Cheese Heroin, A Popular Youth Drug

A deadly mix of black tar heroin and Tylenol PM (dyphenhydrimine) known as "cheese" has become popular in North Texas schools. The combination of drugs produces a highly addictive and inexpensive way to use heroin and is inhaled like cocaine. Easily obtainable, the average age of a "cheese" addict is 12. It is often packaged in small paper bundles or zip lock baggies, and it can be bought for as little as $2.

"Cheese" creates euphoria, disorientation, lethargy, sleepiness, and hunger. Heroin users who inhale the drug often get bloody noses. Withdrawal symptoms may appear as soon as 12 hours after cessation of use. The withdrawal symptoms include headaches, muscle ache, chills and anxiety, and are so severe that the user returns to the drug for alleviation of symptoms as soon as possible. Withdrawal symptoms can last up to 5-6 days, and medical monitoring may be necessary.

"Cheese" has contributed to over 25 deaths in schools in the Dallas intercity area, and it is most often used by Hispanic youth. Most experts believe that "cheese" got its name from its appearance; it has the consistency of grated parmesan cheese and is tan in color. Teen and pre-teen use of "cheese" is particularly alarming, because these kids are likely to be unaware that "cheese" is heroin.

Prescription Drug Abuse

During the recent Super Bowl, the Office of National Drug Control Policy aired an advertisement that was designed to shock parents. Other than prescription medication, teen drug use is declining. Teenagers get these prescription drugs, most often "downers", from their home medicine cabinet, and the ONDCP wants parents to be aware of the problem. Prescription medications such as OxyContin, Xanax, Adderall, and hydrocodone stolen from medicine cabinets are taken to "pharming" parties where teens trade pills to get high. The incidents of kids being arrested or expelled from school for having pills in a zero tolerance zone are on the rise. Teens often take pills, drink alcohol and smoke marijuana in the same evening.

Parents Warned About 24 Proof Gelatin

Packaged servings of fruit-flavored gelatin or Jell-O with alcohol are being abused by young people. These deserts are called Zippers and they contain a high dose of alcohol, parents should be on the look out for containers that look innocent but are being used by kids to get drunk. Binge drinking (five or more drinks in one sitting) is on the rise among 18 to 20 yr. olds.

Candy Flavored Cigarettes

Bidis, which were originally produced in India, are made to taste like candy and packaged in bright colors to appeal to young people. These tobacco products are often unfiltered and contain high levels of nicotine. Most people begin smoking as adolescents, and when kids smoke bidis they may not realize that it could be the start of a life-long habit. The average age of tobacco initiation is 12.5 years.

Dusting

Dust-off or similar products are cans of compressed air or aerosols that are inhaled or huffed. When inhaled with little or no out side air, the user feels dizzy and disoriented for 10 to 15 seconds due to lack of oxygen in the lungs. "Dusting can be fatal or cause lasting-permanent damage. One of the signs of inhalant abuse is empty aerosol containers in the child's room or around the house.

Alcohol Energy Drinks and Alcopops

The alcohol industry is actively marketing malt beverages and energy drinks containing alcohol toward young people. The packaging of these drinks mimics the non-alcoholic version energy drinks and colas, down to the neon colors and scripts. Popular social networking sites like You Tube and My Space have numerous links devoted to these drinks, with users interested in "getting hyper and drunk at the same time". These drinks should be used with caution because the caffeine acts as a stimulant and masks the effect of the alcohol. People who dislike the bitter flavor of wine and beer are attracted to the sweet and fruity flavor of these drinks.