For Parents
Every parent
should be aware of some of the common drugs used today, as well as information on identifying these drugs. Below is partial list of illicit and prescribed drugs. There are new synthetic drugs and trends developing continually and finding their way to the streets.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a medication primarily used in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) and as a pain management option. It is a partial opioid agonist, which means it activates the same opioid receptors in the brain but to a lesser degree than full opioid agonists like heroin or prescription painkillers.
Buprenorphine is available in various formulations, including sublingual tablets, sublingual films, and extended-release injectable formulations.
Buprenorphine acts as both a partial opioid agonist and antagonist. As a partial agonist, it can help reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms while producing a milder effect than full opioid agonists.
As an antagonist, it has a “ceiling effect,” meaning its effects level off at higher doses, reducing the risk of respiratory depression and overdose.
Carfentanil
Carfentanil, also known by its trade name “Wildnil,” is an extremely potent synthetic opioid analgesic. It is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, which means it has a high potential for abuse and limited medical use. It is estimated to be approximately 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, another powerful synthetic opioid. Carfentanil is not approved for use in humans and is primarily used as a tranquilizer for large animals, especially elephants and other large mammals.
Carfentanil poses an extreme risk of overdose and death, even in minuscule amounts. Its potency means that a tiny quantity can have a profound impact on the respiratory and central nervous systems, leading to respiratory depression and potential fatalities.
Methadone
Methadone is a synthetic opioid medication primarily used in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). It is a long-acting opioid agonist, meaning it activates the same opioid receptors in the brain as other opioids, such as heroin or prescription painkillers, but it has a longer duration of action.
Methadone is available in various formulations, including oral solutions, tablets, and dispersible tablets. Methadone is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence. It is typically dispensed through specialized opioid treatment programs (OTPs) or clinics under strict regulations and monitoring.
Isotonitazene
also known as Nitazine or ISO
Isotonitazene is a synthetic opioid. Much more potent than heroin and morphine (similar to fentanyl,) ISO is being mixed into and marketed as other drugs to make drugs more potent and cheaper to produce. In powder form, ISO can appear yellow, brown, or off-white in color. It is commonly pressed in pills.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid developed in the 60’s to treat agonizing, intolerable pain, and for terminally ill people. 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin.
Fentanyl can be mixed with a variety of illicit drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine, heroin, THC tabs, 2-CB (a synthetic form of mescaline,) Meth, Ketamine, and many others. Fentanyl causes depression of the respiratory system and can lead to death.
Heroin
While heroin is usually not the first drug teens choose to take, it is one of the most frightening for parents because of its lethal and highly addictive nature. Teens who abuse heroin typically start by abusing substances such as prescription painkillers, other prescription drugs. As their use progresses, they may escalate to heroin abuse.
Heroin is processed from the seedpod of the poppy plant. It is commonly sold as a white, yellow, brown or black powder, contained in folded pieces of paper or tiny envelopes. Heroin produced in Mexico is often sold as a sticky black substance that resembles melted licorice. Heroin can ce smoked, snorted or injected.
THC
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the active ingredient in Marijuana, which comes from the Cannabis sativa plant, is one of the most common drugs used by teens. One-third of 10th graders and 44 percent of 12th graders have used marijuana, according to the most recent statistics from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA.) Cannabis in plant form looks like shredded leaves, stems, seeds, or flowers, stored in plastic bags. The material is usually green, golden, or brown in color. Particularly now that marijuana legalization is widespread, teens may find it easier to access products containing THC. Many vendors sell marijuana edibles, such as cookies, brownies, and gummies containing THC. Marijuana vaping and dabbing is also popular among teens, using the plant matter itself or cartridges filled with cannabis oil. About 20 percent of teens vape marijuana, NIDA reports.
Magic Mushrooms
psilocybin mushrooms
Teens who want to experience something new but find the idea of a man-made substance a bit frightening might experiment with psilocybin mushrooms (magic mushrooms) instead. These tiny mushrooms contain a hallucinogenic substance called psilocybin. They are usually sold in a dried format, and the packets may contain multiple mushroom caps as well as thin stems. The psilocybin is also in pill form (different shapes and characters.)
Some teens attempt to pick their own mushrooms and dry them for use. This is extremely dangerous in a different way, as many wild mushrooms are toxic and can lead to serious health problems, including paralysis and death.
LSD
The drug LSD, also known as acid, is a hallucinogen that teens may use as a party drug. LSD is sold in liquid form, tablets, saturated sugar cubes, gummies, or blotter paper divided into small squares printed with colorful pictures of political figures, smiley faces, animals, or sports logos, with each square representing one dose (100 to 120mcg. Typical dose)
Teens can then place these tiny squares of paper in their mouths and absorb the drug from the melting paper. A dose of LSD is often quite small, so teens might have pieces of paper with several of the same image printed over and over. NIDA statistics show that 4 percent of 10th graders and 6 percent of 12th graders have used LSD.
Cocaine
Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug. For thousands of years, people in South America have chewed and ingested coca leaves (Erythroxylon coca), the source of cocaine, for their stimulant effects.1, 2 The purified chemical, cocaine hydrochloride, was isolated from the plant more than 100 years ago. In the early 1900s, purified cocaine was the main active ingredient in many tonics and elixirs developed to treat a wide variety of illnesses. Before the development of synthetic local anesthetic, surgeons used cocaine to block pain.1 However, research has since shown that cocaine is a powerfully addictive substance that can alter brain structure and function if used repeatedly.
