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Dangerous Drug Alert: Molly
Revival of an old drug raises new alarm
For the past few weeks the media has saturated the airwaves with coverage of "Molly," also known as MDMA. Despite what appears to be a sudden birth of a new club drug, this purer, powdered form of Ecstasy chemically known as
methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, has been around for decades. Recently, however, several suspected cases of Molly-related overdoses and deaths have prompted health officals to repeat a firm warning to parents and teens.
Molly is a man-made, psychoactive drug, typically in a capsule or tablet form. As with any club drug, Molly can be especially dangerous because of the heightened risk of contamination by other drugs. Other chemicals, such as PCP or cocaine, can be added to or substituted for MDMA, unbeknownst to the user and causing unintended overdoses or even death. Teens should NEVER accept a pill or powders from someone else at a party - even from a friend they trust. The risk is just too great.
Talk with your teen about what they've heard about Molly or other club drugs. Visit the above links together and discuss what you read. When teens are armed with knowledge, they make better decisions. Be clear with your son or daughter that you do not approve of any form of drug use. Tell them that they need to respect their bodies and they have control over what they put into it. It is always important to keep the conversation going.
Click here for tips from SADD about talking to your teen about club drugs. |
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@UrTurn Contest
Turn safe driving education to chapter cash!
Hey parents! If your teen is in a SADD chapter, you have to read this ...
SADD has teamed up with The National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF) to hear what you're doing to make a difference in road safety. It's YOUR turn to take action.
To participate in the @UrTurn contest, we want you to plan a campaign about driving proficiency that includes three elements: school activities, community involvement, and media awareness! Pick a topic or two in driving proficiency that really impacts you, your friends, or your community, and then let your creativity flow while you shine your headlights on this issue through your campaign!
The first 50 SADD chapters who submit campaign proposals will receive a supply kit and $100 for their campaign. Once you have your proposal submitted, take the campaign for a test drive in your school, and then send us an activity report for a chance to win one of our great prizes!
Grand Prize: $2,500 for your chapter
Second Place: $1,500 for your chapter
Third Place: $500 for your chapter
Click here to get started today!
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Visit our SADD contest page for information on other chapter contests and grants. |
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September is Recovery Month
A message from the Office of National Drug Control Policy's Deputy Director of Demand Reduction, David K. Mineta
This year's theme, "Together on Pathways to Wellness," encourages all Americans to walk alongside family, friends, and neighbors who are fighting to overcome addiction. Join ONDCP and our Federal partners in celebrating Recovery Month.
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Learn more. Click here to view a discussion between Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of NIDA, and parents about the risks of addiction and how to talk to teens about drug use and abuse. |
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Pass it On!
Share the PTM newsletter with others!
Did you like this issue? Was there something you learned? If you answered "yes," chances are other parents you know would benefit from the PTM newsletter too. So, PASS IT ON!
Use the Forward this Email to a Friend link below to share with others and encourage them to visit ParentTeenMatters.org to sign up for the newsletter and for additional parent resources.
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Back to School Feature Article
When Sports go Wrong for Teenagers (and Parents)
Millions of teens in the U.S. participate in team sports each year. According to Gallup research, more than 50% of teenagers are on a high school athletic team.
There are countless benefits to teen sports: - Health & fitness
- Being part of a team
- Sportsmanship
- Academic performance
- Lower risk of alcohol & other drug use
- Lower school dropout rates
But in our "win at all cost" culture, teens and parents often witness a surprising downside of competitive sports. When Madeline was living with her family in Texas a couple of years ago, she joined her middle school's track team. She was new to the sport, but she was fast. She worked hard. She won medals. Then one day, Madeline fell while taking a hurdle. She cracked a bone in her wrist. Her track season was over. Her coaches were upset, but probably not in the way you'd expect. Rather than consoling their promising athlete, or encouraging her to return next season, they turned their back on her."Th ey shunned me for the rest of the year," recalls Madeline, who has since moved to the East Coast. "I guess because I would no longer be winning them any medals." Click here to read more. Be supportive and help your teen ENJOY high school sports by considering these tips aimed at parents: - Keep perspective - the primary purpose of school athletics is to keep teens involved in something they love to do.
- It's not about you - sometimes parents' egos get in the way. It's OK to be proud of your teen, but remember that THEY own the experience.
- Don't be "that" parent - players get distracted and embarrassed when parents yell negative comments at other players, refs, and coaches. Instead be positive, let the coaches coach and the players play.
For more great articles and resources visit: yourteenmag.com 
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Preventing Underage Drinking
SAMHSA shares trends & stats
Recent news from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reveals that:
- Alcohol is the drug of choice among 12-20 year olds (26.3% reported past-month alcohol use vs. 21% reporting tobacco use vs. 14.8% reporting illicit drug use).
- From 2002 to 2011 there was a downward trend in past-month alcohol use by 12-20 year olds.
- White youth report the highest rates of current alcohol use and binge drinking.
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There are similar rates of alcohol use by
males and females (25.6% of males and 24.6% of females) and a slightly wider gender gap for binge drinking (17.5% of males vs. 14% of females). -
More than 31% of youth ages 18-20 report binge drinking. This is more than twice the rate of 16-17 year olds (15%).
Despite these statistics, Americans do have very strong feelings about youth and alcohol:
- More than 80% of children say parents are the leading influence in their decision to drink or not.
- Three-quarters of parents disagree that once a child becomes a teenager, the parent has very little influence over the child's decision to smoke, drink, or use drugs.
- Nearly 75% of adults oppose reducing the legal drinking age from 21 to 18.
Check out more
SAMHSA Facts About Underage Drinking.
A message from SADD:
Talk with your teen about underage drinking. Clearly communicate family rules and consequences of alcohol use. Your teen listens to what you say.
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Did You Know?
A Fast Fact for Parents
 According to CASAColumbia, when teens were asked, "If you wanted to talk with your parents about something important to you, when would be the best time?" 47% said "During or after dinner."
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