signs: – Risk-taking behaviors – Relational and/or physical aggression – Lack of friends, social withdrawal – Poor coping skills – Anxiety disorders or ADHD – Impulsivity, novelty-seeking (need not be accompanied by disruptive or inattentive behavior)
Signs and Risk Factors • Behavioral signs (cont’d): – School disciplinary problems – Early cigarette use – Absenteeism, skipping classes – Older friends or friends who use substances – Deterioration in academic performance – Appearing less socially inhibited than peers – Avoiding medical treatment despite being sick
Signs and Risk Factors • Characteristics of home life: – Family history of substance abuse, psychiatric disorders, or suicide – Lack of supervision, rules, or consequences – Lack of nurturance (disengaged family system) – Lack of boundaries (enmeshed family system) – Family lacks interest in child’s school activities (sports, clubs, etc) – History of abuse or neglect
Drug Texting • N2 2CB. WBU? – I’m into hallucinogens. What about you?
• WTG 4 a \%/ – Want to go for a drink?
• %*@:-( – Hung over and got a headache.
Drug Texting • No 420? Wiyp? – No weed? What is your problem?
• LM 4 a ~~#ZZZZZZ> – Let’s meet for a joint.
Prevention Resources
Prevention • Addressing the problem proactively • Comprehensive Approach: Educating… – – – –
Communities Parents Students Staff & Administration
• SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration) – Whole sections devoted to prevention, others to treatment – Free Resources! • Educational Brochures • Treatment Guides • Posters
Prevention: Community-Wide • “Red Ribbon Your Community” – Focus on Prevention – Community Needs Assessment (What to find out, where to look, how to gather information, cultural considerations) – Starting Points (targeting risks, accenting the positives) – Community Partners (building partnerships, groups to consider) – Theories of Prevention – Planning – Practical Strategies – Evaluation http://www.samhsa.gov/
Prevention: For Parents • Brochures & materials that can be distributed to parents: – “Getting High on Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs is Dangerous: A guide to keeping your teenager safe in a changing world” • • • •
Introduction to OTC medications commonly abused by teens Tips for communicating & connecting with children about drugs Safeguarding personal medications How to Intervene if a problem is suspected
– “Keeping Your Teens Drug-Free: A Family Guide” • What to say, how to connect and be involved, signs and symptoms of use, what to do if drug use is suspected http://www.samhsa.gov/
Prevention: For Students • “Tips for Teens” Series – The Truth About … (Herion, Tobacco, Alcohol, Club Drugs, Cocaine, etc.) • Psychoeducational brochures • Brief: 1-2 pages
– Underage Drinking: Myths vs. Facts • 2-page handout/poster
http://www.samhsa.gov/
Common Themes in Effective Programs • Winters et al., (2007) – Organized and constructed to meet goals despite limited resources – Content clear cut and oriented towards skills building – Program received by target audience – Fidelity measures to ensure proper delivery – Target well defined population – Competent staff – Social skills training oriented
Evidence Based Prevention Intervention Programs • Guiding Good Choices/Focus on Families (Catalano, 2007) – http://www.channing-bete.com/preventionprograms/guiding-good-choices/guiding-goodchoices.html
• Life Skill Training (Botvin, 2006) – http://www.lifeskillstraining.com/lst_hs.php
Evidence Based Prevention Intervention Programs • Project Towards No Drugs (Sussman, 2000) – http://tnd.usc.edu/ – Skills training
• Project Alert – http://www.projectalert.com/ – Free curriculum – Excellent videos
Evidence Based Prevention Intervention Programs • Communities that Care (CTC) – http://www.sdrg.org/ctcresource/ – Public health approach to prevention – Training communities in prevention science
• Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) – http://www.dare.com/home/default.asp – Meets the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) 8 criteria for a successful prevention program
Therapy • Multi-systemic Therapy (Henggeler et al, 1998) – http://www.promisingpractices.net/program.asp? programid=81 – 9 guiding principles
