Summer is here, time for family, friends and picnics. Typical summer
picnic foods often include things like cheese and strawberries, which
sadly are also two rising types of drugs being used by our youth.
"Cheese" is a mixture of black tar heroin and Tylenol PM. Reports from
a Dallas Independent School District stated that arrests for possession
and dealing of this drug has increased greatly this year. Strawberry meth
has been making its way across the country from California to Minnesota.
Every day there is a new "flavor" of something that keeps trying to get
our youth addicted. We thank you for your efforts to fight this. -Amy
DeNoyer Hickey and the Community Intervention Staff.
So
Long Spykes
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Anheuser Busch
recently announced that they have stopped selling their malt beverage
called "Spykes", which some claim is targeted at minors. Anheuser Busch
stated they stopped selling Spykes because of it's limited volume
potential not the "unfounded" criticism that was directed at them.
Spykes, which are a 2 ounce malt beverage that comes in a bottle
similar to a nail polish bottle and came in lime, melon, hot chocolate and
mango was meant to be drank as a shot or added to beer or mixed drinks and
holds twelve percent alcohol by volume. This critics say made it very
attractive to minors. One state attorney general called Anheuser Busch's
decision to stop selling Spykes a big victory in the fight against
underage drinking. (Associated Press, May 17, 2007)
Marijuana Users Have More Problems
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A new study
done over a ten year period on 1900 youth ages 15-25 found that those who
were heavy marijuana users in their teens were three to six times more
likely to use other drugs than those who drank alcohol. The heavy
marijuana users also experienced more problems in life such as landing a
job, mental illness and relationship problems. The complete study can be
found in the April 2007 journal of Addiction. (JTO News Summary,
April 25, 2007)
Teenage Girls in Treatment
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Teenage girls
are more likely to enter treatment for alcohol abuse at a younger age than
teenage boys and are choosing alcohol and inhalants as their drugs of
choice, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration.
(SAMSHA) The research found that teenage girls use drugs and alcohol to
reduce tension, boost their confidence and cope with problems. The study
also found that marijuana is still the most commonly used drug by both
teenage girls and boys. The full link to the article is below. (JTO News
Summary, June 6, 2007)
The Insight E-News March/April Question of the Month Was:
Should schools be allowed to seize a student's cell phone
during school if they suspect drug use or drug dealing transactions?
Here is what one of our Insight E-News readers had to say:
"Yes for several reasons. First of all: cell phone usage during school and
especially during class time, whether to take calls or to text messages is
disruptive to the balance of the class and the 'user' is missing whatever
the teacher is disseminating. Secondly: repeated offenses are a sign of
defiance, lack of respect to the center of education and the mandates
which propel the system thirdly, as guardians, [which we are during the
school day] we have an obligation to do whatever we can to protect our
'wards' from whatever danger may be lurking. Suspected drug deals are
dangerous to the health and well being of the 'guilty' and innocent
alike."
Thanks to all who sent in responses.
A Few Great Additional Insight Resources From Community
Intervention/Tools to Help Youth
Methamphetamines: The Hard
Facts: From this video or DVD students learn exactly what
methamphetamines are, and how addictive and deadly they can be to the
people who use them. Comes with a teachers guide, fact sheets and student
activities. For grades 7-12. Item #961V for the 20- minute video or
Item#157D for the DVD, $139.95 each.
Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco
Situation Cards: This 50 card set features real life dilemmas that
helps youth consider, discuss and explore the possible outcomes of these
dilemmas. Ideal for one on one counseling or small or large groups. For
grades 5-12 Item#964G $27.95 per set. To order call 1-800- 328-0417,
order on line at: order@communityintervention.org or fax us an order
612-342-2388
