Back To School Strategies for Success-September 2021 RADAR

September 13, 2021October 11, 2021 aneal Bullying, Drugs, Healthy Behaviors, Life, social media, Trends, Uncategorized

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Click here for more information on healthy parenting to prevent drug abuse!

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HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT

January 1, 2020October 1, 2021 aneal Drugs, Healthy Behaviors, Substance Use, Uncategorized

Teenage years can be an exciting time for growth and learning, but it can also be one of the most difficult. As they try to find their place in the world, they face pressures of changing times, changing norms, and never ending peer pressure. It is often at this time where they may start to experiment with drugs and alcohol. The average age of first use for marijuana is 14 and alcohol can start as early as 12². Teens start using for a variety of reasons such as boredom, depression, curiosity, stress, and/or peer pressure².

Adolescents are very talented at hiding what they are doing and there are many products available at home, in stores, and online that help with this process. These items usually look like ordinary household items that are often undetected by parents. Below are a few examples of items that are most used to conceal illegal drug or alcohol use:

Dryer Sheets: These can be used to mask the smell of marijuana on clothing, when smoking or storing³. These can be placed in the air vents of a bedroom or bathroom.
Custom Cans: There are numerous containers on the market with false bottoms or middles that can be used to store drugs. These can easily be purchased online and tend to look like everyday products like shaving cream and soda bottles³.
Sports Drinks and other colored and flavored drinks: Clear alcohol can easily be mixed with these and brought undetected to events³.
Sploof: A sploof is a homemade filter used to mask the smell of marijuana. These are usually made out of an empty toilet paper roll and dryer sheets. There are many YouTube videos that show how these are made³.
Homemade Smoking Pipes: These can be made out of many objects, including an apple or a soda can³.
Drinking Game Paraphernalia: Items such as ping-pong balls or solo cups can be an indicator of alcohol use³.
Flasks: These are available in many different shapes and sizes, including hairbrushes, lotions bottles, and tampon cases³.
Purple Drank or Lean: This is a slang term for a mixture of cold medicine, soda, ice and hard candy. The cold medicine usually contains promethazine and codeine and the effects of the drink last anywhere from 3-6 hours³.

Unfortunately, this is not a complete list of all the items that can be hidden in plain sight in any teenage room; there are many, many more. Parents, please be aware and make yourself familiar with these items. As always talk to your children about the dangers of substance abuse.

References:

AACAP (2018) Teens: Alcohol and Other Drugs. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. March 2018 . https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Teens-Alcohol-And-Other-Drugs-003.aspx
Drug Abuse. Teenagers and Drugs: 11 Real Reasons Why Teenagers Experiment. Drug Abuse. https://drugabuse.com/11-real-reasons-teenagers-experiment-drugs/
Power to the Parent. Hidden in Plain Sight. Power to the Parent.org. http://powertotheparent.org/be-aware/hidden-in-plain-sight/

SUBSTANCE USE AND TELEVISION

August 1, 2019October 1, 2021 aneal Uncategorized Leave a comment

Televisions (TVs) have been popular since they were first developed. Now, they have become much more than just a source for information. They are a form of entertainment that allows us to see the news, TV shows, and movies of all kinds.

Most families have at least one TV in their home while many have two or more. According to the University of Michigan Health System, more than 70 percent of children ages 8 to 18 have TVs in their bedroom³. This gives kids access to TV shows and movies that may be inappropriate for them. One study suggests that television influence can increase violent acts, substance abuse and sexual activity in youth¹. For example, one-half of the G-rated animated feature films, as well as many music videos, show alcohol and tobacco use as normal behavior without conveying the long-term consequences¹. Most shows are usually harmless and have little content that could be harmful to children. Here are a few, however, that you should be aware of:

13 Reasons Why: This is a Netflix drama and is based on a novel by Jay Asher. The show depicts a teenage girl, Hannah, who completes suicide after she is harassed and bullied by her friends and classmates. Hannah leaves a box of voice recordings that tell the 13 reasons why she made the choice she did. It shows the substance abuse and physical abuse that affected Hannah’s mental status and ultimately lead to her death.
Euphoria: This show illustrates the lives of a group of teenagers in an American suburb. This dark story shows some of the things that our children may face in today’s changing world. The issue in this series is substance abuse, but the show also demonstrates other issues. Some of them are the transition from high school to college, anger, sexual relationships, and transgender related issues.
A Star is Born: This is the third remake of this movie. It follows a love story between two musicians, and one of them suffers from substance use disorder for drugs and alcohol. The movie shows how substance use disorder affects all aspects of life for not only the sufferer, but also for those that love them.

