Expert: Charles I. - 1/15/2008

Question
QUESTION: My son is 13 yrs. old. He has been on the high honor roll and an athlete. Recently he has new friends and no longer wants to play sports because he wants some free time after school.
He is starting to get into trouble in school and has become very argumentative and angry when he's home; especially in the morning.
Of course we suspect drugs. I have had him tested 2 times at the clinic (random) and 2 times with a home-kit. He tested neg.
I cannot figure this out. I know he is on something, his eyes are very red and his pupils are very dilated. He also will go to sleep quite early and sleep very long. Not usual.
How can he be passing these test? His behavior is also mellowed and if you look into his eyes he seems for lack of a better word high.
Please help me.
Anniemarie

ANSWER: Hi Anniemarie, thanks for your question. I really wish there was a singular answer to your situation, but there isn't. The problem with drug tests is unless you are testing for that particular drug your not going to have a positive result. You mention that his pupils are dilated and that can be indicative of being under the influence of a hallucinogenic such as LSD, Mushrooms, Angel Trumpet, Salvia Divinorum...that isn't to say that has been what he is taking, there are other substances that can cause the pupils to dilate as well. The one thing about hallucinogenics is that they are difficult to detect using a drug test because they are broken down in the body so quickly (usually in about 12 hours). The only real suggestion I could give would be the next time he comes in looking high take him to the doctor or clinic and have them do a complete drug panel on him including:
Alcohol, Amphetamine, Benzodiazapines, Barbituates, Buprenorphine, Cocaine, Ecstasy, LSD, Marijuana, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Opiates, Oxycodone, PCP and Propoxyphine.
It might be a little costly to check for that many substances but it should give you an idea if he is using a substance.
A substance that I mentioned a minute ago was Salvia Divinorium. It is a natural plant that originates from Mexico and has become somewhat popular with young people. It is a hallucinogenic that can be smoked from a water pipe (bong). It can cause extremely intense hallucinations for up to 5 minutes and then the users report feeling a relaxed high for a couple of hours after smoking it. There are two problems with it: first is that it is perfectly legal and can be bought in head-shops or on the Internet. Second, there really isn't a test to detect the active ingredient in it which is called "Salvinorin A".
It sounds like you may have to catch him in the act or while he is high to be able to find something out. I wish there was a better answer. In the mean time talk with him as you can and let him know that you love and support him and that he can talk to you about anything. Being confrontational or accusing could ultimately do more harm than good. I wish you the best!
Good Luck,
Charles

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Does salvia cause increased hunger?

Answer
Hi Anniemarie.
No salvia divinorum is usually noted to help decrease hunger and thirst. Having said that, understand that everyone's physiological make up is different and how one substance affects me could affect you completely different.
The only other thing that I could think of might be he could be "huffing" some sort of chemical or solvent. You know, stuff like glue, paint, canned air (dusters)...etc. If he is using a chemical like paint or some sort of solvent there can be some tell-tale signs of use like a chemical smell on their breath or paint on their hands or on their face (especially gold paint). Huffing is REALLY dangerous and can cause long-term irreparable damage to the brain and other organs.
I would strongly suggest that you try to get some sort of counseling for him. Not necessarily substance abuse counseling, but with a psychologist so he can talk about what's going on in his world and an assessment can be made by a qualified professional. The fact that he is getting in trouble in school and has become combative and argumentative at home is a sign that something is obviously up as you already know. He is acting out about something...what that something is needs to be found out. Is it something with the home life? Is it negative peer influence? Is it self Esteem? There are really a lot of questions that need to be answered before a solution can occur. Your gut is telling you something is up...follow it and don't give up!
Good Luck,
Charles