Vaping

If you think your child is safe from the vaping epidemic sweeping the nation's schools, think again. Vaping is a phenomenon that is so easily accessed by students, that it affects all types. The stories you hear of students vaping in classrooms are true - it is that easy to conceal. Unfortunately, vaping has a reputation that it is healthier than smoking cigarettes and is therefore not a bad thing. This is of course ridiculous. Students are generally vaping either nicotine (the addictive chemical in cigarettes) or THC (the active ingredient of cannabis). Both nicotine and THC have negative consequences on the teenage brain. In fact, the vaping companies are (gladly) producing a whole new generation of nicotine addicts. When we see a student with a nicotine addiction, they are easily agitated, display anxiety, and have a hard time sitting through our 90-minute block periods. This is a very real barrier to their success as a student. The fact companies sell the vape juice in attractive flavors such as mango and blueberry is evidence they are directly targeting our youth.

Educate yourself about vape devices. Go online and look at pictures of all the different types of vape pens. Watch the vaping videos that are bombarding your child on social media. And, look for the following signs that may indicate your child is vaping:

• Presence of vaping equipment or related product packaging
• Unusual online purchases or packages
• The scent is faint, but you may catch a whiff of flavoring like bubble gum or chocolate cake
• Increased thirst or nose bleeds
• Decreased caffeine use
• Use of vaping lingo in text messages or on social media
• Appearance and/or behavior changes

Vaping devices compared to a thumb drive and a dollar bill at right. Sourin vape pens are popular among students. 

What You Need to Know About "Juuling"

From "What Parents Need to Know About Juuling"

The Juul consists of a long, slim vaporizer and disposable “pods” of nicotine juice. The pods come in flavors such as mango, creme brulee and cucumber. Some call the Juul the “iPhone of vapes” because of its sleek and minimalistic design. It charges on a laptop or other USB port. It looks like a computer thumb drive.

Signs of general e-cigarette use include increased thirst (the propylene glycol in the devices can cause dry mouth), a new sensitivity to caffeine and possible nosebleeds.

It’s important to start a conversation with your teens about e-cigarettes, whether you suspect they are using them on not. With the Juul, you might open with a general, nonthreatening question—“Hey, I just read about this thing. What have you heard about it?”—and see what they say. Explain the serious health risks of e-cigarettes (remember phlegm, nosebleeds, lung problems, a messed-up brain, and addiction, just to name a handful). If your son or daughter is vaping, let them know that you do not approve, and work with them to replace the unhealthy behavior with a positive one. E-cigarettes contain more than fun, fruity flavors, and when teenagers use them, there may be lasting consequences.

Xanax Abuse at Schools

Parents often tell us that they need more information to be properly informed about issues facing teens. A recent article in the Press Democrat put a spotlight on the abuse of the anti-anxiety drug Xanax (zannies, zan, bars, ladders) by students in Sonoma County. We have the same issue here on the coast where Xanax is also widely available. Here is a link to the article:

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/7935244-181/sonoma-county-students-xanax-most?sba=AAS

Symptoms of Xanax or other psychoactive drug abuse include:

• Drowsiness
• Sluggishness
• Slurred speech
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Memory problems
• Impaired coordination

What we see in cases of suspected Xanax abuse is slurred speech, tiredness, and forgetfulness from one minute to the next, such as not knowing where a phone or backpack is. If you suspect your child needs help, please contact the school. We have counselors who specialize in drug abuse counseling. Please contact the school if you have any questions or concerns.