Parents of children and teens are being advised to watch for the warning signs of jimson weed abuse, which is said to be a growing problem.
Dr. Vito Rocco is an Emergency Physician at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. He says over the past three weeks, a number of students from Royal Oak High School have been treated after chewing the plant. Three of the children actually ended-up going to the pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
Rocco is sounding a warning for parents. He says to be on the lookout for signs that your teen or adolescent is trying for the LSD-like acid trip produced by chewing the seeds of the jimson weed plant.
"The symptoms are characterized by dilated pupils -- the patients are very agitated, anxious; could be hallucinating as well," Rocco said.
"Hallucinations are quite dangerous because, essentially, these kids have no fear and try attempt dangerous things," he said.
Chewing jimson weed -- also known as "angel's trumpet," "devil's trumpet" and "thorn-apple," can be deadly. Emergency treatment should be sought immediately. All the students treated at Beaumont survived.
November 21, 2008
Worldwide Automotive Report
Congress puts aid to big three on hold. What does Roger Penske think about industry help? We talk with him one-on-one. We also tell you why Volkswagen's Diesel Jetta was named "Green Car of The Year."
Mayoral Forum-Part 3 11/20
The Booker T. Washington Association held a Mayoral Forum at the Charles H. Wright Museum Of African American History this afternoon. WWJ's Stephanie Davis moderated.
Mayoral Forum-Part 2 11/20
The Booker T. Washington Association held a Mayoral Forum at the Charles H. Wright Museum Of African American History this afternoon. WWJ's Stephanie Davis moderated.
WWJ Newsradio 950 is Detroit's only all-news radio station and is the leader in Detroit radio news. Listen online to WWJ-AM 950 for live, local Detroit news, up-to-the-minute Detroit traffic, Detroit sports, Detroit business and Detroit community information. WWJ Newsradio 950 is an award winning radio station and you can listen online and podcast on demand Detroit news, Detroit Construction Alerts, Detroit School Closings, Winter Survival Guide and learn more about our Business Breakfasts. www.wwj.com.