The TV shows that our children watch can have an impact on them! Television often depicts substance use as hip, sexy and largely consequence-free; not showing the health, social or legal costs.² These shows can either raise awareness, or normalize substance abuse, violence and much more. Either way, it is important for parents to pay attention to what their children are watching, and to have the conversation. Please visit RAYSAC.org for more information on how to talk to your kids about substance use and misuse.

References:

1. Canadian Paediatric Society. (2003). The impact of media use on children and youth. Paediatric Child Health. May-June 2003. 8(5). P.301-306. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2792691/

2. CMCH, Alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Center on Media and Child Health. https://cmch.tv/parents/alcohol-tobacco-and-drugs/ .

3. Live Strong. How much TV does the average child watch each day? LiveStrong. https://www.livestrong.com/article/222032-how-much-tv-does-the-average-child-watch-each-day/

Music and Drugs

July 1, 2019October 1, 2021 aneal Uncategorized Leave a comment

Music is a major media source that has the ability to connect people to a wide range of topics. Music often serves as a break for people to get out of their own reality for a little bit. But how common is it for there to be explicit content in our music? A 30-year study was able to find that there is increasing prevalence in the mentioning of opioids and other drugs in today’s songs. Nearly 50% of the 2016 Top 40’s songs referenced drugs or alcohol¹.

The music that our children hear on a daily basis is full of references to drugs and alcohol. With a rise of overdoses seen across the country, it is inevitable that there may be a connection. Rap and pop music are not the only genres that these lyrics are found in. Many other genres also contain the same lyrics or variations of the reference. Some examples include:

Sicko Mode by Travis Scott: “I did half a Xan, thirteen hours ‘til I land. Had me out like a light, ayy, yeah” (Xan = Xanax)
Mask Off by Future: “Percocets Molly, Percocets Percocets Molly, Percocets Rep the set”
Sittin’ At a Bar by Rehab: “She was trippin’ on some bills. I think she was high on some pills”
Takin’ Pills by Pistol Annies: “Well who is gonna pay these bills. When one’s drinking, one’s smoking and one’s taking pills”
Be Like Me by Lil Pump: “Everybody wanna be like Pump. Everybody got fake dreads and love to take drugs”
Zack and Codeine by Post Malone: “I wake up, rinse my mouth with codeine”
Drug Ballad by Eminem: “Cause every time I go to try and leave. Something keeps pullin’ on my sleeve. I don’t wanna, but I gotta stay. These drugs really got a hold of me”

These are just a few examples from current music but we know that from decades past, this is not new. Music can be a powerful tool to escape everyday life and to find your own inspiration. The question remains; by putting substance use on a pedestal through musicality, are we causing more harm? Since we cannot control every aspect of a child’s life, it is even more important for parents to monitor the music their children listen to. Parents should also discuss substance use and abuse and addiction with their children and be open to finding answers to any questions that the child may have.

It is very important for kids to know the dangers that can come from abusing drugs and alcohol. Parents please continue to monitor what your child is reading, watching, and listening to. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months.

References:

1. Hamba, C., Hanba, D., (2018). Opioid drug prevalence in top 40’s music: a 30 year review. The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. September 2018, 31(5) 761-767. https://www.jabfm.org/content/31/5/761.short

Elevate Your Vibe

May 1, 2019October 1, 2021 aneal Uncategorized

This month, RAYSAC will be holding the first ever, Elevate Your Vibe Fest! The event will take place May 11, 2019 from 10am-3pm in Wasena Park. Its purpose is to promote alternative wellness options for managing pain, sadness, boredom, and anxiety. Due to the increasing rates of substance abuse, RAYSAC wants to introduce alternative highs to the community so that they may find creative and healthy ways to enjoy a meaningful, productive and satisfying quality of life.

