Dangerous new trends
you need to know about

Blackout in a Can
This is a new rage in binge drinking that combines the uppers of caffeine with alcohol, creating a state of "wide-awake drunk" that makes it difficult for people to realize how intoxicated they are. According to the Washington Post, this enables them to consume far more alcohol than they otherwise would without passing out... That puts them at increased risk for alcohol poisoning, engaging in risky behavior such as driving drunk, and committing or being the victims of sexual assaults. Some of the brands out there include Four Loko, Joose and Core. While some states are banning the sale of such drinks, and the FDA is cracking down on the amount of alcohol and caffeine consumed in one can of these drinks, keep an eye out for these amongst teens. Due to their brightly colored and fun cans, they can easily be mistaken for energy drinks.

Vodka Tampons, Anal Beer Bongs & Vodka Eyeballing
Each of these, while disturbing, are trends in the teenage world of getting high and getting drunk--and the names speak for themselves in terms of a "howto." Teens have heard that by getting alcohol into their system in non-obvious ways, their drunk/high will in turn be non-obvious to adults. All three forms are dangerous, causing alcohol to enter their bloodstream quicker than consumption through unprotected membranes, and causing infections and worse.

Cough Syrup Abuse
Cough syrup preparations are fast becoming one of the most common drugs being abused among teens. The active ingredient of many cough syrups is dextromethorphan (also known as DXM), which if taken in large doses, can cause visual hallucinations and a heightened sense of awareness--in other words, a cheap high.

Club Drugs
Across the country, teens and young adults enjoy all-night dance parties known as "raves" and increasingly encounter more than just music. Dangerous substances known collectively as club drugs--including Ecstasy, GHB, and Rohypnol--are gaining popularity. These drugs aren't "fun drugs." Although users may think these substances are harmless, research has shown that club drugs can produce a range of unwanted effects, including hallucinations, paranoia, amnesia, and, in some cases, death. When used with alcohol, these drugs can be even more harmful. Studies suggest club drugs found in party settings are often adulterated or impure and thus even more dangerous. Because some club drugs are colorless, tasteless, and odorless, they are easy for people to slip into drinks. Some of these drugs have been associated with sexual assaults, and for that reason they are referred to as "date rape drugs."

Digital Drugs
It sounds crazy, but for a couple of dollars, songs can be downloaded which will alter people's moods and can mimic the highs from illegal drugs. These sounds are called binaural beats; different frequencies that produce a euphoria. Although they are not physically dangerous to most, there is a cause for concern because it can signal that your teen is interested in getting high, and can trigger, seizures if pre-disposed.

GO FURTHER

For more information, visit www.clubdrugs.org. Information is from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and is in the public domain.