Panel Discusses Effects of Drugs and Alcohol On Teens

The Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol sponsored a panel discussion at Scarsdale Middle School on December 8 entitled “Myth Busters …the Effects of Drugs and Alcohol on the Teenage Brain.” The program highlighted risks of substance abuse with true stories and answers related by five field professionals.

Joy Brownstein, Co-Chair of the Scarsdale Task Force, welcomed an audience of parents, students, teachers and sports coaches. Sara Buchdahl-Levine, MD, MPH, FAAP spoke about the physiology of teenagers and how the adolescent brain is less resilient than adult brains to the negative effects of drugs and alcohol. She explained damaging consequences of permanent changes in memory, learning, social and executive functioning. According to Buchdahl-Levine, the two main reasons teens abuse substances are to get a high or to feel normal via self-medication.

Mindy L. Stimell, MD, who practices emergency medicine at Columbia University Children’s Hospital of New York, spoke about tragic outcomes from underage and binge drinking. She emphatically emphasized immediately calling 911 for help if you think someone has had too much to drink. Her message was that good kids sometimes make the wrong choices.

Eric Small, MD told about case practice in adolescent sports medicine and how steroid usage needs to be carefully monitored. Steroids can stunt growth and other long term side effects can be quite severe. Additionally, energy drinks are often marketed towards teens and college students with the intent of combining them with alcohol leading to a cocktail stimulant and depressant.

Ernie Collabolletta, SHS Psychologist, and Cheryl Bobe, LMSW, each reviewed emotional issues faced by teens and encouraged parents and students to pay attention to stressors such as peer pressure and depression. They also recommended that teens who do need help should reach out to trustworthy peers and adults. Before indulging in risky behavior, they counseled teens to ask themselves why they would take the risk. Poor decisions made in the heat of the moment can lead to life altering complications such as injury, arrest, or teen pregnancy.

A question and and answer period followed:

Question: What do you tell kids about over the counter or prescription drugs?

Answer: Recreational use of this type of drug (e.g. painkillers, ADD/ADHD medication, cough medicine, etc.) can lead to addiction and other lethal side effects.

Question: Is it okay to allow your child to drink under the legal age under adult supervision?

Answer: You are helping your child break the law. You are endangering your child’s health and wellbeing.

Question: What is the emotional impact of substance abuse on your teen?

Answer: The less harmful a substance is perceived to be, the more it will be used. The abuse may lead to depression and riskier behaviors.

The Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol is a community action group comprised of parents, students, teachers, school administrators; representatives from village, local and civic organizations; and religious institutions. Since its founding in 1984, the Task Force has worked in our community to educate youth and adults about drugs and alcohol, help people develop drug free attitudes and habits, and recommend resources to those whose lives are affected by drug and alcohol dependency. Contact them at: ScarsdaleDATF@yahoo.com

Chick these additional resources for more information :

www.niaaa.nih.gov/

www.drugabuse.gov/

Angela Manson is a licensed real estate salesperson with Prudential Centennial, Scarsdale who volunteers with local civic organizations and writes about the community. She welcomes and assists buyers and sellers in Scarsdale and neighboring communities. She may be reached at 914-420-9878 or amanson@prucentennial.com