Adolescent Drugs of Abuse:

Alcohol
The most used drug by teens, usually obtained at home, or bought by friends. Use is most often “binge drinking” in nature. Used until supply is depleted each time due to storage difficulties.

Marijuana
Another “foundation drug” we see on adolescent drug histories.

Maijuana is addictive. As regular use begins you will see agitation and “ill” moods, sometimes aggressiveness and irritability.

In the beginning stage, the adolescent will be mellowed out, and will demonstrate increased appetite and decreased irritability.

You might find Visine in his/her room or car, more than would be normal.

Distinct odor of burnt rope.

For many adolescents, it is easier to obtain than alcohol.

Holes in clothing and car seats from falling ashes and seeds.

Methamphetamines
“Crystal, Ice, Crank, Meth, Speed, Foil, Foiling, Rails, Doing Rails”

Smoking and snorting are the most common forms of use. We see this more in rural areas now, however it is regularly abused in urban environments as well.

A powdery white or white rock form. It is also used by dissolving in beverages and drank.

Adolescent girls use it to stay slim and this can lead to a misdiagnosis of an eating disorder if not properly assessed.

It is easily available in the Southeast at this time.

Opiates
Generally city specific. Adolescents use Lortabs, Lorcets, Methadone, Oxycontin and Hydrocodone. They are most frequently stolen from Grandparents and in the primary home itself. The street value of these drugs is often high and they are often sold in schools.

Frequently mixed with alcohol and results in respiratory failures when abused in that fashion. Very easy and rapid addiction.

Benzodiazepines
A favorite among girls. Xanax and Klonopins are most common. They are called, “bars, ladders, zanies, and footballs.” Slurred speech, pupils appear like saucers, commonly sold in schools.

Inhalants
Still going strong in the Southeast. Most often abused are; Ether, Freon, GOLD and SILVER spray paint, spray paint of any color, Gasoline, cleaning fluids, and any available solvent.

Inhalants cause severe brain damage, which is often permanent. Blank staring and very dull mental processing are common. Hollow looking face, with paint on facial areas or reddening of skin around mouth.

Dextromethorphan or DXM
Commonly abused in the Southeast. Generally not a primary drug of choice, but easily available.

“Robo-tripping, Triple C” Cough syrups containing DXM, such as Triaminic, Nyquil, Vicks44D, Robotussin, and Coricidin C are most often abused by drinking an entire bottle or more at a time. This produces hallucinogenic effects, and feelings of disassociation.

GHB
“G, Liquid X, water, scoop, scooping out” Usually a liquid taken by capfuls, one capful is equivalent to effect of several beers. A strong sedative effect. Stories of the drug’s dangers seem to have gotten out and this appears to be on the decline in our facilities.

Cocaine
Usually used as a secondary drug of abuse, when available. Primary drug of choice is almost always Crack for adolescents.

Cocaine is used in powder or rock form, snorted, smoked or (seldom) injected. This shows up often on our drug histories and is a drug of concern for adolescents.

“Wired” in appearance, a lot of energy, weight loss and decreased appetite. Quickly wears off, and is a quick and easy addiction.

Ecstasy
“XTC, beans, X, rolling, ‘trolling means taking acid and X together’, E”

A hypnotic-stimulant, “X” causes a trance-like state of mind. Dancing often accompanies use. Use of glow sticks, glow necklaces and pacifiers are common. The pacifier is used to help with the tightened jaw and clenching associated with use of “X”. You may see a pacifier hanging from a mirror in a car, or glow sticks that have no real purpose.

Used at Rave parties, manufactured in many localities so purity is uneven, and often contains very harmful adulterants. The “X” user craves water and sweats profusely. Recent research shows “X” can cause lifelong changes in the brain.

Caffeine Pills or Ephedrine Pills
“Yellow jackets, Corocedrin C tablets, White Crosses, and most of the over the counter “stay awake”, or “lose weight” tablets that you see on service station counters, etc.

Very easy to get. Used as a substitute for harder drugs. They are often taken in large numbers, resulting in vomiting and heart problems. Commonly used by adolescent athletes before sporting contests. They can be broken down by heating and used in a “free-base” style. You might find the empty bottles lying around in a car or in a bedroom.

Ketamine
“K, Cat, Special K” This is a Veterinary anesthetic that is used in animal surgeries. Commonly stolen from veterinary offices and sold on the street. It has serious health outcomes. It produces effects similar to PCP or Angel Dust, which are often extreme irritability, aggression, sedation, and disassociated look.

LSD
Usually taken orally and is dropped on sweet tarts, candy, etc. or on graphic sheets of paper and placed on the tongue. Severe hallucinations, tripping, Severe risk of short-term schizophrenia, permanent reality breaks, and injuries from failing to perceive reality correctly.