It is known that since the 1960s drugs have had a presence in the surfing world. It is due to this, that debate over whether surfing is competitive or a creative outlet has been fought for numerous years.

Many surfers have lost their lives due to drug abuse, including Andy Irons. Irons was considered one of the greatest surfers of all time and a three time world champion. He overdosed and died alone in his hotel room last year.

The ASP stated to not have any knowledge regarding his drug problem. But Randy Rarick who is the Hawaiian event representative stated that “it’s been a long time coming,” referring to the drug tests.

Now, as a result of the latest board meeting ASP CEO, Brodie Carr has resigned and drug testing has been implemented. Carr decided to resign after what happened in the Kelly Slater world title announcement.

Slater was awarded the 2011 surfing world title, during the third round which was incorrect. Days later he was given the trophy, but only after round four.

Rarick stated that Carr wasn’t the only person to offer to resign, but he insisted that he be the one. According to Rarick, Carr told the board the “he’s an employee, he’s under me.”

Candidates have already applied for Carr’s position. “The press release hadn’t been out an hour and we were already getting applications,” Rarick said. His replacement will most likely be a business leader.

“Whether the guy surfs or not is not a prerequisite, but anybody who applies is going to be a surf enthusiast. I don’t think you’re going to see an ex pro surfer. We’re going to be looking for business and management skills.”

Many within the organization are not surprised at these players failed drug tests. It is well known within the industry that professional athletes are prone to drug abuse during their off seasons.

The players who tested positive include the Redskins tight end Fred Davis and offensive tackle Trent Williams. It is unclear who, but one of the eleven players had previously tested positive, therefore this is his second offense and is facing suspension. The other players will be able to play and will only face being fined.

Regarding this incident a player rep is quoted as saying:

“I told De that this was a concern of a number of players after the lockout ended and he said, ‘I got you covered,’ ” one of the player reps said. “I went back and told the players, ‘Look, whatever it is you’ve been doing, you need to stop and be ready, but that we would probably have a 30-day grace period before the league started testing.

“Then we get to camp and [the league is] testing us on Day 2. Guys are looking at me like I don’t know what I’m talking about. It was embarrassing. I called the union and I was told there were a lot of things that fell through the cracks at the last minute.”

George Atallah, the spokesman for NFLPA has refrained to comment on this drug testing issue.

There are two main reasons for this. The first one is that due to the randomness of this testing, it serves to prevent and gives students a reason not to give into peer pressure. The second reason is that drug testing allows them to identify who is abusing drugs, and give them the intervention and treatment they need before drug abuse becomes worse.

The main purpose of having school drug testing is not to punish and attack a student who tests positive, but to be able to prevent future drug abuse. It also helps other students who are using to become drug free. Students who do test positive are referred to drug treatment programs by school administrator and parents to begin the recovery process.

Teenagers in high school are the most susceptible to drug abuse. Their brain and body are still developing, which the use of drugs can lead to unfavorable effects on the brain, body, mood and health.

Short term effects (including a single use) affects a person judgment and decision making, usually resulting in accidents, risky behavior and poor performance in school or extracurricular activities. Long term effects (after repeated drug abuse) lead to more serious problems. Poor grades, mood changes, social and family problems are some examples of characteristics of long term effects. Ultimately the repeated drug use can lead to addiction. Studies show that the younger a teen abuses drugs, the more likely they will develop a substance abuse problem or addiction. On the other hand, studies show that if teens stay away from drugs while in high school, they are less likely to have a substance abuse problem later in their life.

Evidence indicates that marijuana changes the mental health of adolescents. These changes are similar to those caused by cocaine, heroin and alcohol. Long term consequences can impact the brain, and it’s up to parents to influence teens life when drugs come into their life.

Frequent or weekly us of marijuana can double a teenager’s anxiety and risk of depression. Teens who smoke when depressed are also more able to become addicted to marijuana and other substances. Eight percent of depressed teens used or became reliant on marijuana throughout a year when they experienced depression. Only three percent of non-depressed teens used marijuana.

The most at risk are teenage girls. Girls tended to feel more depressed than teenage boys, which resulted in a higher number of substance abuse.

