Are Substances a Problem for our Students?

National admitted use, 2010, grades 9-12*

• Inhalants 11.4%• Prescription drugs without 20.7%

a prescription• Cocaine/Crack 6.8%• Tobacco 30.5%• Marijuana 39.9%• Alcohol 70.8%*CDC, Surveillance Surveys, Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance (YRBBS), 2011

Texas substance abuse, grades 7-12

• Inhalants 17.2% *• Illicit Drugs 27.9% *• Cocaine/Crack 5.4% *• Marijuana 26.2% *• Alcohol 61.8% *• Tobacco 30.5% *

*Texas School Survey of Substance Use, 2010

First use by students in grades 7-12:

• 42.1% Tobacco before age 13

• 50.5% Alcohol before age 13

• 27.5% Marijuana before age 13

*Texas School Survey of Substance Use, 2008

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO INTERVENE

• Always express an interest.

• Children often imitate behaviors.

• Education and communication are the keys.

• Be alert to change.

• Monitor what children are doing.

• Don’t assume it can’t happen.

• Set aside time for family.

Family Circle, “The Agony What Every Parent Must Know”. April, 2002.

Do you know what illegal substances your children have access to in their daily lives?

Types of Illegal Substances

• Controlled Substances

• Dangerous Drugs

• Alcohol

• Inhalants

Prescription Drugs

• Many school infractions today involve prescription medications

• A prescription drug is any medication which requires a pharmacist to dispense to a patient or their guardian under the direction of a physician.

Controlled Substances

A substance, including a drug, an adulterant, and a dilutant, listed in Schedules I-V or Penalty Groups 1-1A or 2-4 as defined by the Controlled Substances Act.

Controlled Substances Act, Chapter 481

Placement on a specific controlled substance schedule is based on

• Existence of or lack of medical uses

• Danger of physical or psychological dependence

• Potential for abuse

Controlled Substances …

Controlled Substances …• Drug determined by DEA to have the potential for

abuse• Most are legal with a Rx, for example

– Hydrocodone– Oxycontin– Xanax– Valium

• Some are illegal– Cocaine– Marijuana– Synthetic Marijuana

Some examples include:

Psycho-Stimulants: Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta

• Medical uses: ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) ADHD (Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder)

• Possible effects: Dizziness, loss of appetite, irritability, palpitations,

nervousness

Anti-Anxiety: Xanax, Clonazepam, Valium

• Medical uses: Anxiety, panic disorders• Possible effects: Drowsiness, light-headedness,

confusion, nervousness, racing pulse rate, low blood pressure, tremors, slurred speech, addictive decreased respiration and pulse

Pain: OxyContin, Hydrocodone, Vicodin

• Medical uses: Moderate to severe pain

• Possible effects: Drowsiness, sedation, nausea, mental

cloudiness, addictive

Controlled Substances …

• “Cheese”—a combination of heroin and Tylenol PM

• Snorted

• Sells for as little as $2 per hit

• Often sold wrapped in notebook paper

Synthetic Marijuana• Referred to as Spice, K2, Kush, and Salvia

• Mixture of herbs treated with a chemical and sold as incense

• Manufacture, delivery or possession of a miscellaneous substance is now illegal in Texas.

• Possible effects: chest pain, heart palpitations, drowsiness, hallucinations, nausea and confusion

Controlled Substances Act, Chapter 481

Dangerous Drugs

A device or a drug that is unsafe for self-medication and that is not included in the Schedules I-V or Penalty Groups 1-4 of Chapter 481.

