CLUB DRUG CAUTIONARY: Dr. Jill Backfield, Addiction Specialist & Executive Director of New York Center for Living, Advises Parents of New Dangers of Mixing Marijuana & "Molly" (MDMA)

NEW YORK, June 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- New knowledge parents need to know: Psychoactive drugs are increasingly dangerous, and can be deadly and difficult to detect.

Yet, many of these 'designer drugs' are becoming more socially acceptable and rampant at raves and clubs where teens and young adults are exposed to and using MDMA (Ecstasy or "Molly"), K2, and Spice. The New York Times article, "The Night Comes Back to Life: The Return of the '90s Dance Club" talks about the rising popularity of these types of underground clubs. In record numbers, they are mixing "Molly" with marijuana use and alcohol intake, without understanding the potential and real risks....and the results may be lethal. "We know that dehydration from alcohol significantly and negatively impacts on body temperature regulation, for example, and alcohol is involved in most 'Molly'-related deaths", says Dr. Jill Backfield.

Beyond exhibiting signs ranging from euphoria to empathy, serious side effects including accelerated heart rate, temperature fluctuations and soaring blood pressure may compromise a teen's health.  In some instances, this addictive behavior may also trigger and/or exacerbate psychological disorders.

As a result, ER visits are escalating. Since teens are afraid to fully disclose their drug use and these designer drugs remain hard to detect, underlying health issues may result, especially if treatment is delayed.

Armed with this new research, a family focus is essential for parents to help teens.  Staying informed, concerned, and caring to help safeguard their teens' welfare and warning them of the risk of these drugs, is essential.

Early intervention and proper treatment of substance abuse is necessary to counteract the effects that may lead to something more deadly.  Dr. Jill Backfield asserts, "It is vital for parents and teens alike to understand the disease model of addiction and substance abuse and utilize treatment approaches incorporating this model in order to apply the necessary skill sets that lead to avoidance of these harmful substances."

ABOUT THE NEW YORK CENTER FOR LIVING

New York Center for Living is an intensive outpatient recovery center located in Manhattan.  It has had tremendous success treating adolescents and young adults, 13 to 26, who suffer from substance abuse and co-occurring disorders such as depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and others that complicate a teen's recovery from drugs and alcohol.  The center offers a comprehensive, abstinence-based recovery community for young people and believes strongly that addiction is a disease of the family.  Treatment is focused on families and teens/young adults alike.  For more information, visit www.centerforliving.org.

SOURCE New York Center for Living