This research has also showed that marijuana is linked to suicidal thoughts. Based on the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse it discovered that 12 to 17 teenagers who smoke marijuana weekly were three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts. This same study has also linked increased anxiety and panic attacks to marijuana use.

There have also been several studies that have linked the symptoms of schizophrenia and the abuse of marijuana. Chronic users of marijuana at the young age of 18 will have increased their risk of developing schizophrenia later in their life by six times. Other reports exposed that people with no history of schizophrenia disorder who used marijuana at 15 years old increased the risk for schizophrenia disorder later in life.

Texas Tech University in Lubbock is the leader of these programs since they were the first university to begin a recovery program. Texas Tech features 12-step courses, classes on relapse deterrence, chances for academic scholarships and a peaceful area for those who wish to meditate.

This summer, in an attempt to promote this concept a group of about 20 colleges formed the Association for Recovery in Higher Education. By creating recovery communities the colleges are featuring on-campus clubhouses, recovery courses, academic support and recreational opportunities. Students who are leaving treatment are advised to live at home and commute to class until they feel confident in their sobriety

Georgia’s Kennesaw State University is the founding member of the Association for Recovery in Higher Education. The program was launched in 2008 with only three members. Now it has grown in the community of 50 recovering students. This fall the University of Michigan and Penn State will introduce new recovery programs. They expect to ultimately help hundreds of students, and also the adult children of substance abusers.

Students between the ages of 18 to 24 are increasingly seeking substance abuse treatment at a growing rate, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. During 2000 and 2009 the number of students seeking drug abuse assistance more than doubled.

Without the help of treatment, students are left to fend for themselves and often drop out or flunk out. The heavy use of alcohol is highest among American college students ages 20 to 22.

The Center for the Study of Addiction and Recovery at Texas Tech states that this program has saved 30,000 students which are about 2% of tuition revenue each year. Currently there are about 80 students in the “collegiate recovery community.” Requirements for membership include a one-credit class in relapse prevention each semester; satisfy 10 hours of community service and diligent involvement in a recovery program.

Researchers from the study have also stated that these children are also more likely to abuse other substances and to start giving or selling drugs to their peers. As the number of prescriptions for these controlled medication increases, so the the risk of their abuse and misuse.

This study measured the rates of abuse for four different types of controlled medications: painkillers, stimulants, sleeping medication and anti-anxiety drugs.

They created a website survey in which 2,600 middle and high school students from two southeastern Michigan school districts replied. One in five of these tested students have claimed to used at least one of the types of controlled medications throughout the past year.

Of those, 22 percent stated they had abused the prescribed medication, frequently by consuming extra doses.

Compared to students who have used their medication correctly, these students were nearly eight times more likely to test positive for drugs and are presumably more likely to start giving or selling drugs to others, the study stated.

The numbers of prescription painkillers abuse is soaring at an alarmingly rate nation wide between Americans. This misuse is a growing concern. Admission rates for drug treatment for abuse of opiates other than heroin has risen by 345 percent from 1998-2008.

Another study that has appeared in Archives of General Psychiatry, discovered that people with anxiety who “self-medicate” with drugs or alcohol are more likely to become substance abusers. According to a research team from the University of Manitoba, Canada they found that U.S. adults who self-medicate were also more likely to develop social phobia.

According to studies conducted in America’s school system, 54% of high school seniors have used  an illegal drug. And this isn’t just “experimenting” with marijuana. According to the study 82% have used cocaine and 2% have tried heroine. Dangerous substances like Ecstasy, GHB and other substances are extremely easy for high school students to get a hold of.

The effect these drugs can have creates a hindrance with emotional, intellectual and physical development. Also some of these teenagers “experimenting” can lead to serious drug abuse problems in their futures.

There are four stages of drug abuse;

The first stage is experimental. Usually in a social setting a person will be offered the drug and will take it for the first time.

The second stage is occasional use. This means that it might be openly offered at party from another person.

The third stage is when a person starts purchasing the drug and using on a regular basis.

The fourth stage is habitual use. At this point a person is controlled by the substance, due to strong cravings.

If caught earlier enough, the family can try confronting the abuser and addressing the issue to discourage future drug use. But in many cases a person in the fourth stage of abuse will need professional help along with strong family support.

Some families are now creating an anti-drug policy within their own home. Parents are using home drug testing kits as a preventative tool to keep their children from abusing drugs.

