Alcohol/Drugs Awareness Month
by Brandi Dodd
The average number of overdoses a year is about 38,000, but studies have shown a significant increase in the past few years, with 2017 having over 70,000. About 6% happen between the ages of 12–17, equalling about 4,200 adolescent overdoses a year.
It has become common for high school students to participate in drug and alcohol use, with 6% of high school seniors admitting to smoking every day and 30% of all high schoolers binge drinking. Along with Marijuana and Alcohol, Opioids are one of the highest used substances amongst teens, with 1 in 8 students reporting using them nonmedically.
Some immediate side effects of these drugs are drowsiness, headaches, distorted senses, impaired judgment, and an upset stomach.
A common misconception about substance abuse among teens is that they do it to fit in or as a result of peer pressure when in fact, the most prominent reasons found were experimenting, academic or personal stresses, and relieving pain.
Substance abuse is a big topic for high schoolers, and the best way to keep students safe is to teach about the dangers along with what precautions to take when already involved.
The dangers of drugs and alcohol are more drastic for teens because of the lack of development. Problems emerge in the brain with memory, coordination, and balance, controlled by the cerebellum, due to the changes caused in the chemical makeup of the human brain. In teens, heavy drinking leads to damage to the frontal lobe, inhibiting the ability to make decisions and maintain emotional control. Damage to the occipital and temporal lobes can cause blurred vision and slurred speech, temporarily — permanent damage results in a decrease in brain activity.
Teens who binge drink alcohol and proceed to go through withdrawal will experience a load of physical and mental distress. Withdrawal can happen from 2 hours to 4 days after not drinking and will show a line of symptoms. Some physical symptoms include sweating, tremors, and seizures. Teens going through withdrawal could also experience irritability, anxiety, and hallucinations.
Opioids and Marijuana have both been believed to be safer than other drugs due to the fact they can both be used to relieve pain and anxiety. But, when used consistently, both can lead to long term sensitivity to pain and an increase in anxiety or paranoia — overall, resulting in a person being in worse condition than before initial drug use. If being taken, for any reason, students should be aware of the long term effects that follow if overused or not used for any intended purpose. Some long term effects include pain sensitivity, increased paranoia, insomnia, and cold flashes.
If students do get involved in drugs or alcohol, it is important for them to know that they should avoid being in an isolated environment, stay hydrated, and not be afraid to ask for help if feeling the slightest bit unwell.
It is also crucial that they do not drive while intoxicated and avoid overlapping different types of drugs.
If you or a loved one is dealing with substance abuse, please visit samhsa.gov for more information or call their free, 24 hours, National Helpline at 1–800–662-HELP(4357).
