The Blog of P.U.R.E. and Sue Scheff

Parenting teens in today's society is not an easy task.   Communication with your teenager is key to their success on many levels, however as a mother that raised two teenager, I know it is easier said than done.   Drug and alcohol use among teens is an issue parents need to be aware of.    There are many good kids making some very bad choices.    A common misconception parents make is thinking that a teen that is only smoking marijuana is a phase.   Marijuana and the substitutes for it, such as spice, are more risky and dangerous than years/generations prior.   They can be laced with higher levels of PCP than can literally alter the mind of your teen as well as cause brain damage.  Drug use (substance abuse) is a serious cry for help, and making your teen feel ashamed or embarrassed can make the problem worse. Some common behavior changes you may notice if your teenager is abusing drugs and alcohol are: Violent o...

When it comes to parenting your teenagers it is never too late or too often to talk about the dangers of drug use . Many parents will ignore the warning signs or make excuses for them , but when reality hits home that your teen is using drugs, it is critical you get involved.  Communication is always key to prevention, however there are times when your teen is no longer listening.  It doesn’t mean you stop talking. Intervention starts at home. If you suspect drug use , talk to your teen.  If they admit to using drugs, and are determined not to quit or even tell you they can quit if they want, take it to the next level.  Seek out local adolescent therapy or counseling.  In some cases this will be a brickwall but in other situations it can be the beginning of understanding why your teen is turning to substance abuse . If your teen escalates to a level that is uncontrollable, or simply defiant to all your rules and boundaries – and most ...

Teen Drug Use and Teen Drinking also known as Substance Abuse amongst teens and even children. With today's society, kids have access to many different substances that can be addictive and damaging. If you suspect your child is using drugs or drinking alcohol, please seek help for them as soon as possible. Drug testing is helpful, but not always accurate.  Teen Drug use and Teen Drinking may escalate to addiction. Parent's Universal Resource Experts get calls constantly, that a child is only smoking pot. Unfortunately in most cases, marijuana can lead to more severe drugs, and marijuana is considered an illegal drug. Smoking marijuana is damaging to the child's body, brain and behavior. Even though marijuana is not considered a narcotic, most teens are very hooked on it. Many teens that are on prescribed medications such as Ritalin, Adderall, Strattera, Concerta, Zoloft, Prozac etc. are more at risk when mixing these...

The National Inhalant Prevention Coalition Awareness will help you learn about Inhalant Abuse. As 2010 rolls in shortly, start now in being an educated parent on this very serious issue teens are trying. Did you know: One on five students in America has used an inhalant to get high by the time he or she reaches the eighth grade. Parents don't know that inhalants, cheap, legal and accessible products, are as popular among middle school students as marijuana. Even fewer know the deadly effects the poisons in these products have on the brain and body when they are inhaled or "huffed." It's like playing Russian Roulette. The user can die the 1st, 10th or 100th time a product is misused as an inhalant. - National Inhalant Prevention Coalition Inhalant abuse is a serious concern especially since these products are easily accessible as well as common household products. They're all over your house. They're in your child's school. In fact, you probably pi...