Parenting Tips

Millions of teens report feeling hopeless and losing interest in everyday activities for weeks at a time. And many of these teens are making a bad situation worse by using marijuana and other drugs in an effort to make themselves feel better.

Research shows that using marijuana can worsen depression and lead to more serious mental health problems. In fact, teens who used marijuana at least once a month in the past year are three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts than teens who don't use marijuana.

For parents, this means it's critical to pay closer attention to your teen's behavior and mood swings, and recognize that marijuana and other drugs could be playing a dangerous role in your child's life.

Learn more about marijuana and mental health.

Marijuana: Then and Now

So you tried pot at some point in your life and think you'll feel like a hypocrite telling your teen not to use? Get over it. Be honest and emphasize that this discussion is about your child's future and not about your past. Marijuana today is more potent than it was a generation ago and more kids are using it at a younger age, when their bodies and minds are still developing. Talk to your teens. Kids who learn about marijuana and other drugs from their parents are less likely to use them.

SENIOR YEAR LIMITS

'Tis the season for high school seniors to celebrate: from spring break to prom to graduation parties. It's also an opportune time for parents to talk to their teens about the drinking, drug use, and risky behavior that sometimes occur at these celebratory events.

Even if you've already talked to your teen about these issues, now is a good time to reinforce your expectations. Be clear that even though they're graduating and may soon be on their own, drinking and drug use remain unacceptable. Explain and enforce real consequences for breaking these rules. There are also often safe alternatives for senior-year celebrations. Get involved in planning or chaperoning alcohol-free parties and encourage your teen to spend their time off from school volunteering or engaged in productive community activities.

Make Clear Rules

Research shows that young people are less likely to use tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs if their parents set clear rules about not doing so. If parents have not previously established rules around more basic activities of daily living, however, they will have little chance of getting their children to obey a rule about not using marijuana, tobacco, or other drugs.

Here are some rulemaking tips:

	Set clear rules and discuss in advance the consequences of breaking them. Don’t make empty threats or let the rule-breaker off the hook. Don’t impose harsh or unexpected new punishments.
	The rules must be consistently enforced; every time a child breaks the rules the parent should enforce a punishment.
	Punishments should involve mild, not severe, negative consequences. Overly severe punishments serve to undermine the quality of the parent-child relationship.
	Set a curfew. And enforce it strictly. Be prepared to negotiate for special occasions.
	Have kids check in at regular times when they’re away from home or school. Give them a phone card, change or even a pager with clear rules for using it. (When I beep you, I expect a call back within 15 minutes.)
	Call parents whose home is to be used for a party. On party night, don’t be afraid to stop in to say hello (and make sure that adult supervision is in place).
	Make it easy to leave a party where drugs are being used. Discuss in advance how to signal you or another designated adult who will come to pick your child up the moment he or she feels uncomfortable. Later, be prepared to talk about what happened.
	Listen to your instincts. Don’t be afraid to intervene if your gut reaction tells you that something is wrong. Review the Action Guide for Parents for more specific suggestions if you suspect or know your teen is using drugs.

What is dextromethorphan or DXM?

Over-the-Counter Drugs — Abuse Where You Least
Expect It

Think that drug abuse among teens is limited to illegal substances like marijuana and club drugs such as Ecstasy? Think again.

If you're like most parents, you're probably not aware that a number of over-the-counter (OTC) products can potentially be abused by teens looking to get high. But it's important to educate yourself about the potential abuse of consumer products found right in your home. It is important to know the facts about OTC product and medication abuse and make a habit of closely monitoring the use of certain household substances. Talk with preteens and teens about the proper use of all medications (including those that are available over the counter) and the health risks associated with their abuse.

One category of products sometimes abused by teenagers that few parents know about is OTC cough and cold remedies. The OTC cough and cold medications available in your local pharmacy, supermarket or convenience store are safe and effective when used as directed. But some youth are drawn to an ingredient found in nearly half of these medications called dextromethorphan, or DXM. When taken in excessive doses, dextromethorphan can produce a high or cause psychoactive effects.

What is dextromethorphan or DXM?
Dextromethorphan is a cough-suppressing ingredient in a variety of OTC cold and cough medications. It is found in more than 125 OTC products and comes in various forms, most commonly in cough suppressants in caplet or liquid form.

Why are teens abusing products that contain dextromethorphan?
Dextromethorphan is a safe and effective cough suppressant when used as indicated on the product label. However, when taken in doses that far exceed the amount recommended, the ingredient may produce feelings of euphoria that some seek to get "high." A teenager looking to get high or experiment with drugs may turn to OTC cough and cold preparations that contain dextromethorphan because they are readily available at home or the local drug store. Dextromethorphan can also be purchased in a bulk powder form on the Internet. Some Web sites encourage teenagers to abuse dextromethorphan and actually offer "recipes" for the best way to achieve a high.

What does dextromethorphan do?
Depending on the dose, DXM's effects vary. Misuse of the drug creates both depressant and mild hallucinogenic effects. Users report a set of distinct dose-dependent "plateaus" ranging from a mild stimulant effect with distorted visual perceptions at low does to a sense of complete dissociation from one's body. If a child consumes large doses of a product containing dextromethorphan, it may cause a number of adverse effects, including impaired judgment and mental performance, loss of coordination, dizziness, nausea, hot flashes, dissociation, and hallucinations.

Another major concern is the risk incurred when abusers get high and engage in activities requiring reasonable judgment and quick reactions, like driving or swimming. The effects induced by overdose of DXM can make these activities deadly.

How can I tell if my child is abusing dextromethorphan?
You should be concerned if you notice that your child is taking excessive amounts of a cold and flu remedy, or if he or she continues to take medicine even after symptoms have subsided. Likewise, if cough and cold medications seem to disappear from the medicine cabinet or if you find packages of cough and cold preparations in the child's room or backpack, he or she may be abusing the product.

How Well Do You Know Your Teenager?

"Everybody thinks their kid is beyond taking drugs... nobody's beyond it." -- a mom in Troy, Missouri

Perhaps you’ve found drugs in your teen’s room. Or you’ve noticed a major change in behavior or that he/she has new friends that you suspect might be using drugs. Whatever the reason – don’t ignore the issue at this critical time. Find out how well you really know your teen. Start the quiz now.