Teen Talk: Common Drugs, Facts and Signs of Drug Abuse

July 2, 2020

Harmony Place Team

Teenagers are using drugs at declining rates when compared to historical statistics. For young people, the use of illegal drugs other than marijuana is lower than it has been in more than 20 years. However, even with declining drug use, teenagers may still decide to experiment with drugs and alcohol, and it’s still a nationwide problem full of danger and harsh consequences.

Common Drugs

When teenagers choose to use drugs, they may be more likely to choose some of the more common drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, stimulants, and prescription drugs. Drugs such as heroin, opioids, MDMA, hallucinogens, K2, spice, DXM, and inhalants are also common. Teenagers might also drink alcohol.

Marijuana

Marijuana use among teenagers has declined according to current national statistics. Marijuana does have popularity, though, because it’s relatively easy to find and get. The perceived risk of using marijuana has also gone down, so teenagers may be more likely to feel safe to use this drug.

What is Marijuana?

Cocaine

Statistically, teenagers are less likely to use cocaine than marijuana. This is probably due to the limited availability of the drug. Researchers have found that most teenagers disapprove of using cocaine, but it might be available in a party setting.

Stimulants

People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder might be prescribed a stimulant to treat the condition. Abuse of these prescription stimulants is common among teenagers, and many teens seem to feel that this is a safe drug to take. Teenagers might also decide to use stimulants because they increase concentration.

Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs to alleviate pain are commonly abused by teenagers. One of the biggest dangers of prescription drugs is the potential to take them in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

Spice/K2

These drugs are types of synthetic marijuana. At one time, synthetic marijuana was legal and available for online purchase. Despite the chemicals present in spice and K2 being illegal now, teenagers may be able to find these drugs.

Synthetic Cannabinoids

Opioids

Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription pain relievers, synthetic opioids, and heroin. These narcotics attach to opioid receptors in the brain and other parts of the body, blocking pain. These drugs are highly addictive.

Heroin

The use of heroin among teenagers is declining, and most teenagers disapprove of the use of this drug. Those who do become addicted to heroin often start the downward spiral by abusing prescription drugs. When getting prescription drugs becomes too difficult or expensive, teens may turn to heroin as a substitute.

What is Heroin?
Heroin Overview (PDF)

MDMA

MDMA might also be called Molly or ecstasy. These drugs are commonly found at nightclubs and parties. They create a rush of euphoria when taken.

MDMA Fast Facts

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD are not commonly used by teenagers. After taking a hallucinogen, users lose touch with reality and may become unaware of the things going on around them.

DXM

DXM cough syrup can produce a high, and teenagers might use this drug because it’s a legal drug and relatively inexpensive. Teenagers might experience delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia after taking DXM syrup.

Dextromethorphan Overview (PDF)
Facts on Dextromethorphan (PDF)

Inhalants

Inhalants are drugs that are inhaled to produce intoxication. These chemicals contain strong fumes, and they are present in some household products such as nail polish remover, glue, and gasoline. Teens can access inhalants quite easily, and they are inexpensive. However, they are also very addictive and dangerous.

Inhalant Abuse Prevention (PDF)
Inhalants: Info and Facts (PDF)

Alcohol

Alcohol is a depressant drug that distorts judgment and relaxes the central nervous system. Drinking too much alcohol reduces inhibitions, causes unsteady movements and depresses the body.

Why Do Teens Try and Use Drugs?

Teens use drugs for various reasons, including peer pressure and just to experiment. Teenagers who struggle with anxiety or depression may be more likely to try drugs because they can temporarily alleviate stress. Some teenagers are just searching for happiness and pleasure, and they turn to drugs to satisfy this desire.

Signs Teens Are Using Drugs

When teenagers are using drugs, signs are usually evident. Parents may observe strange laughing, bloodshot eyes, excessive hunger, avoiding eye contact, unusual tiredness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, lowered grades, poor hygiene and personal appearance, secretive behavior, curfew violations, and the smell of smoke on clothing or breath.