Research has proven that participation in hobbies, physical activities, or passions that do not involve alcohol or drugs, can decrease opportunity for boredom, reduce stress, build connection and aid in breaking bad habits.*

We are excited to connect Roanoke Valley residents to local organizations and/or businesses that inspire lifestyles driven by healthy interests. Our hope is that you might find a new passion, a new hobby, or simply a new way to deal with pain and the unpredictability of life.

The Elevate Your Vibe Fest has partnered with over 35 vendors which include: outdoor adventure, pets, massage, meditation, dance, nutrition, aromatherapy, acupuncture, running, gardening, and much more. There will be plenty of activities, food, raffle prizes and stage performances for all to enjoy.

Please come out to Wasena Park on May 11th for a jam packed day of fun and learning. In the event of any weather related issues, the make-

up date for the event will be held on May 18th; same place, same time!

Check out RAYSAC.org and our Facebook page to learn more about the event and vendors.

Important Dates: Elevate Your Vibe — May 11, 2019 from 10am to 3pm • Next RAYSAC Steering Committee Meeting — June 13, 2019 from 4:00pm—5:30pm at Williamson Rd. Library.

*Reference: SAMHSA/CSAT. Brief Interventions and Brief Therapies for Substance Abuse. Rockville, MD: National Center for Biotechnology Information;1999. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64942/

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS; AND ALLERGIES

April 2, 2019June 6, 2019 aneal Uncategorized Leave a comment

Fun Fact: April, derived from the Latin term meaning “open”, is believed to be a reference to the “opening” or “blossoming” of flowers and trees.

Spring is officially here; warm weather, blooming plants, outdoor activities, sunshine and allergies. Don’t let allergies control or ruin your spring or summer. Allergies, also referred to as Hay Fever, are usually caused by indoor allergens, pollen, dust mites, molds, and/or pets. Imagine, it’s 7a.m. and you are enjoying a cup of tea on your porch, inhaling the fresh smell of flowers and then suddenly “ah-choo”. What happens is that our bodies identify a foreign (harmless) substance (pollen) and as a response, antibodies are produced; every time you come in contact with those substances. Now, it would be wonderful to write about the perfect cure but unfortunately, there is no surefire way to prevent allergies. However, there are things you can do to suffer less. Please talk to your doctor before trying any of the suggestions below.

Symptoms include: Runny nose and nasal congestion, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, itchy nose, itchy roof of mouth and throat, fatigue and post-nasal drip.

Helpful Relief Tips: Always check the pollen levels and weather daily • Don’t dry laundry outdoors • Wash hair and body after pollen exposure • Start spring cleaning before allergy season begins (or climax) • Go outside after it rains • Drive with windows up • Buy a humidifier • Wear protective eyewear

Talk to your doctor before trying: Acupuncture, nasal sprays, allergy medications, probiotics, and allergy shots.

Alternative Activities: Indoor swimming • Beaches • Indoor rock climbing • Indoor tennis • Indoor go-karting • Indoor volleyball

Allergy Relief Recipes:

Allergy Relief Tea: Apple Cider Vinegar (substitute w/ chamomile) • Local Honey • Water • Lemon

Nasal Relief Wash: Boiling Water • Salt • Baking soda • Comfrey • Rosemary • Violet and Chamomile • Neti pot, bottle, or spray bottle

Essential Oil Allergy Blend: Chamomile • Lavender • Cedar wood — inhale deeply • Add Beeswax — rub on wrist or under the nose

Important Dates: Next RAYSAC Steering Committee Meeting — June 13, 2019 from 4:30pm—6pm • DEA Take Back — April 27, 2019 from 10am to 2pm • Elevate Your Vibe — May 11, 2019 from 10am to 3pm

Reference: Seasonal Allergies: Nip them in the bud. https://www.mayoclinic.org

Spring Fling in the Roanoke Valley

March 1, 2019June 6, 2019 aneal Uncategorized Leave a comment

The Roanoke Valley is full of untapped resources for all ages; young and old! Help find your ‘natural high’ in your own way through some of these activities. Go out and see what Roanoke has to offer!

Community Fun

Hiking: McAfee Knob, Sharp Top, Tinker Cliffs, and Apple Orchard Falls are just a few to name in the Roanoke Valley. These hiking trails are full of beauty with their panoramic views and are located on the Appalachian Trail. More hiking trails, descriptions, and locations can be found at visitroanokeva.com.

