Know! The Dangerous Drug Trend - Powdered Caffeine

Distributed with Permssion of: Drug Free Action Alliance

For most adults and adolescents in the U.S., caffeine is a part of everyday life. While we tend to associate caffeine with certain beverages, it is also commonly found in many of our foods and medicines as well. Most of us, however, do not think of caffeine as being a drug, and certainly not a dangerous drug, until now.

Meet powdered caffeine…

That’s right, caffeine now comes in powdered form. This product, unregulated by the FDA, is a soft, white, powdery substance, touted as being an instant pick-me-up that can be sprinkled onto any food or mixed into any liquid. While you’re not likely to see it on store shelves, it’s all the buzz online, as well as easy and cheap to order (even cheaper if you buy in bulk). One site sells 100 grams of “pure powder” for under $12.

For some perspective, the average cup of coffee contains about 100 mg of caffeine. The typical single serving of powdered caffeine is equal to about two cups of coffee. The powder is so potent however, that one serving is a mere 1/16 teaspoon. Consider how easily a person may mistakenly or unknowingly scoop a full teaspoon. This would be equivalent to around 30 cups of coffee. If you’ve ever had one cup of coffee too many and felt jittery or had a slight headache, can you imagine how your body might respond to 30 cups?

Caffeine is a stimulant drug with the potential to harm. It impacts the body and brain and changes the way we feel and behave. While the majority of people use caffeine to temporarily feel more awake and alert, this drug has the ability to produce detrimental and even deadly side effects.

Caffeine use can lead to: increased heart rate, uneven heart rhythm, headaches, dizziness, nausea, dehydration, anxiety/depression, difficulty sleeping, tremors and seizures.

Though rare, cases of fatalities have been reported due to caffeine overdose, including an Ohio teen who recently died after an unintentional overdose of powdered caffeine, just prior to his high school graduation. According to autopsy reports, the 18-year-old suffered a cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and a seizure.

Health experts say powdered caffeine very rapidly absorbs into the bloodstream and some fear fatalities may increase, especially among adolescents who underestimate the potency of the powder.

With powdered caffeine on the market, it may be more important than ever to have a conversation with your children about the potential dangers of the drug and in particular, products like powdered caffeine; reminding them that just because a substance is legal and its use is socially acceptable, doesn’t mean it is completely safe.

Like so many things in life, doctors say moderation is key when it comes to caffeine intake. That means different things to different people depending on age, size, sex, health and how sensitive a person is to caffeine. On average, moderate use for adults means somewhere between 100 – 300 mg of caffeine each day, while teens are recommended to consume no more than 100 mg daily, younger children should get even less.

If your caffeine intake or that of your child’s exceeds the recommended amount, take charge of your health by reducing caffeine in your diet, and helping your child do the same. Be sure to cut back slowly however, to avoid withdrawal symptoms (headaches, irritability, nausea, etc.).

Sources: CBS News: Ohio Teen Died from Caffeine Powder Overdose. FDA: Medicines in my home – Caffeine and Your Body. MedLinePlus: U.S. National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Caffeine in the Diet. Teens Health: Caffeine.

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Drug Free Action Alliance
6155 Huntley Road, Suite H
Columbus, Ohio 43229

https://www.drugfreeactionalliance.org/know

Know! To Create An Afterschool Prevention Plan

Distributed with Permssion of: Drug Free Action Alliance

The idea of children heading “back-to-school” makes many parents rejoice and many youth cringe. But, ready or not, here it comes.

In gearing up for the new school year, many students, along with their parents, will shop for school clothes, maybe get a new pair of shoes and will strive to obtain the various required school supplies on the list. But when it comes to that “list,” Know! encourages parents to add a few more important items to it; we’re talking increased communication with your children about drinking, smoking and using other drugs, as well as creating an after-school plan to reduce your child’s risk for use.

Heading back to school is a time of transition (especially for those entering middle or high school, or students attending a new school). Studies show that times of transition increase a child’s risk for substance use. For some students it is the stress of having to navigate through a new school building and seeing so many new faces; for others is it the new or increased peer pressure to fit in and belong, or the new or increased exposure to substance-using peers; it could be the higher expectations coming from teachers, coaches and parents; or it may be a combination of the overall pressure to do well in school and in extracurricular activities.

For this we ask parents to keep three key points in mind, which is the foundation of Know!, and that is:

1. 1. KNOW! every child (including your child) is at risk for substance use;
   2. KNOW! to increase your knowledge on current and emerging drug trends;
   3. KNOW! to increase the number of prevention-related conversations you have with your child.

It is also important to know that for youth between the ages of 12 to 17, the hours after school are critical when it comes to preventing substance use. The majority of drinking, smoking and other drug use among teens takes place when they are hanging out together, unsupervised, after school.

If we want to reduce the likelihood of our children’s use of substances, we need to know where our children are and with whom they are spending their time, but we must also ensure they are being appropriately supervised. This can be tricky for some families, who for one reason or another, have a child or children at home alone in the hours following school. These families are encouraged to set the rule of no friends in the home without a parent or other trusted adult being present.

