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

With the recent death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman many people are discussing the topic of addiction. It is an evil disease -- one that has taken many lives way too young, not only celebrities, but many others. This is why parents need to understand the importance of continuing to talk with your children about the risks of substance abuse.  This is not your average marijuana -- in some cases -- that is being sold to kids, as reported on 20/20 about a year ago. Dealers are getting savvy and hoping to "hook" your teen. Yes, marijuana is legal in some states, however this is with good cause for medical reasons, not for the reasons teens are looking for.  This is where parenting needs to take over to explain the division. So what is the difference between substance abuse and addiction?  When will it cross over? The diagnostic criteria for Substance Abuse is defined as a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairm...

Summer is coming and teens will have more free time on their hands.  Parents need to learn as much as they can about over the counter (OTC) medicine abuse, it is just as risky and dangerous as street drugs. What can you do? We can all play a role in ending medicine abuse.  By working together, parents and grandparents, health care providers,  community leaders and educators can truly make a difference. Here are 7 things you can do to help: 1. Take The Pledge. Visit http://www.medicineabuseproject.org 2. Safeguard Your Medicine. Keep prescription medicine in a secure place , count and monitor the number of pills you have and lock up your medicine. 3. Dispose Properly of Your Unused Medicine.   Learn how to safely dispose of medicine at home — and find a medicine take-back site near you. 4. Educate Yourself. Find helpful resources for Parents & Grandparents , Health Care Providers , Communities & Law Enforcement ...

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...

Many teens believe that taking prescription drugs to get high is safer than using street drugs. Be AWARxE! Prescription drugs are dangerous when they are not used correctly as directed by a doctor. One in five teens have taken a prescription drug that was not theirs to get high or to deal with problems. Teens are abusing pain pills (Vicodin®, OxyContin®), stimulants (Ritalin®, Adderall®), and tranquilizers (Xanax®, Valium®). Teens take these drugs right out of the medicine cabinet – at home, at a friend’s house, or when visiting family. 5.2 million people, including kids ages 12 and older, said they had abused prescription pain relievers, as reported in a 2007 survey. More people are visiting the emergency room because they misused prescription pain medication. From 2004 to 2009, emergency room visits due to misusing narcotic pain pills increased by almost 100%. Learn more at AWARE RX . Fact: Prescription drugs are the most commonly abused drugs among 12-13 year olds. ...

NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) has created an extremely informative and educational website to keep parents, teachers, teens and kids informed on substances and all forms or mind altering drugs that are being used today. Here is a snapshot to learn about the effects of drug abuse on the body and the brain. Anabolic Steroids – Anabolic steroids are artificial versions of a hormone that’s in all of us — testosterone. Some people take anabolic steroid pills or injections to try to build muscle faster. Cocaine – Cocaine is made from the leaf of the coca plant. It often comes in the form of a white powder that some people inhale through their nose. Another form of cocaine, known as crack, can be smoked. Hallucinogens – Hallucinogens cause people to experience – you guessed it – hallucinations, imagined experiences that seem real. Inhalants – Hair spray, gasoline, spray paint — they are all inhalants, and so are lots of other everyday products. Some people i...

Addiction: Dangerous and deadly The tragic loss of Amy Winehouse has robbed us of a young, if fatally troubled, life cut down in its prime. It has also cheated music of a talent, at 27, whose best years surely still lay ahead. For the past few years, it often seemed to be a question of when, not if, her drug and alcohol addictions would push her body beyond its limits. Her fans willed her to beat her demons and get well, but in the end, the demons won. What demons are we speaking about?  No, not Satan, but substance abuse . Many parents will overlook their teen only smoking pot, or just drinking alittle, but in reality your denial is only harming your teenager. Before becoming an addict, it start with just a joint - maybe just a shot of vodka, but where it ends up, no one knows. Let this tragedy be a time to open the door to communication with your teen.  Talk about the dangers of drug use, drinking and other negative behaviors. Tips to help prevent t...