OTHER SUBSTANCES
Links:
Wyoming Youth Risk Behavior Survey located at http://www.k12.wy.us/HS/yrbs/yrbs.asp
Preventive Needs Assessment located at http://wdh.state.wy.us/SAD/PNA.asp
Partnership for Drug Free America, parent and youth site at www.drugfreeamerica.org
There are numerous substances that have the potential for misuse and abuse. Common household items that most families have can be misused and have serious consequences to health and life. Over the counter (OTC) medications such as cough syrups and cold medications can be misused. Also many prescription medications have an extreme potential for misuse or abuse. The increased availability of prescription medications increases the chance that some of those meds may be diverted from medicinal purposes. Another factor in the misuse and availability of prescriptions is the internet and “virtual pharmacies”. Access to these sources is easy and monitoring of those is difficult. Concerning both OTC and prescriptions, there is a disconnect, with the public perceiving these are safe since they are legal and doctors recommend them. There is an appropriate and real need for prescription medications and many medications have great benefit. However, mix any of these with alcohol and the effects are multiplied and can be severe.
Inhalants are a popular item for middle school aged youth. Glues, paints and gasoline, and other aerosols with misuse can cause a high, hallucinations, psychotic episodes or chronic disability. With long term misuse, persistent brain damage and respiratory problems can occur. Other body systems can be significantly affected as well.
Steroids are not that prevalent in our area, but some youth do report usage according to both the Wyoming Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the Preventive Needs Assessment. Steroid usage can cause liver tumors and cancer, jaundice and kidney tumors. In youth, growth halted prematurely through early skeletal maturation and accelerated puberty changes.
The misuse of other substances is limitless. Families have to be diligent in monitoring their activities and watching for changes in attitudes, behaviors and habits. If someone begins acting differently, chances are there is a reason. Ask questions and be involved. Prevention is all of our concern. For more information please contact the Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator as SFL.