As digital drugs, also known as “i-dosing,” has popped up in some parts of the nation, drug experts and school officials are warning parents to beware. Last year, students at Mustang High School, OK, who appeared to be high were sent to the principal’s office, where they claimed they’d tried something called “i-dosers.”
Youth seeking an altered mood state score an i-dose by putting on headphones or ear buds and downloading music and tones which supposedly create a drug-like euphoria. The technology combines a tone in each ear to create a binaural beat designed to alter brainwaves. While there are no known neurological effects or damage from digital drugs, they encourage teens to pursue other mood altering substances like drugs or alcohol–the biggest concern.
When youth are exploring illegal substances like alcohol or drugs, they’re more likely to begin seeking out more dangerous substances with proven harmful effects. In fact, some youth who are disappointed in their digital drug experience might try huffing paint or inhalants, smoking marijuana or drinking alcohol.
Some digital drug websites feature ads enticing young people to buy dangerous pills, a hallucinatory herb salvia and synthetic marijuana. There are also product lines featuring “alcohol,” “opium,” “marijuana,” and “orgasm.” This particular site shows that digital drugs have been downloaded more than one million times.
The binaural beat technology has been legitimately used, with some success, to treat patients suffering from various neurological ailments or disorders, such as ADHD.
Parents who notice their child sitting around for long periods of time with headphones or earbuds – may want to check in on what they’re listening to. And also look into what additional stresses might be going on in their child’s life.
UBHCHY Coalition encourages parents to stay connected with kids, with regular talks, check-ins or even texting with teens on a regular basis. Parental support and involvement is one of the most valuable assets in keeping our youth safe from risky behaviors and making healthy choices!
