Test Smartly Labs of Kansas City Metro
Unlike the peasant blouses and platform shoes that debuted in the 1970s and made their return in the 1990s, the drugs that teens experiment with today are not the same as the drugs from a few decades ago. Parents of teens may suspect drug use among their teens, but it’s important to know that teens in 2018 and beyond may be using new types of harmful, dangerous drugs. Continue reading “Helping Parents of Teens Understand Synthetic Drugs” »
At some point, all parents wonder whether or not their teen is prepared to be left at home alone.
Some adults might think that good grades are an indicator that their child is ready to be more independent but there are many other factors to consider. That’s because being home alone can sometimes be a dangerous first step toward engaging in riskier behaviors.
If you’re trying to decide whether your teen is ready to stay at home unsupervised, make sure you consider all the factors.
While social media websites encourage interaction for the users, it’s easy for parents to feel more disconnected from their teens than ever. Social media sites like Facebook are just one of the many concerns that should be on a parent’s mind. Cyberbullying, sharing inappropriate photos or videos, and even buying drugs online, are just some of the ways that teens can easily get into dangerous situations while using social media. Continue reading “Using Social Media to Tell if Your Teen is Using Drugs” »
It is vital for parents to understand what unconventional drug paraphernalia looks like so that if you encounter any in your child’s room, you’ll know what you’re seeing. Everyone knows what marijuana pipes and bongs look like, but could you recognize the everyday objects that drug abusers sometimes use?
Continue reading “Parents: Would You Recognize This Drug Paraphernalia?” »
Drunk drivers aren’t the only thing you need to watch out for on the road. There has been a significant rise in the number of fatal accidents, and many of the drivers responsible are testing positive for prescription drugs.
Unfortunately, the rate of prescription drug abuse among teens is rising. In 2017, 16.5% of high school seniors reported that they used prescription drugs for recreational purposes.
The combination of inexperienced drivers and prescription drugs could prove to be deadly. Here’s what you need to know about this unfortunate pattern.
Concussions are often called a “silent epidemic,” affecting thousands of teens every year. More than 173,000 children and young adults are seen by doctors every year due to brain injuries, including concussions. A study from 2013 claimed that teens who smoke pot and drink alcohol, even rarely, have more of a risk of getting a concussion than their peers who don’t participate in these illicit activities. Test Smartly Labs digs into this study to hear what the experts have to say. Continue reading “Scientists Find Connection Between Drugs & Concussions” »
During the summer, it seems like every week has a new music festival. These concerts are enjoyable and they draw in music-loving teens and adolescents across the nation. Unfortunately, music festivals can also be a hub for drug use. Continue reading “Music Festival Guide 101: Drug Slang” »
With high school and college parties happening everywhere around the country and news stories about sexual assaults in the media, it’s frightening to imagine the data on date rape and drugs. So, prior to going to a party, club, show or allowing your child to go, study the evidence here and identify how to stay prepared. Continue reading “Students Need to Be Aware of Date Rape Drugs” »
Though we wish the news this time of year with the start of summer was fun and bright, there is nothing joyful about synthetic drug use — especially when it comes to the death of adolescents.
It’s happened before in Kansas City, and now, other towns, states, and parents are undergoing the misfortune of teen death and overdose due to synthetic drugs.
Here’s what KC parents need to understand about the spread of synthetic drugs.
Continue reading “Synthetic Drug Use Among Teens: A Growing Problem Nationwide” »
A recent poll found that 42% of millennials know someone who has struggled with opioid addiction. This is a scary number when you consider that opioid use and addiction to other illegal substances are highly correlated events. Find out what this growing epidemic means for coming generations, and what we can do to slow the tide. Continue reading “42% of Millennials Know Someone Who is Addicted to Opioids” »