News, Advice, and Tips for Parenting Teenagers

A "miracle drug" for acne may be taken off the market because it increases the risk for inflammatory bowel disease.

Shari Roane addressed the matter in a Nov. 6 Los Angeles Times article:

Swiss-based Roche Holding quietly pulled its blockbuster drug Accutane off the market in June amid early signs that the drug may be linked to inflammatory bowel disease. And last week, a study was released that quantified those risks, finding that users of the medication have almost twice the odds of developing a serious bowel disorder as nonusers.

For now, generic versions are still available, but the latest troubles could lead to the withdrawal of the controversial medication considered the treatment of last resort for acne so damaging it can lead to pitting of the face and a lifetime of anguish.

In its tumultuous 27-year history, the drug, also known as isotretinoin, has been found to cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy and to possibly increase the risk of depression, including suicidal behavior. Women who take it must register with the government, sign a consent form saying that they understand the medication's risks, use two forms of birth control, and submit to monthly pregnancy tests.

Labels: acne, drugs

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A popular herb that teens use recreationally to achieve altered states of consciousness may soon be illegal. Legislators in eight states have already passed laws against the sale of Salvia divinorum, and another 16 states have legislation pending.

"Parents are pretty clueless," said Jonathan Appell, an assistant professor of psychology and criminal justice at Tiffin University and an expert on the herb. "Salvia is much more powerful than marijuana."

It is also readily available on the Internet at relatively cheap prices. An ounce sells for around $30, and you can buy it in flavors like strawberry and spearmint. Salvia is usually smoked, but some teens drink it as a tea or chew it. It reportedly provides users with out-of-body experiences or a sense of merging with objects. The herb's effects vary according to the person: Some people experience no effect whatsoever, some experience effects lasting under five minutes, and still others have full-blown hallucinogenic experiences lasting up to an hour.

Many people expect demand for Salvia to increase before it becomes illegal. In some states, possession of Salvia will be a felony punishable by five years in prison.

Learn more about Salvia divinorum from this informative article: Teens Discover Cheap New Hallucinogenic Drug.

Labels: drugs, substance_abuse, laws

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Dr. Drew Pinsky, most famous for his radio call-in show LOVELINE, has joined Partnership for a Drug Free America's TimeToTalk™ campaign. The Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Keck USC School of Medicine has posed a question for parents on the Yahoo! Answers Q&A community.

"Dr. Drew is asking parents the following question currently featured on Yahoo! Answers: 'How do you turn media publicity about celebrities with drug problems into teachable moments for your kids?' Drew's question reflects TimeToTalk's mission to encourage and empower parents to have ongoing conversations with their teens about the risks of drug and alcohol abuse."

Dr. Drew will also create a 30-second public service announcement about addiction recovery that will air during his first episode of VH-1's "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew".

Want to learn more about teen drug use? Visit http://www.adolescent-substance-abuse.com to learn more.

Labels: influences, drugs, addictions

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"Wishing: Diaries of a Teen Pregnancy" gives an autobiographical account of the life and challenges faced by author Kim McLeod as a teen in the 1980s. McLeod struggled with peer pressure, drug use and eventually teen pregnancy.

"For McLeod, sharing her experience is important. She sees it as a way to start a dialogue about sexuality and the issues that face all young people. And it's a way to help parents reconnect with their kids."

The Canadian Association of Adolescent Health says that 63% of teens consider their parents a major source of information about sex and sexual health. McLeod's hope is that her book will help make some of those awkward parent-teen conversations a little easier.

Youth Care is a residential treatment center with a special program for teenage girls who are pregnant. Visit Youthcare.com to learn more.

Labels: pressures, drugs, pregnancy

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Recent studies have found that kids as young as ten are beginning to use illegal steroids to increase their athletic performances. A myriad of health problems have been linked to steroid use, especially in bodies that are still growing and developing. The recent media frenzy surrounding Barry Bonds creates just the open door that parents need to begin discussing steroid use with their children.

"If you haven't heard, Barry Bonds just tied the home run record. This is the perfect opportunity to start up the 'steroid talk' with your kids. Whether Bonds did or didn't use muscle-building enhancers shouldn't be the key point; instead, focus your conversation on 'Should he or shouldn't he?'"

Find out what your child knows about steroid use. Learn as much as you can so that you can make a strong case when you talk. Be sure your child is clear about the health risks involved in using steroids. And if your child is an athlete, no matter how talented, be careful not to place too much emphasis on his or her performance as this could be a motivating factor for steroid use. Read more at Micheleborba.ivillage.com.

Often, kids who are involved in sports, are less likely to find themselves with a teen drug addiction. If your teenager is addicted to drugs or alcohol, find out how you can help at DrugRehabTreatment.com.

Labels: communication, drugs, steroids

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Ambien, one of the most popular prescription medicines in the U.S., is now among the drug of choice at teen parties says the Drug Enforcement Agency. A recent survey by the government shows that more and more teenagers are abusing prescription drugs because they're easy to get from parents, friends or on the Internet.

"On the street, it's called "A-minus", "zombie pills", or "tic-tacs." Teens find it cheap and are popping Ambien for relaxation, euphoria and hallucinations. Dr. Richard Friedman of the Cornell Medical Center says when Ambien is abused, it can be dangerous."

Read more from CBS5.com.

Labels: teens, drugs, party

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