Greenways: The Roanoke Valley Greenways include over 30 miles of trails that lead to many of Roanoke’s historical neighborhoods and parks. The greenways are perfect for biking, jogging, walking and even allow pets to join in on the fun. Get moving on the Greenway!

Zoos: For all the animal lovers there are two family friendly zoos that are located in the Roanoke Valley. Mill Mountain Zoo is iconically located on the top of Mill Mountain in downtown Roanoke and Natural Bridge Zoo is located just outside the city, in Natural Bridge, VA.

Museums: Roanoke is full of museums and art fun for all ages. The Center in the Square building is home to the Science Museum of Western Virginia, Roanoke Pinball Museum, Harrison Museum of African American Culture and the Children’s Museum. For more information on additional museums, please visit centerinthesquare.org

Volunteering Opportunities

If helping others is how you achieve your ‘natural high’ then here are a few options to help out in the area:

The Rescue Mission: There are a variety of ways to get involved. Options range from serving dinner to helping with various events and even spending time with the children in the shelter while their parents attend evening chapel. https://rescuemission.net/get-involved/volunteer/

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia: Volunteering here you can give the gift of friendship. Big Brothers Big Sisters has a variety of programs that involve mentoring kids. http://www.bigslittles.org/volunteer/

Habitat for Humanity: This is another volunteering opportunity to check out. This organization helps provide houses to those in need. http://habitat-roanoke.org/

Gabapentin: What You Need to Know!

February 2, 2019June 6, 2019 aneal Uncategorized Leave a comment

What is it?

Approved by the FDA to treat epilepsy and neuropathy, nerve pain, but is being prescribed for off label purposes; such as insomnia and anxiety.
It is a schedule VI, which means it is not labeled as a controlled substance.
Considered non-addictive
Not an opioid, but affects the brain and nervous system by blocking electrical activity in the brain.¹
Not an opioid, but affects the brain and nervous system by blocking electrical activity in the brain.¹

Why it is a problem?

Prescribed in large quantities to a vast number of people
It is being promoted as an alternative to opioids.
It can enhance the euphoria caused by an opioid and lessen withdrawal symptoms.
It bypasses the blocking effect of some medications used for addiction treatment so that patients can still get that high while in recovery¹.
It is cheap and can be cut with other street drugs.
Gabapentin is not always tested for in drug screenings.
GoodRX reported it to be the most prescribed medication in 2017.

What is being done?

In June 2017, the Virginia Board of Pharmacy added it to the prescription monitoring program, which is used to track controlled substance prescriptions.²

1. https://oceanbreezerecovery.org/blog/gabapentin-abuse/

2. https://nabp.pharmacy/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/VA062017.pdf

Helping Your Teen Cope with Stress

January 2, 2019June 6, 2019 aneal Uncategorized Leave a comment

Stress is a normal part of life for everyone. It’s the body’s way of responding to any kind of demand and can be healthy or unhealthy depending on how it is managed. Teens have their own sources of stress that adults may not always recognize or understand. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that school is a major source of stress for teenagers.¹ Teens can also become stressed due to family problems and expectations, issues with friends, bullying, dating relationships, peer pressure and poor time management. Signs that your teen may be stressed include difficulty sleeping, headaches, stomach aches, increased irritability, isolating themselves, frequent illness, negative changes in behavior, difficulty concentrating and increased worrying.

According to the APA, teenagers experience extremely high levels of stress but are not able to judge how it affects them and don’t know how to cope with it in healthy ways.¹ Because their brains are not fully developed, teens act without thinking about the consequences of their actions. When teens don’t know how to deal with stress, they are more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol for an immediate escape from their problems. However, using drugs or alcohol to cope with stress does nothing to help with the actual problem, and may increase it.

Here are some ways you can help your teen manage their stress in healthy ways:

Be available. Make one-on-one time a part of your weekly routine so he or she knows they can always come to you for help with a problem.²When they come to you for help, ask questions and listen to what they say. This will help you guide him or her in working through the problem.

Encourage healthy escapes. Teach your teen that it’s okay to take healthy breaks from stressful situations. Physical activity of any kind is great for relieving stress. Listening to music, reading a non-school book, working on a hobby and playing with a pet are other suggestions.