Back in 2008 the Army knew it had a problem due to a shortage of substance-abuse counselors. As Soldiers were returning from combat huge waiting lines were formed to see substance-abuse counselors.

Last year the Army Substance Abuse Program treated 11,000 Soldiers for alcohol abuse and assisted 1,900 for other drug abuse. Alcohol and drug abuse is skyrocketing within the military. Data shows that in 2009 out of 1,000 soldiers more than 11 were diagnosed as suffering from alcoholism or alcohol abuse. Whereas in 2003 only 6.1 out of 1,000 soldiers suffered from substance abuse.

Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told USA Today that he believed the years in combat were partially responsible for the soaring increase in numbers. Other comments made from experts at a conference sponsored by the National Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse stated that unreasonable amount of drinking was a massive problem among US military personnel, even in Muslim countries in combat zones, where alcohol is outlawed. Numerous tours of duty in combat zones with an increased duration of time away from family and home, were also to blame for the high rate of alcohol and other drug abuse.

Legal in the United States, Kratom can be purchased at head shops, the Internet and Kava Bars in the area. Kratom comes from a tree leaf found in southeastern Asia.  It is most popular among older males in Thailand and Malaysia, who perform hard physical labor. Although now illegal in Malaysia, the use is still widespread, due to the abundance of trees grown in the area.

In the states, such as South Florida, the common method is to ingest this drug. The dried Kratom, is boiled, strained and drank as a tea. The effects of Kratom are similar to the effects of opiates (morphine, codeine) in both physical and mental ways. Mentally, it provides a calm and relaxing euphoria. The physical effects are

• Constriction of pupils
• Constipation
• Elevated blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Analgesia
• Nausea
• Hangover

Kratom has caused a lot of controversy in Florida. Since it is not illegal, the Kava Bars are selling it in teas. They state it is not harmful or addictive, and compare it to coffee. Although some customers have stated the opposite, and have had to seek rehab.

Doctors in the area such as Dr. Moran of the Wellington Retreat states, “I have treated patients who prefer Kratom to heroin.” Many doctors are trying to get Kratom banned from the U.S. The number of substance abuse is on the rise in the rehab community. Doctors feel that people are taking it as a substitute for drugs like heroin or oxycodone because it does not show up on a drug test.

Little research has been conducted on Kratom. There are no clear answers to side effects or continued use.

Countries who have outlawed this natural substance include Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Burma, Vietnam and Australia.

Regular urine drug testing is a way to deter users from turning to alternate substances like Kratom.  If you know someone who is battling drug addiction, give them the support to seek help and get better.

Home drug testing kits are one way to give your child an excuse to say no.

This method of drug testing is used in the privacy of your own home, at any time the parent feels necessary. By simply having  a home drug testing kit in the house can prevent drug use from happening, or simply assure you that your child is not abusing drugs. While some teenagers might feel this is an extreme measure, you the parent know it is out of love. If explained honestly to your child the risks of drug use and the dangers that it presents, they will come to understand. Keeping an open dialog with your child is key to recognizing peer pressure when it happens. And studies show- it will happen.

When testing teenagers three types of tests are used. The standard drug test, an alcohol test and also a tobacco test. This gives you a broad range of substances that they are pressured into. These days’ teens believe that putting illegal drugs into their bodies has no consequences. Given the statistics these are the real consequences;

• The United States spends more than $58 billion a year for underage drinking costs
• Teens who abuse alcohol have a 50% greater chance of consuming cocaine.
• Alcohol kills over more than 6 times underage drinkers than all illegal drugs do (usually through serious accidents)
• 60% of students say they know about drugs that are kept, used or sold at their school.
• In the past 30 days, 50% of teenagers have been drinking, with 32% being drunk.

Teenagers also find themselves in trouble with the law, due to the effects of drug use. Teen arrestees’ regularly test positive for drug use with  The National Institute of Justices Arrestee and Drug Monitoring System finding that 66% of underage male arrestees tested positive for marijuana.

If you have or know any child that is struggling with drug and/or substance abuse please get them the help they need in order to help turn their life around. It is this type of caring that can put an end to teenager experimentation that can lead to a life of addiction, an accident, rehab, jail or worse.