Controlled Substances Act, Chapter 483

Dangerous Drugs …

• Any non-scheduled drug requiring a doctor’s Rx

• Low potential for abuse

• Some highly toxic and possibly fatal—e.g. Lithium

Some prescriptions that may be available to your children come from:

• Your own medicine cabinet

• Your children’s friends

• Homes visited by your children

Some examples include:

Antidepressant / Anti-Obsessional Prozac, Zoloft, Wellbutrin

Medical uses: Depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder

Possible effects: Nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, hot flashes, decreased appetite

Mood Stabilizers: Depakote, Lithium

Medical Uses: Seizure disorders, bipolar

Possible effects: Drowsiness, tremors, irregular heartbeat, Lithium toxicity, diarrhea

Antipsychotic: Risperdal, Zyprexa

Medical uses: Psychosis (difficulty with thought process)

Possible effects: Drowsiness, low blood pressure, restlessness, involuntary movement, rigidity of muscles

*Can be fatal with one dose

How Does KISD Identify Drugs

• School nurse

• www.drugs.com

• Law enforcement

• Pharmacist

• PDR – Physicians Desk Reference

Alcohol

• Most commonly abused drug among youth

• Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage followed by liquor

• Nationally, 21% of students drank alcohol for the first time before the age of 13.

Inhalants

• Often first substance abused by teens

• Includes substances such as glue, magic markers, correction fluid, spray paint, etc.

• Can cause long-term damage to brain, nerve cells, heart, lungs

• Can cause suffocation and death

Over-the-Counter Medications

• Cough suppressants such as Coricidin, (Triple C)

Vicks, Robitussin

• Pseudoephedrines

• Even Tylenol

• Over-the-counter medications are not on

a drug schedule, but they may be abused by teens.

Do you know what signs to look for if your children become involved with illegal substances?

• It is a challenge to tell because mood swings and unpredictable behaviors are not uncommon for teens.

• Be alert for two or more of the following indicators:

Signs to look for …

Watch Tips for Parents

• Change in clothing choices/personal grooming• Hostile/uncooperative attitude• Less interaction at home and school• Change of friends• Appetite/sleep changes• Change in grades • Unexplained cash

Possible Clues to Drug Use• Lighters• Matches• Drug drawings• Empty Rx containers• Cigarettes• Small baggies• Razorblades/small

pocket knives• Pieces of foil• Faucet screens

More Clues

• Pipes• Bongs• Magazines• Music

Popular Hiding Places

• Mint cans• Pen cases• Socks, wallets, pockets,

hats, waistline• Lipstick containers• Flashlights• Make-up kits• Battery containers

(Goal is concealment with accessibility)

Keep Your Eyes Open

• The bedroom• The medicine cabinet• The house• The yard• The car• The neighbors• Child’s friends• Family

Wise Up!

Do you know the consequences if your children have illegal substances at school?

Consequences …

• There MAY be legal consequences.

• There WILL be school consequences.

Legal Consequences

• Legal penalties are tied to schedules I-V (smaller numbers have more severe legal consequences).

• Penalties for most illegal substance offenses in a school zone are enhanced to the next level—for example, a Class A misdemeanor may become a state jail felony offense.

• Each case involving illegal substances is unique and is investigated and evaluated by the administration on its own merits.

• Cases are handled in accordance with KISD policy as noted in the student handbooks and Student Code of Conduct.

School Consequences

School Consequences …

Any KISD student found to have

• possessed

• used or

• delivered

any illegal substance at school or at a school activity is subject to disciplinary actions.

Range of School Consequences …

Possession and/or use of a controlled substance or dangerous drug

*Texas Education Code, 37.006 and 37.007

– DAEP to expulsion depending on type of drug and amount possessed

– DAEP length, 45 school days

– Expulsion length, 90 school days

Range of School Consequences …

Delivery of controlled substance or dangerous drug

*Texas Education Code, 37.006 and 37.007

– Expulsion– Length of expulsion, 90 school days

Range of School Consequences …

Marijuana or synthetic marijuana offenses (possession, use, and/or delivery)

*Texas Education Code, 37.006 and 37.007

– DAEP to expulsion, depending on facts of the case

– DAEP length, 45 school days– Expulsion length, 90 school days

Range of School Consequences …

Alcohol offenses (possession, use, and/or delivery)

*Texas Education Code, 37.006 and 37.007

– DAEP to expulsion, depending on facts of the case

– DAEP length

• 1st offense 30 school days

• 2nd & subsequent offenses 45 school days

– In grades 6-12

– Expulsion length 90 school days

Wise Up!