Xylazine
(also known as Trank)
Xylazineis a tranquilizer used for large animals such as cattle or horses, according to NIDA stats—it is a dangerous sedative drug to humans and has aftereffects (raw wounds that can erupt), some cases have led to arm and leg amputations.
Xylazine can lead to depression of the central nervous system along with other adverse effects, as reported in scientific and medical journals; the presence of xylazine in illicit drug combinations and its detection in fatal overdoses may be more widespread than reported as a number of jurisdictions across the country may not include xylazine in forensic laboratory or toxicology testing.
Methamphetamine
While methamphetamine (meth) use is low among teens—less than 2 percent use it, according to NIDA stats—it is such a dangerous and addictive substance that parents should include it when educating themselves on identifying drugs.
Meth, which can be snorted or injected, can have disastrous effects on the long-term physical and mental health of teens who abuse the drug. The drug can cause long-term changes in the brain that could affect a young person for the rest of their life. Meth can be sold as a white powder that, again, looks like powdered sugar or cocaine. Some manufacturers mix powdered methamphetamine with other substances to create a crystallized version of the drug. These pieces of crystal meth can be clear, white, yellow or even pink. Meth is often sold in tiny cellophane bags.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a potent semi-synthetic opioid analgesic medication used to manage moderate to severe pain. It is classified as a narcotic or opioid due to its potent pain-relieving properties. Oxycodone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain.
Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate
also known as GHB
GHB or Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (trade name “Xyrem” ) is a central nervous system depressant that is commonly referred to as a “club drug” or “date rape” drug. GHB is abused by teens and young adults at bars, parties, clubs and “raves” (all night dance parties) and is often placed in alcoholic beverages. Euphoria, increased sex drive, and tranquility are reported positive effects of GHB abuse. Negative effects may include sweating, loss of consciousness, nausea, hallucinations, amnesia, and coma, among other side effects.
This prescription drug was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 for the treatment of narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes excessive sleepiness and recurring daytime sleep attacks. Common or street names: Circles, Date Rape Drug, Forget Pill, Forget-Me Pill, Mexican Valium, Mind Eraser, R2, Roofies. GHB is bought on the streets or over the Internet in liquid form or as a white powdered material for illicit use.
Ecstasy
Ecstasy (Molly), also known as MDMA, is another hallucinogenic party drug. Originally developed as an appetite suppressant. MDMA lowers inhibitions and heightens perception. While ecstasy can be sold in liquid form, most teens buy the drug in pill form. The pills are often imprinted with images such as cartoon characters, clover leaves, peace symbols, hearts, skulls, and words such as “love” or “peace.” NIDA reports that about 4 percent of high school seniors and 3 percent of sophomores in the United States have used MDMA.
MT-45
MT-45 is a synthetic opioid that was developed in the 1970s by a Japanese pharmaceutical company as a potential painkiller. It’s structurally related to other opioids like tramadol and methadone. However, MT-45 is not approved for medical use in most countries due to concerns about its safety and potential for abuse.
MT-45’s pharmacological properties are similar to other opioids, as it acts on the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, leading to pain relief and potential feelings of euphoria. However, it’s worth noting that all opioids also carry a significant risk of dependence, tolerance, and overdose. Because of its lack of medical approval and potential for harm, MT-45 has been classified as a controlled substance in various countries. It’s often found on the illicit drug market, and its use can lead to various health risks, including addiction, respiratory depression, and overdose. Some reported overdose cases have led to hearing loss.
Steps to consider when finding evidence of your child’s drug use?
Knowing what drugs look like is only the first step for parents to keep their young-ones safe. If they find drugs in their child’s possession, parents need to take the following steps:
1. Find a time to talk with your youngster. Rather than being angry or judgmental, let them know how much you love them and that you are concerned for their health and well-being. Avoid making accusations or making your child defensive. Be empathetic and understanding and remain calm. Be 100% committed to helping your child!
2. Ask questions: Why did they feel the need to use drugs or alcohol? Peer pressure? Is there a stressful situation they are currently dealing with? Stress, anxiety, and trauma are risk factors for illicit substance and alcohol use.
3. Educate your teen about the harmful impact of drugs and alcohol on the organs and central nervous system, as well as their functioning in daily life. Encourage them to do their own research on the topic so they understand the risks. If there is a family history of substance use disorder, make sure they know about it and understand that their brain and body may be more vulnerable to addiction as a result. Encourage your child to engage in healthy activities such as sports, hobbies, playing a musical instrument or community involvement.
4. Consider seeking the assistance of a healthcare professional, counselor, or therapist with experience in substance use. While it’s common for teens to experiment with drugs, having a mental health issue such as depression or anxiety is one of the risk factors that increases the likelihood of substance use. Substance abuse indicates that a teen is using drugs and/or alcohol to self-medicate emotional pain. A teen may use substances as an unhealthy coping mechanism for feelings of isolation, lack of self-esteem, or an underlying mental illness such as anxiety disorders, social anxiety, or depression. Explore treatment options, if the substance use is problematic, it could require joining a substance use program.
Remember that substance use issues are complex, and professional guidance can be crucial. If you’re unsure how to proceed, consider reaching out to addiction specialists, counselors, or local support groups for advice tailored to your specific situation. Every individual and family dynamic is unique, so a personalized approach is often the most effective.
