Teenagers

Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

When he is old he will not turn from it. That’s not to say that when he is a teenager, he won’t try and run from it.
Teens, wow! They can try your very patience, can’t they. And I’m certainly finding that out myself now having 3
teenagers. The only job qualification I have for parenting a teen is the fact that I once was one. But I’ve heard it put this way: “Raising teenagers is like trying to nail Jell-O to a tree.” So, buckle-up and try to enjoy
the ride!!

Tips for Encouraging Abstinence
By:
Mardi Richmond
Journeyworks Publishing
Copyright 1998

Do you want your child to wait until he or she is older (married) to have sex? Many parents do. But how can you encourage your kids to wait? How can you bring it up to them? These tips will help you get started.

1.        Be honest about how you feel. It’s O.K. to be direct about wanting them to wait. But let them know you trust them to make good choices. Be specific. Do you want them to wait for intercourse? Sexual touching? Kissing?
Be prepared to answer other questions about sex and relationships. If you are uncomfortable talking about sex, let your child know. He or she may be uncomfortable too.

2.        Tell them why. Do you want your kids to wait until they are older? Until they are in a committed relationship? Until they know how to practice safer sex? (Pure Victory Ministries believes that everyone, no matter what their age should wait for all sexual activity until they are married and that parents should encourage their children to wait until marriage as well.) Say, “I’m worried about your health and your future. I want to make sure you are safe.”
By sharing your reasons, you will help them think through their own.

3.        Look for teachable moments. For example, you can talk about reasons for waiting after you watch a TV program about HIV or teen pregnancy. Or you can bring up the subject of dating when you see two people holding hands in the park.

4.        Openly discuss HIV, STDs and pregnancy. For some young people, the risk of sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STDs or STIs, including HIV) and unplanned pregnancy are strong reasons to wait. Studies show that giving kids accurate information about birth control and safer sex does not increase sexual activity. (Pure Victory Ministries believes that “accurate information” includes informing teens that condoms are not really safe and
that birth control may act as an abortifacient- may cause abortion.)

5.        Start talking early- even before they start dating. Help your child think through the decision to wait before he or she is in a serious relationship. Say, “I know you’re not dating yet, but I want you to be prepared when you start.”
Talk again when he or she starts dating. (Pure Victory Ministries believes that talking early, as young as 7 or 8 years old, and often is a key to success in helping your kids wait until marriage. Don’t wait until they are teenagers to start talking to them about this stuff. There are age appropriate ways to discuss abstinence.)

6.        Let them know it’s O.K. to have sexual feelings. Tell your kids that sexual feelings are natural- but they don’t need to act on them. Teach them to show love and affection in other ways. For example, they can give gifts or spend special time together. If your teen does have sex, you can still encourage abstinence. After a sexual experience, some young people realize that abstinence is a better choice.

7.        Teach them how to say no. Say, “What would you do if your date wanted to have sex and you didn’t?”
Suggest that they talk about limits early, before things heat up.

8.        Give them tips for avoiding sexual pressure. Discuss times when it may be hard to say no, such as when they are alone with a date or if they are dating someone older. Suggest avoiding those situations by planning group activities or spending time in public places. Let them know that using alcohol or drugs may make it harder to say no.

9.        Help them plan for the future. Ask your child, “What are your goals?” Where do you want to be in one year? Five years?” Explain that the consequences of unprotected intercourse could get in the way of their plans.
Let your child know that he or she is important- too important to risk an early pregnancy or STD.

10.         Trust your kids to make good decisions about sex. Young people are more likely to follow through on a decision to remain abstinent if it is what they want. Because young people sometimes have a hard time talking to their parents about sex, make sure they know who else they can talk with another trusted adult, a doctor or a counselor. (Pure Victory Ministries believes you should find out who this other person is, so that you can give the O.K. to your child that you trust that person to talk about these things with your child. We also encourage you to develop a relationship with your child that creates a bond and a trust so deep that your child knows they can come to you for anything.)

For more information: Click here Abstinence

Substance abuse

Revised 2016

     Substance abuse is running rampant in Westmoreland County.