Laugh. Encourage them to watch funny videos and get together with their friends. Teach your teenager to laugh at him/herself when they make normal mistakes.²

Write it down. Buy your teenager a journal or diary and encourage them to write in it. Make sure they understand that you will not read it unless they ask you to. Journaling will allow them to express their feelings without fear of judgment or criticism from others. After the stressful situation has passed, they can look back over what they wrote and think about how they handled it.²

Build confidence. Sometimes it can be easy for parents to overlook the good things teens do. Make a point to notice something positive your teen does every day and tell him or her about it. When a teen has a strong self-esteem, they will be better able to handle stress.²

Teach perspective. Keeping things in perspective is an important part of dealing with stress. Teens need to learn how to look at a situation from different points of view and how it fits in the “big picture” of their life.²

Focus on the positive. Show your teen how to focus on the positive aspects of a situation. Even the worst situations can provide chances for growth and positive outcomes.²

Seek professional help if necessary. If your teen’s stress is interfering with school, family, responsibilities or friends, it may be a sign that your teen needs additional help managing stress. If you have concerns, talk to your teen’s physician.¹

Model healthy stress management. You are your child’s most effective teacher.

¹https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-race-good-health/201402/5-tips-helping-teens-cope-stress

²http://parentingteens.about.com/od/teenwellness/a/deal_stress.htm

‘Tis the Season… for Holiday Stress

November 5, 2018November 5, 2018 aneal Alcohol, Drugs, Healthy Behaviors, Life, Mental Health, Prescription Drugs, social media, Uncategorized Leave a comment

The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends but they can also be highly stressful. Managing the increase in shopping, travel, children’s activities and other obligations this time of year can be very helpful in reducing stress and allowing you and your family to enjoy the holidays.

1. Take control. You might not be able to control everything on your holiday to-do list but you can control how you react to them. For example, instead of getting worked up during holiday traffic, use the time in your car to listen to a book on tape.
2. Unload and learn to say “no.” If there are holiday tasks that you just can’t or don’t want to do, let them go – if you can. Also, don’t commit to new things just because you feel you have to. Learning to say “no” may take some practice and might feel uncomfortable at first, but taking on too much can be more stressful than “passing” on a request in the first place.
3. Choose holiday activities that you can do as a family and are fun for everyone. It’s okay to stop doing activities that members of your family no longer enjoy. If you start a new tradition and it doesn’t go well, do something different the next year.
4. Maintain your children’s bedtime routine. Even during the holidays, keeping the daily bedtime routines will ensure you and your children are well-rested.
5. Delegate. Let each family member be responsible for cleaning/decorating a room. Create a “job jar” with everyone taking a turn choosing what his or her job will be. Be sure to make your expectations clear to your children and consider lowering your standards a little bit. Your home doesn’t have to look perfect to be welcoming and your children will be proud of their contribution to the holiday celebration.
6. Be realistic about relatives. Don’t try to solve past family issues over the holidays and use discretion instead of bringing up every little irritation. If going to a relative’s house every year causes a lot of stress, decide if you really need to do it. Maybe you can go every other year instead.
7. Create a budget and stick to it. Managing your money during the holidays doesn’t have to add extra stress. Budget how much you want to spend on gifts, food and the household during the holidays and stick to that amount.
8. Don’t give in to the “Gimmes.” The familiar phrase of, “I want, I want!” can wear parents down over the holidays, but giving in to your child’s every request can cause financial distress. It’s okay to tell your child that a gift is too expensive and that even Santa Claus has limited funds. Another way to fight the commercialism of the holidays is to start traditions that don’t cost any extra money. Bake cookies, go caroling, give to needy families or volunteer.
9. Set limits for college kids. A college student home for the holidays can wreak havoc on family routines. Your teen has been on his or her own and doing things very differently for months, so you’ll need to set some ground rules in advance. Everyone’s going to have to compromise during the visit so it’s important that parents and kids be respectful of each other.
10. Set aside time for yourself. One of the best things you can do for your family is to take care of yourself. Whether it is exercising, meditating, reading a book, enjoying coffee with a friend or simply going to bed at a reasonable time, it’s important to de-stress yourself during the holidays. Prioritizing obligations and setting limits and boundaries about how you spend your time will not only save you some unnecessary stress this holiday season, it will teach your children a valuable lesson about what is important to your family.