How to Talk to Your Teen About Drugs

Talking about drugs should start when kids are very young, so they understand the dangers and addiction. Discuss all types of drugs, their dangers and risks, and how to use some drugs such as prescription drugs responsibly. Avoid scaring kids, but do emphasize how dangerous and serious drug use and abuse is. Institute firm rules about drugs and alcohol, establish expectations and keep lines of communication open as kids get older.

Teens and Drugs: Five Tips for Talking to Kids

Ways to Get Your Teen Help

If drug use or abuse is suspected, get help for your teenager quickly. Stay calm, but step in to get professional assessments and treatment when you sense a problem. Start by seeing a family practitioner, and ask for a referral for help with substance abuse, if necessary. Treatment for addiction usually involves a detoxification period, counseling, and planning for the future to avoid relapses.

Chris P

I've been to 12 rehabs over the last 20 years and NO other place has touch like Harmony Place! From the owner right down to the cleaning lady, everyone here is kinda and warm. God has blessed this place and I feel privileged to have come through here. I recommend anyone who is going through their struggle with mental health or substance abuse to pick up the phone and come! You won't regret it!

Joseph S

This place is incredible, kind, loving, patient, rigorous, educative, caring and the best place for recovery. Ill be part of the alumni crew

Monica G

I had very good experience at Harmony Place From first day I came, staff was very kind and make me feel welcome and safe. Everyone was friendly and always try to help me. The therapists are very good and caring. They listen to me and help me understand my problems better. I learn many things from them and feel stronger because of their support. The nurses also very nice and professional. They always check on me and make sure I am okay. Food was good and facilities were clean and comfortable. It help me feel more relaxed and focus on my recovery. Management also doing very good job. Everything was organized and you can see they really care about patients. I am very thankful for this place and all the people who work here. I recommend this center to anyone who needs help.

Denton

Awesome place great people u want to check this place out most definitely 😜

Tyler

A treatment center where the owners truly care about your recovery and after care.. cannot recommend enough

Jodana S

If you want to detox painlessly this is the place! The staff is A1. They truly care about us. The groups are awesome . Residential is crazy awesome! You live in a mansion. With a private chef who makes the best food. Community meeting that gets results fast, they care about your opinions. Pool and Jacuzzi are beautiful. If your struggling with addiction this is the house you should come to. I LOVE HARMONY PLACE!!!!! Thank you to all the staff they go above and beyond to make this experience comfortable therapeutic. Don't spend another day in your addiction come to Harmony Place right now!

Cass

I’ve been to 4 treatment centers before Harmony Place, and I can tell you without a single doubt that this is the absolute best by FAR. The past ones were luxury Residential Treatment centers that just treated every single client the same not tailoring to each individual, and were basically just in it for the money, dropping the ball each time. I can also tell you that I’ve never met the CEOs, but here, David comes to the facility almost every single day, and makes sure he get to know every individual here. He is incredibly kind, and was even willing to transfer me to another facility with a higher level of trauma therapy due to me having a lifetime of trauma and PTSD that just is going to take a long time to tackle. He truly cares about all of the clients having all of the tools that we need before getting released to the real world. No more of other CEO would ever be willing to miss an opportunity at making more money and even paired with my IMPECCABLE case manager to find a different facility that was more trauma based. My case manager, Sam, goes absolutely above and beyond in every single aspect. She makes sure you have a smooth transition into aftercare, provides out of this world advice when it comes to sobriety, and takes the time out of her day to make sure that FMLA and short-term disability are completely taken care of during your stay. I’ve never met a case manager that could ever compare to Sam. Ever. I feel lucky to have met her, genuinely. Marissa, my therapist, is SO SWEET, actually listens to you, and provides advice and therapy tailored to each individual’s experience. She’s handled every mood I’ve been in, never judged me, and allowed me to feel safe enough to tell her things I’ve never told any person or therapist in my 29 years of life. I’ve been going to therapy for the past 15 years, and none of those therapists even come close to how amazing she is. I’ve been to 4 other treatment centers in my life and none even come close to Harmony Place. The facility is clean, organized, and high-end. I would recommend Harmony place to my family, friends, and anyone seeking treatment. I feel SO BLESSED to have landed in their hands. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE IN THE CLINICAL STAFF BEYOND WORDS. I love you guys ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. I feel more confident than ever in my Recovery.