“The number of overdose deaths has climbed steadily since 2002, increasing 290% during that period. Overdoses—both from prescription and illegal drugs– have been the leading cause of death among accidents and suicides in Westmoreland County in seven of the last eight years. There have been record overdose death numbers for four years in a row. The county recorded 86 overdose deaths last year.” www.co.westmoreland.pa.us

I did a little research for our Moms and Dads so you aren’t in the dark about what’s cool these days where drugs and teens are concerned. I hope this information is beneficial to you, especially if you suspect your teen is using.

 Oxycontin

  • Contains narcotic oxycodone hydrochloride
  • Available in controlled-release tablets
  • Prescribed in the U.S. to treat pain
  • Abused for its heroin-like effects
  • Abusers develop tolerance, physical dependence, • Side effects of addiction: restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes, and involuntary leg movements
  • Large doses can lead to death

Cocaine

  • Extracted from coca leaves; developed as a painkiller
  • Typically sniffed: the powder is absorbed into the bloodstream through the nasal tissues. It can also be ingested, rubbed into the gums, or injected for more rapid absorption- which increases risk of overdose. Inhaling it as smoke or vapor speeds absorption with less health risk than injection
  • Short-term effects: loss of appetite; increased heart rate, blood pressure, rate of breathing and temperature; contracted blood vessels dilated pupils, disturbed sleep patterns, nausea, hyper stimulation; bizarre, erratic and sometimes violent behavior; illusions of bugs burrowing under the skin, intense euphoria; anxiety, depression, panic, psychosis and paranoia; convulsions, seizures and sudden death
  • Long-term effects: Permanent damage to blood vessels of the heart and brain, high blood pressure leading to heart attack, stroke and death; liver, kidney, lung damage; destruction of nose tissue, malnutrition, tooth decay, auditory and tactile hallucinations; sexual problems, reproductive damage and infertility in both men and women; disorientation, apathy, confused exhaustion, irritability, delirium, psychosis, depression, addiction

 LSD

  • Manufactured from lysergic acid; synthesized from ergotamine tartrate- a fungus that grows on rye and other grains
  • Taken orally in a pill or liquid form
  • The high is called a trip, bad trip
  • Effects: Dilated pupils, change in body temperature, increase or decrease in blood pressure and heart rate, sweating or chills, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, tremors, fixation on colors, extreme mood changes from “spaced out” to intense terror to feelings of “enlightenment,” delusions and hallucinations, long-lasting psychoses, severe depression, and panic attacks

 GHP (gamma-hrdroxybutyrate)

  • Powerful central nervous system depressant
  • Produced commercially under the name Xyrem
  • Produced easily by combining gamma-butyrolactone with either potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide
  • Most commonly used in sexual assaults

 Rohypnol (flunitrazepam)

  • Also known as roofies, Mexican valium, rope, ruffies, mind eraser, wheel; known as the date rape drug
  • Ten times stronger than valium
  • Not approved for medical use in the U.S., but is prescribed in Mexico
  • Provides alcohol-like intoxication
  • Physical effects include dizziness, amnesia, drowsiness, slowed psychomotor skills, low blood pressure, and muscle relaxation

Ketamine

  • Common names: K, special K, ket, kit kat, vitamin K, super acid, super K, lady K
  • Used in sexual assaults because of its sedative and dissociative properties
  • Included in the Drug-Induced Rape Preventative Act of 1996, and any offender connected of using the drug to facilitate a rape faces twenty years in prison

Soma (carisoprodol)

  • Prescription muscle relaxant and central nervous system depressant
  • Prescribed in the U.S. to relieve discomfort, spasm, and stiffness caused by strain or sprain injuries
  • Effects of Soma: fainting, respiratory drowsiness, paralysis, and confusion; effects last between 4-6 hours; overdose can result in death

 Crystal Methamphetamine

  • Colorless, odorless form or d-methamphetamine
  • Resembles glass fragments or shiny blue-white “rocks” of various sizes
  • Common names: crystal, ice, shards, glass, batu, vidro, hiropon, Tina, ventana
  • Higher purity level and may produce longer lasting physiological effects