Do you know what is considered a weapon and not allowed at school?

Examples of Weapons

• Firearms

• Starter Guns

• Knives

• Razors

• Chemical weapons such as Mace

• Explosive Devices

• Club

• Brass Knuckles

• Switchblade Knife

• Any article capable of inflicting serious bodily injury

Stars

Knives

Key chain knife

Mace

Razor

Club

Explosive DeviceFirearm

Kitchen Knife

Knuckles

Switchblade Knife

Wise Up!

Do you know the consequences if your children have weapons at school?

Consequences

• There MAY be legal consequences.

• There WILL be school consequences.

Legal Consequences

A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possesses a firearm, illegal knife, club, or prohibited weapon on the physical premises of a school, grounds or building on which school activity is conducted, or a public or private school transportation vehicle.

Chapter 46.01 of the Penal Code

Legal Consequences…

Penalties for weapon offenses may range from a misdemeanor charge to a felony charge.

School Consequences

• Each case involving a weapon is unique and is investigated and evaluated by the administration on its own merits.

• Cases are handled in accordance with KISD policy as noted in the student handbooks and the Student Code of Conduct.

School Consequences…

Any KISD student found to possess a weapon as defined in the student code of conduct or any similar article capable of inflicting serious bodily injury is subject to disciplinary action.

Range of Consequences

Possession or use of a weapon may result in suspension, annex placement, or expulsion

– Length of annex placement – 30 school days

– Length of expulsion – 90 school days

*Texas Education Code, 37.006 and 37.007

Range of Consequences…

• Possession or use of an illegal knife, club, or prohibited weapon– Mandatory expulsion

– Length of expulsion – 90 school days

• Possession or use of a firearm– Mandatory expulsion

– Length of expulsion – minimum of one calendar year

*Texas Education Code, 37.007

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO INTERVENE

• Always express an interest.

• Children often imitate behaviors.

• Education and communication are the keys.

• Be alert to change.

• Monitor what children are doing.

• Don’t assume it can’t happen.

• Set aside time for family.Family Circle, “The Agony What Every Parent Must Know”. April, 2002.

KISD Elementary Interventions

• K-5 Second Step Program• Elementary guidance lessons on drug awareness,

character education, and social skills• KinderVision• Yell0-Dino• Elementary mentoring programs• Red Ribbon Week • DAVE (Drug and Violence Education) resources for

teachers

Secondary KISD Interventions

• Grade 6 Refusal Skills Program• Red Ribbon Week activities• Intermediate Leadership Conference• Human-canine team inspections• Drug prevention taught in health, PE,

homemaking and science curricula• DAVE (Drug and Violence Education) resources

for teachers• Shattered Dreams Program

Web Information• www.drugs.com

• www.nida.nih.gov (Nat’l Institute on Drug Abuse)

• www.health.org

• www.teens.drugabuse.gov

• www.theantidrug.com (National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign)

• www.cdc.gov (Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance)

• www.dshs.state.tx.us (Youth Risk Behavior Survey)

HELP

• 1-800-662-HELP• Alcoholics Anonymous 713-686-6300• Houston Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse

281-866-7557• Houston Northwest Rehab 281-353-8333• Palmer Drug Abuse Program 281-528-7908• The Right Step (Spring) 281-895-9331

Contact your school counselor or CYS worker for further information.

INTERVENTION SAVES LIVES

Acknowledgements

• Russell Falyden, Assistant Principal, Katy High School• Randy Kirk, Principal, Klein Collins High School• Marc Smith, Principal, Klein Intermediate School• Guadalupe Rocha, Chief, KISD Police Department• Val Luedeker, Counselor, Doerre Intermediate School• Lori Cook, CYS Counselor, Klein Collins High School• Jeannie Connors, Counselor Coordinator, KISD• Laurie Combe, Nurse Coordinator, KISD• Mindy Spurlock, KISD Executive Director of School Administration• Kelly Schumacher, KISD Executive Director of School

Administration