Gabe H

Where to begin.. Harmony is a place that will forever be a part of my story as the first step in my recovery journey. I’m so grateful for this program. The staff is very friendly, and many of them understand what addiction is like, for they themselves have recovery stories of their own. They have an awesome team of therapists, group facilitators, nurses, RA technicians, medical and health professionals, a wonderful case manager for aftercare that cares deeply for your next steps; making sure you are set up for success. They have a wonderful admissions team (shoutout to Marielle who was so kind and understanding of my messed up situation). Everyone is very relatable and friendly. They invest heavily in the importance of diet and nutrition too - there’s a full time professional chef. I gained all the weight I lost and wanted back in the first two weeks lol. On top of the intensive programming they do throughout the day, they take us out to experience various kinds of outside groups to get a taste of the real world, and also take us on social outings during the weekend. If you’re serious about getting better this place will meet you where you’re at and prepare you to launch with a renewed mind and heart.

Monica P

I can't begin to explain just how amazing Harmony Place is. In fact, when we sit down with the owner, Jeff, and clinical director, David, on Monday mornings to have a house meeting, they ask us what they could be doing better. A bigger blender for smoothies is the ONLY thing we could come up with. Let me begin by addressing some negative reviews. If you notice many of them are from people, or are referring to people who have been asked to leave. It is because of harmony places protection of their clients that provide ideal conditions for healing and progress. There is a screening process that it is implemented where they make sure the clients they admit are ready to start a life of sobriety. Some people slip through the cracks. Some people find out a few days or weeks in that they've changed their minds. Some are inappropriate and break rules. It happens. When Harmony Place ask people to leave, It's because they are protecting the people who are here that want treatment. In effect, they're providing exactly what I needed for a genuine start to recovery. When I began my search for a treatment center, my requirements were that the facility's provide an environment in which its residents all want to be there and that it is ethically ran. I got that and so much more at Harmony Place. As well as a structured routine, they also provide a confidential and nurturing environment where one feels safe and where profound healing can begin. Their program offers a sound foundation where further progress in sober living is almost guaranteed. In group meetings, we enjoy getting to know ourselves again and with deeper understanding about why we are the way we are. We are provided with skills to handle real life. Its here that I've come to understand that its not addiction that has driven me to make a mess of my life. It is the trauma that I endured and not processing it correctly that lead to poor thinking patterns that opened the door to addiction resulting in poor life management. So we start at the bottom. Trauma. They help us understand that trauma has led to our own toxicity, what that trauma looks like and how to get out of our own way. Process groups help us learn how to take accountability and foster healthier relationships. I learned here that changing the way I think is absolutely possible and imperative to the healing process. Harmony Place offered me hope when I previously felt I was unfixable and a support team that truly loves me. Even after I leave here, I have contacts that almost demand I keep in touch and an alumni meeting where I can return to the facility on Thursday nights. I wasn't a 12 stepper when I came here but my first experience with it was not one where I was ready to stop using. I understand now that the steps will work for me. It's certainly is not the only modality that they teach. In one group, we are provided an opportunity to sit with a recently retired medical doctor to just ask questions. Another is with a nutritionist. There are a handful of people IN recovery that come to lead groups that are all accredited highly specialized where I felt understood and not judged. The knowledge I have gained here is life changing. It is also versatile and relatable for all types of people. my favorite group was dialectical behavioral therapy. There are breathing classes and sound bath groups and I started doing yoga in the morning. There's a dharma meeting they take you offsite that focuses on Buddhist values. A fantastic onsight chef provides three meals and you can have special requests. We facilitated our own Movie nights during free time. I cant forget to mention you get your own one on one meetings with your assigned primary therapist and there is comprehensive medical support complete with 24/7 nurses and a doctor that shows up throughout the week. If this is what you need to recover and you have mediCAL, cancel your mediCAL and get insurance Harmony Place accepts if you can. There are people to help you with that as well. Just call. Many, many thanks to the staff. ✔️Another life changed.🙏

Cody B

This is such an amazing place truly changed my life. I would recommend this place to anybody if they’re looking for a strong recovery house that truly cares about your recovery and not about just money So if you’re ready to change your life, don’t miss out on the greatness of harmony because this place is where it’s at