Teen accidental poisoning vs. recreational use

Medical Toxicologist Cyrus Rangan, MD, shares advice for parents on what to do if your teen has been poisoned and how to tell if the teen's poisoning was accidental or recreational drug related
How To Tell If Teen's Poisoning Was Accidental or Recreational
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Teen accidental poisoning vs. recreational use

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When teenagers get into toxins in and around the house, unfortunately, one of the major reasons they do so, is because they are trying to hurt themselves. They may get into medications, cleaning products or other products in the home, but they are using them intentionally to hurt themselves, or perhaps, for recreational use. In these situations, we tend to find that the dosages that they take of these substances, tends to be a lot higher than the accidental exposures that you may see in much younger children. As a result, use the same common sense that you would use for the young child. If the teenager was looking reasonably well, and then started to have symptoms, we want to make sure you observe those symptoms very closely. If the child is having any difficulty walking, or breathing, or a decline in their mental state; give us a call at Poison Control, and we can tell you what to do.

Medical Toxicologist Cyrus Rangan, MD, shares advice for parents on what to do if your teen has been poisoned and how to tell if the teen's poisoning was accidental or recreational drug related

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Cyrus Rangan, MD

Medical Toxicologist, Poison Control

Cyrus Rangan, MD, is a pediatrician and medical toxicologist. Cyrus serves as the Assistant Medical Director with the California Poison Control System and medical toxicology consultant for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Over 70% of the calls received at the center are able to stay at home and avoid a visit to the hospital, based on the over-the-phone support of the center. Cyrus is also the father of two boys, age seven and four, with whom he enjoys practicing Kung Fu. 

Poisons, Poisons, Poison, Poison
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Transcription: 
When teenagers get into toxins in and around the house, unfortunately, one of the major reasons they do so, is because they are trying to hurt themselves. They may get into medications, cleaning products or other products in the home, but they are using them intentionally to hurt themselves, or perhaps, for recreational use. In these situations, we tend to find that the dosages that they take of these substances, tends to be a lot higher than the accidental exposures that you may see in much younger children. As a result, use the same common sense that you would use for the young child. If the teenager was looking reasonably well, and then started to have symptoms, we want to make sure you observe those symptoms very closely. If the child is having any difficulty walking, or breathing, or a decline in their mental state; give us a call at Poison Control, and we can tell you what to do.