Common Store Products Used to Produce Methamphetamine

  • Aluminum foil
  • Drain cleaner
  • Funnels
  • Iodine
  • Methanol
  • Matches
  • Paint thinner
  • Coffee filters
  • Ephedrine
  • Table/ rock salt
  • Rubber tubing
  • Propane tanks

PCP (phencyclidine)

  • Low-moderate (1-5mg): detachment, slurred speech, loss of coordination, and rapid eye movement
  • High dose: illusions and auditory hallucinations
  • General side effects: feelings of strength, anxiety, aggression, hostility, delusions, paranoia, and catatonia

Huffing

Signs of Abuse

  • Drunk or disoriented appearance
  • Paint or other stains on face, hands, or clothing
  • Hidden empty spray paint or solvent containers and chemical-soaked rags or clothing
  • Slurred speech
  • Strong chemical odors on breath or clothing
  • Nausea or loss of appetite
  • Red or runny nose
  • Sores or rash around the nose or mouth

General categories for inhalant substances:

Volatile solvents– liquids that vaporize at room temperature if left in unsealed containers

  • Paint thinner, gasoline, correction fluid, felt-tip markers, nail polish remover, glue

Aerosols– sprays that contain propellants and solvents

  • Paint (particularly silver and gold), deodorant, hair products, cooking products, fabric protector

Gases– substances that lack definite shape or volume such as refrigerants and medical anesthetics

  • Medical anesthetics, whipped cream dispensers, sealed vials called whippets Nitrates- group of chemicals that are mainly used to enhance sexual experiences
  • Room deodorizers, also can be contained in pills or small bottles

 Heroin:

  • AKA: Big H, Brown Sugar, H, Hell Dust, Horse, Junk, Nose Drops, Skag, Smack, Thunder
  • Highly addictive; made from resin of poppy plants; Typically injected, increasing risk of AIDS
  • Short-term effects: Rush, slowed breathing, clouded mental functioning, nausea, vomiting, sedation, drowsiness, hypothermia, coma, and death
  • Long-term effects: Bad teeth, inflammation of the gums, constipation, cold sweats, itching, weakening of the immune system, coma, respiratory illnesses, muscular weakness, partial paralysis, reduced sexual capacity/ long-term impotence in men, inability to achieve orgasm (men and women), loss of memory and intellectual performance, introversion, depression, pustules on the face, loss of appetite, and insomnia

Illicit drug use is, simply put, a very bad idea! If you suspect your teen, or someone you know, is using, or if you find yourself unable to be set free from addiction, there is help! There are several Christ-centered recovery programs and support groups in the area.

Here are 2, but Google can help you find the one right for you:

The Father’s Heart Ministries 724 523-7700 www.thefathersheartpa.org

201 Church Street, Penn, PA 15675

Celebrate Recovery at Word of Life (Tuesday Evenings at 7 p.m.) 724-837-8790 wordoflife.church/ministries/community-care

4497 Route 136, Greensburg, PA 15601

 

 

A story on perspective

This is a letter written to her parents from a young daughter who recently went off to college.

Dear Mom and Dad,

I know I haven’t written to you since I got here 3 months ago, but that’s because the head injury I suffered from when I jumped out of my burning apartment kept me from doing so. The headaches are down to about 2 a day and my cast will be coming off soon. I lost most everything in the fire, but the neighbor, who saw me jump and called the ambulance, has let me stay with him in his one-bedroom flat. He has turned out to be such a nice boy and we plan to marry. The wedding will have to be soon, before the pregnancy starts to show. I know you’ll love being grandparents and will support us as best you can. However, before we can elope, both of us must get treated for the infectious disease he gave me the time we were too high to remember to use protection. You will like him, though he is not the same religion as us and believes that work is not for artists, which he is.

Actually, Mom and Dad, there was no fire or head injury. I’m not living with anybody, nor am I pregnant or getting married. And I especially don’t have an infectious disease, but I am failing History class and this was my way to put it into perspective for you.
Love,
Your daughter

For Every Great Battle, There is a Great Victory!!