Another point relevant to a child’s risk, including ones who are properly supervised, is how they are spending their after school hours. Those engaged in sports, band or other extracurricular activities for at least some afternoons during the school week, are at a reduced risk for use. And at even better odds are the children who routinely go home and do homework; they are at least risk for substance use.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to preventing youth from using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs, parents should be aware of that there are certain times children are at greater risk (heading back-to-school is one of those times), and overall there are certain things we, as parents, can do (like providing supervision, setting rules for when friends can come over and encouraging specific afterschool activities and routines) to put our children at better odds for remaining substance-free.

Stay tuned to Know! as we promise to provide you with continued prevention-related information, guidance and support throughout this new school year.

Source: Joseph A. Califano, JR. - How to Raise a Drug-Free Kid: The Straight Dope for Parents.

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Drug Free Action Alliance
6155 Huntley Road, Suite H
Columbus, Ohio 43229

https://www.drugfreeactionalliance.org/know

Know! What's Happening at Those Friday Night Football Games

Distributed with Permssion of: Drug Free Action Alliance

It’s Friday night, you drop your teen off at the high school football game to meet up with her friends. You are not naïve; you know that among some of your daughter’s peers, there is likely to be drinking that occurs before or after the game. But not your child, you’ve covered your bases. Not only did you drop your daughter off at the entrance and watched her walk in, you instructed her not to leave the stadium until you return to pick her up following the game. Plus, there are plenty of adults looking on from the bleachers and walking to and from the concession stand during the game.

You’re doing great, but did you warn your child about the convenience store slushy frozen drink?

What harm is there in a a slushy frozen drink you ask? Aside from the high-sugar content and typical brain-freeze, not much, until vodka or other alcohol is added to the mix. It has become a Friday night ritual among some teens; stopping by the convenience store on the way to the game, grabbing a giant slushy frozen drink, spiking them with alcohol and then walking around sipping on them, undetected by adults. This is happening with Gatorade and other bottled drinks brought into the stadium as well. Just when you thought you had your bases covered…

So what is a parent to do now?

1. Advocate for your local high school to create a policy restricting outside drinks from being brought into the stadium (if there is not already one in place).
   
   
2. Warn your son or daughter that slushy frozen drinks and other drinks offered to them may be spiked, as some teens may find it amusing to try to get an unsuspecting peer or even a preteen to unintentionally drink alcohol. Tell children to stick to their own drinks.
   
   
3. Keep track of your child during the game. If you are physically present, have your child check in with you at a predetermined time (like halftime, or the end of each quarter); and be sure to take the “scenic route” to the concession stand or restroom. If you are not at the game, randomly check in with your son or daughter by exchanging text messages or by giving your child a call (with the condition he/she has to answer at any given time).
   
   
4. Know the impact of alcohol on adolescents and share the facts with your child,reminding him/her of your stance against underage drinking and the consequences if he/she so chooses to partake.
   
   
5. Above all, engage in regular, on-going and open conversations with your child (about the everyday stuff, as well as the heavier issues, like alcohol and other drugs).

Whether it’s a spiked slushy frozen drink at a football game or some other alcoholic beverage at a different place and time, your child is likely to be offered a drink at some point. Encourage your child to find his/her personal motivation for being alcohol-free, then practice saying “no.” Your child may attribute it to academics, sports, friendships, appearance, health or simply not wanting to disappoint you. Regardless, your child will feel better-equipped and more confident in saying ‘no’ if he/she has thought about it and practiced ahead of time.

The idea of sneaking alcohol into a football stadium is nothing new, and even when protective measures have been taken, there will be those who find a way around it. You are encouraged to take the above precautions and stay up-to-date on what’s happening in your child’s world, but more than anything, talk early and often with your son or daughter to educate and empower him/her – because in the end, it is up to your child to make the right choice.

For information on the impact of alcohol on the behavior, body and mind of adolescents, go to www.drugfreeactionalliance.org/know.

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Drug Free Action Alliance
6155 Huntley Road, Suite H
Columbus, Ohio 43229

https://www.drugfreeactionalliance.org/know

Know! The Benefits Outweigh the Stress of Family Meals

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Drug Free Action Alliance
6155 Huntley Road, Suite H
Columbus, Ohio 43229

https://www.drugfreeactionalliance.org/know

Know! To Be Part Of The Solution Rx Drug Abuse Prevention

Distributed with Permssion of: Drug Free Action Alliance

• Make note of how many pills are in each medicine bottle; keep track of refills and be sure you control any medication that has been prescribed to your child.
• Lock up your medications in a safe or locked cabinet or drawer.
• Take advantage of community drop boxes or drug take-back days for your unused, expired or unwanted prescription medications. In Chatham County, drop boxes are located in the Pittsboro Police Department and Siler City Police Department. The Sheriff's Department also has a mobile drop box that is available for community events.
• To properly discard prescription drugs in household trash, remove medicine from original container, mix with undesirable substance such as coffee grounds or kitty litter and place in a disposal plastic bag or other sealed container. Before placing in the trash, be sure to conceal or remove any personal information on the medicine bottle.

• Dispel the myth that prescription drugs are safer than illicit drugs – they’re not! If you need a little help explaining why, refer to the previous Know! Tip - Know! The Facts, Respect The Meds.
• Help children understand that even when taken as prescribed, there are health risks associated with prescription medications. When taken in an unintended manner, by an unintended user, that risk increases even further – with potentially fatal consequences.