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Many parents
think their children would never try a drug as dangerous as Meth.
But the
2005
Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) reveals that 7% of South Dakota high
school students admit to having used Meth at least once in their lives.
The percentage of teen girls is 9% - many apparently use Meth in an effort
to lose weight. Compared to a national survey,
Monitoring the Future, South Dakota young people are more likely to
use Meth - nationally, the rate has remained at 2%-3% since 1997.
Meth is a strongly attractive drug for
many teens, and it is extremely addictive. It is readily available
across South Dakota, whether you live in a rural community or a city.
And the impact of Meth use can last a lifetime.
Some of the common signs and symptoms of
Meth use in teens include:
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Dilated pupils, dark circles or bags under
their eyes
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Increased sensitivity to noise and light
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Increased level of self confidence and
euphoria
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"Wired" - Restless, excitable and anxious
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Noticeable change in sleeping patterns
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Weight loss (rapid, extreme)
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Irritability or aggressiveness
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Drastic mood swings
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Dizziness or confusion, disconnected chatter
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Complaints of chest pain, rapid breathing
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Excessive sweating and body odor
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Bad breath, poor dental hygiene and tooth
grinding
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Dry, itchy skin
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Hanging out with a different group of
friends
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Subtle changes in conversations and behavior
with friends (use coded language, more secretive about possessions or
activities)
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Negative change in appearance, greasy hair,
skin sores
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Change in attire, clothes that highlight
drug use
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Noticeable change in values, lying,
stealing, etc.
»Increase
in borrowing money or trading of possessions
»Presence
of paraphernalia
If you notice one or two of these signs,
it does not necessarily mean your teen is using Meth. But these are
red flags of a serious issue. And the more symptoms you notice, the
more danger your teen is facing.
Please note, too, that if teens use marijuana before trying Meth, the
changes you observe might (at first) seem positive. They may go from
being negative and unmotivated to self-confident, energetic and positive.
They may begin to complete schoolwork and chores without their previous
habit of complaining.
Some parents and teachers have unwittingly supported a teen's Meth use by
responding to the behavior changes by saying things like, "I like this
change of attitude," or " I don't know what you are doing, but whatever it
is, I like it." To guard against unconsciously encouraging Meth use,
do not immediately praise sudden changes in behavior. Watch for
possible signs of Meth use and talk to other adults concerned with your
teen before reinforcing the changes.
Information for this section was drawn from
The Anti-Drug;
Parenting Teens
and "Walking the Talk" from Central CAPT |
Related Information:
Effects of Meth Use
Forms of Meth
Strawberry Quick
Meth Paraphernalia
Fast Facts
Meet Cassie
 One
family shares its anguish after Meth impacts them, in hopes that others
will learn.
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