There is a major drug problem in Duluth, and it's affecting our high schools. These drugs are available to our children and, sadly, some children are getting addicted. Some of the possible signs to look out for are hanging around new kids, a drop in grades, losing interest in sports and social activities, spending a lot of time alone, stealing money, and/or selling personal items.
Items such as aluminum foil, metal lint trap tubes and dryer sheets can be used with the use of drugs. Some over-the-counter medications contain alcohol and can be harmful if large amounts are consumed. Prescription drugs such as OxyContin, Vicodin and Opana are extremely dangerous, as are antidepressants. In addition, ADD and ADHD medication can be abused if taken incorrectly -- and all can be sold for money. Lock up all medications in your home.
Illegal drugs also are a huge problem and are very easy to access. Marijuana isn't yet considered addicting or dangerous but the type that is available today has a high level of THC, which does make it highly addictive. As many as 85 percent of addicts have ADD, ADHD or a learning disability; for them, addiction can be genetic.
I've learned more than I ever wanted to know about drugs and addiction over the past six months. Sadly, addiction can happen to any child.
Please research websites and books to get educated on this problem. Unfortunately, there isn't enough authority to control this epidemic, so we need to be in our children's lives more. We cannot be with our children 24/7 or control all the choices they make or change the fact that one child becomes an addict while another does not. But we can educate ourselves and our children the best we can and love them no matter what.
ADVERTISEMENT
Angie Garner
Duluth
