Transcript Document
ONALASKA POLICE DEPARTMENT What every parent should know about drugs and alcohol. Topics of Discussion Prescription Drug Abuse Alcohol Use Street Drug Trends Signs of use Why Do Kids Use Drugs/Alcohol Peer Pressure/everyone is using Stress in relationships Family pressures Stress from school, fitting in, grades Independence Troubles coping with problems Have never tried it or think they will have a good time National Drug Trends Illicit drug use on the rise Mainly fueled by marijuana, ecstasy and RX drug use/abuse Information from press release from US Dept of Health and Human Services March 2009. National Alcohol Trends Lifetime use survey from USDH&HS 8th, 10th and 12th grade 2007-2009 2007 38.9%, 2008 38.9%, 2009 36.6% 2007 61.7%, 2008 58.3%, 2009 59.1% 2007 72.2%, 2008 71.9%, 2009 72.3% Onalaska Drug and Alcohol Trends Alcohol related incidents have increased from 2008 to 2010. We have had an increase in OWI arrests from 2008 to 2009. OWI arrests partly due to more patrol funded through grants from DOT. Increase in citations issued to adults for sale to minors. This due to alcohol compliance checks and interdiction of “carry outs”. Onalaska Trends Continued Drug arrests are up slightly. OPD now has a K9 unit. The dog, Czak is trained in narcotics detection, handler protection and tracking Prescription drug use/abuse is increasing. (skittles parties) Students that I have encountered and have admitted to being under the influence of a RX drug feel that it is not dangerous, it is a prescription drug. Street Drugs Marijuana still a problem (easy access) stronger now than 30-40 years ago Ecstasy use is on the rise Prescription Drugs are being sold on the street just like any other drug Heroin making a come back Cough/Cold medicine liquid or tabs Changes To Watch For Declining school work or grades Abrupt changes in friends Change in sleeping habits or health issues Deteriorating relationships with family Less open and honest Become angry when questioned about activities or whereabouts What Parents Should Be Doing Know your child’s friends and their parents, communicate with friends parents Know what they are doing and who they are doing it with Know where they are going and when they should be home Establish and enforce rules Finally, Talk To Your Children Kids who learn about the risks of drugs at home are up to 50% less likely to use drugs (Partnership for a Drug-Free America tracking study 2008) According to an MTV survey, almost half of all kids name their parent as their hero (Associated Press / MTV Youth Happiness Study 2007)