• Psychoeducational Groups – Easy to implement with program – Family and user based
Psychoeducational Groups • Purpose – Expand awareness about the behavioral, medical, and psychological consequences of substance abuse (NIDA, 2011) – 12 week sessions • • • • •
Symptoms Process of recovery Managing cravings Establishing support Warning Signs
Contact Information David M. Yost, Ed.S.:
[email protected] Brad Imhoff, M.A., PC:
[email protected] William Soto, M.S.Ed.:
[email protected]
Christine Suniti Bhat, Ph.D., PC:
[email protected]
References • • • •
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Botvin, G. J., Baker, E., Dusenbury, L., Botvin, E. M., & Diaz, T. (1995). Long-term follow-up results of a drug abuse prevention trial in a white middle-class population. Journal of the American Medical Association, 273, 1106–1112 Bryner, J. (March 3, 2010). Fake Weed, Real Drug: K2 Causing Hallucinations in Teens. Retrieved on 10/14/2011 from http://www.livescience.com/6149-fake-weed-real-drug-k2-causinghallucinations-teens.html. Cohen, Elizabeth. (August 26, 2010). “Parents, do you know what these texts mean?” Retrieved 09/26/2011 from http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/08/26/kids.drugs.text/index.html. Connell, C. M., Gilreath, T. D., & Hansen, N. B. (2009). A multiprocess latent class analysis of the cooccurrence of substance use and sexual risk behavior among adolescents. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 70(5), 943-951. Creemers, H. E., Van Lier, P. A. C., Vollebergh, W. A. M., Ormel, J., Verhulst, F. C., & Huizink, A. C. (2009). Predicting onset of cannabis use in early adolescence: The interrelation between high-intensity pleasure and disruptive behavior. The TRAILS Study. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 70(5), 850-858. Elifson, K. W., Klein, H., & Sterk, C. E. (2010). Young adult ecstasy users who forego necessary medical care: A fairly common occurrence with important health implications. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 42(1), 63-71. Focus on Prevention. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 10–4120. Rockville, MD: Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2010. Johnston, L. D., O'Malley, P. M., Bachman, J. G., & Schulenberg, J. E. (December 14, 2010). "Marijuana use is rising; ecstasy use is beginning to rise; and alcohol use is declining among U.S. teens." University of Michigan News Service: Ann Arbor, MI. Retrieved 09/26/2011 from http://www.monitoringthefuture.org
References (cont’d) • • • • • • • • •
Johnston, L. D., O'Malley, P. M., Bachman, J. G., & Schulenberg, J. E. (2011). Monitoring the Future national survey results on drug use, 1975-2010. Volume I: Secondary school students. Ann Arbor: Institute for Social Research, The University of Michigan, 734 pp. Lambie, G. W., & Davis, K. M. (2007). Adolescent heroin abuse: Implications for the consulting professional school counselor. Journal of Professional Counseling: Practice, Theory, & Research, 35(1),1-17. Morning Glory Seed Basics. (June 22, 2001). Retrieved on 10/11/2011 from http://www.erowid.org/plants/morning_glory/morning_glory_basics.shtml. Drug Enforcement Administration. (March 2011). Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). Retrieved on 09/26/2011 from http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugs_concern/mdpv.pdf . Porath-Waller, A. J., Beasley, E., & Beirness, D. J. (2010). A meta-analytic review of school-based prevention for cannabis use. Health Education & Behavior, 37(5), 709-723. Siebert, D. (April 17, 2010). The salvia divinorum FAQ. Retrieved on 10/12/2011 from http://sagewisdom.org/faq.html. Skara, S., Pokhrel, P., Weiner, M. D., Sun, P., Dent, C. W., & Sussman, S. (2008). Physical and relational aggression as predictors of drug use: Gender differences among high school students. Addictive Behaviors, 33(12), 1507-1515. White, W. (August 2002). The DXM FAQ. Retrieved on 10/14/2011 from http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/dxm/faq/dxm_experience.shtml. Winters, C.K., Fawkes, T., Fanhorst, T., Botzet, A,. & August, G. (2007). A synthesis of exemplary drug abuse prevention programs in the United States. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, (32) 371-380.
