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They say history and trends repeat over time. Drug abuse trends change as new generations reach adolescence, not only depending on availability of specific drugs. The recent upward trend of hallucinogen and “club drug” use among adolescents harkens back to the 1960’s and those who “tune out and turn on”. Parents and the drug and alcohol treatment community need to take note.

Teen drug abuse trends have increased with club drugs like MDMA (ecstasy) and, making a comeback, LSD (acid). Ecstasy is not a true hallucinogen, but its use causes psychological sensory “enhancements”. The physical effects mainly affect heart rate and blood pressure, which can be fatal to some. Coupled together, risk of overdose is high for many seeking to prolong the euphoria. And the psychological withdrawal can lead to suicidal ideations.

LSD is a strong hallucinogen that gained popularity in the 1960’s. Many popular artists were experimenting with it, and even endorsed the drug. To date, there are still those who believe that LSD offers more benefits than problems for its users. But the fact remains that LSD alters sensory perception in a way that places the user in danger. There is nothing positive for the LSD user who believes he can safely walk off the top of a building.

Parents must realize that teen drug abuse in today’s world does not differ much from the drug culture of the 1960’s. When adolescents feel as part of a group or cause, they will often follow trends of the majority to fit in. If a drug culture develops in that group they may at least try the drugs that are being used by their peers. Teens look for acceptance among their peers in any generation.

We can be happy that efforts to slow adolescent drug abuse are working with most illicit drugs. But while the percentage of youths using marijuana, cocaine, prescription drugs (non-medical use), and methamphetamines has dropped, the increased use of ecstasy and LSD are clear warning signs of trouble. Parents need to be educated about signs that their teens or friends are using them.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has released the latest report on drug use trends. The excerpt below is from an article introducing the findings, which includes a link to the report. We need to continue our work with all illicit drugs, but it is especially important that we are aware of youth drug abuse trends.

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“The survey findings are important because they often point to emerging patterns of substance abuse,” said Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy. “Although we see some success reversing trends in prescription drug abuse, there are indications that progress in other areas may be at a standstill, or even slipping back, particularly among youth. As we develop the Obama Administration’s first drug control strategy, we will emphasize a balanced approach that can respond to current and emerging drug abuse trends. Improving substance abuse prevention and treatment systems will be among our priorities.”

Despite many positive trends, the most recent NSDUH survey also reveals continuing problems and setbacks. For example there were significant increases in the rates of Ecstasy and LSD use among youth over past few years. The level of past year Ecstasy use in 2008 for youth was 1.4 percent – lower than the 2.2 percent in 2002, but higher than the lowest level of 1.0 percent reported in 2005. Likewise, the 2008 level of past year LSD among youth of 0.7 percent, while lower than the 2002 level of 1.3 percent in 2002, is significantly higher than the lowest use rate of 0.4 percent reported in 2006.

— Source: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/090910NSDUH)5111.aspx –

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides drug addiction education as part of our commitment to integrated behavioral healthcare in youth alcohol and drug treatment. If you or a loved one has a problem with drug addiction or alcohol dependence, please call us now at 888-777-8565 or contact us here.

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