An experienced drug counsellor has warned of the addiction dangers of a growing trend of teenagers vaping cannabis oil.
Marie Byrne of MB Now International has urged parents not to give their children an 'out' to take drugs and to use drug testing kits on their children if they suspect they are using substances.
She also said that high sugar use could also indicate an illegal substance use problem
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"It may seem a hardline approach but you could be saving their lives," said the author of addiction and prevention for parents book 'Angel in the Marble'
The seasoned speaker and author who has worked globally on the issue of drug awareness and prevention says she fears too many parents are now just 'throwing in the towel' at a time when the dangers of drugs to young teenagers are even more heightened.
"Twenty years ago, people were shocked when I talked about children as young as 12 taking cannabis at the school gates. Now most young people see cannabis or hash as 'nothing'.
"Many young teenagers are using vaping to heat up cannabis.
"Cannabis, solvents and alcohol are still the gateway drugs but I've dealt with teenagers as young as 14 who are now cocaine addicts. It's everywhere and kids are selling it to their friends as a way of affording it for themselves
"The problem has grown so big that too many people have become desensitised to the problem,and many parents don't know what to do.
"When you are a teenager, you look for the out clause in everything. So, if a parent says don't bring drugs into this house, all they hear is you giving them permission to take drugs outside the house.
"Parents need to say no and follow through, end of. Find out their circle of friends and if they are using substances. If they are, then stopping your child from seeing these other kids so you can check what your child is doing is important.
"Use drug testing kits if needs be but talk and listen to them as much as you can
"You are not being hard on them. You could be saving their lives by coming between them and drugs. Once an addiction is formed, you must deal with it for the rest of your life.
"High sugar use is very common in drug users and can be another pointer. The first addiction starts with sugar which is now being more and more linked by international studies as a gateway to drugs because sugar addiction itself is now recognised and is very often the first one experienced.
'It affects the same feel-good chemicals in the brain. Heroin addicts crave sugary foods and drinks.when coming off a hit. These studies need to be considered when helping someone recover. Their diet is important too.
'People are now too quick to throw in the towel in the fight against drugs because there is so much garbage on the internet to market drugs. It was a slogan in the 80s which needs to be revived - just say no, but there also needs to be training made available to concerned parents who don't know what to do if they think their child might be using substances.
'At a time when young people are getting botox because of social media pressures to look good, they need their parents more than ever to keep them safe.'
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