In front of a packed Indian Hills High School auditorium an undercover officer from the Bergen County Prosecutors office spoke for an hour on the growing trends of drug abuse in Bergen County . It would be difficult to give a full report, or communicate the impact this event had on the audience, as any cliché would be a gross understatement. This growing drug epidemic effects kid regardless of socio-economic background, race, religion or any other label we choose to identify ourselves – Heroin does not discriminate.
An important theme in this presentation was that prescription drugs are a common first step towards heroin use. Prescription drugs found in parents/grandparents medicine cabinets, at friend’s homes or bought on the street is often the first high on the way to heroin. Using prescription drugs eventually becomes cost prohibitive so often the switch is made to the much cheaper and highly addictive drug heroin. The novice heroin user commonly snorts the drug for the first few months, until the drug has such a grip on its victim they resort to injecting it directly into their veins.
No one ever looks at pictures of heroin addicts injecting a needle of heroin into their arm and ever wishes or expects that to become their reality. By the time someone is using the needle they have developed a habit that all they care about is their fix. The drive to use is becomes their greatest and only concern. This includes destroying relationships with family, loosing the drive to make money and ending all other normalcy of life.
Warning signs of drug users were discussed such as: bloodshot eyes and changes in pupils; excessive weight gain or weight loss; lack of motivation; changes in friends, hygiene and personality. Years ago track marks were the hallmark of someone injecting heroin, now the user will inject into their eye lids, their lips, between their toes or in private areas, all in an effort to hide the needle marks. Surprisingly, it seems that 14 is a common age when drug usage begins.
At the end of the presentation a question and answer period was presented. Ideas were shared such as all medications not being used by family members should be removed from the home (all homes), not stored in the medicine cabinet. There are now Permanent Prescription Drug Drop Boxes located throughout Bergen County where people can dispose of their medications safely. Parents should not be afraid to look at their children’s cell phones, search their bedrooms and ask questions. The best way to help prevent drug use is to be pro-active and talk with your kids. It was advised that it is more important to save your child’s life or prevent drug usage as opposed to having a son or daughter that is upset with you for invading their privacy.
This was a very important night in Oakland, one that brought attention to this crisis. Hopefully there will be many more events like this, to continue the discussion, including more interactions with both parents and our children.
One of the most chilling statements made during this event was by the Wyckoff police officer, who began the night saying “The heroin addict used to be the person shooting-up in a gutter somewhere, now the heroin addict may be the person shooting-up in the bedroom next to yours”.
Further reading – An article by the Journal published on May 25, 2012 – The Accidental Addict
So disappointed that I missed the presentation, but unfortunately work obligations kept me from it. I am glad that it had an impact on the audience, I hope that it reached many, and those that attended will share with others. I have been aware of the drug problem that has plagued the high school (IHHS) since my daughter started years ago – and know that it was there before that as kids were already entering into rehab programs by then – not to mention the two death by overdose in Oakland and Franklin Lakes in the last few years. I wish that this had been brought to attention early – as it may have saved those children who lives have been permanently altered. What is it that they say? Better late than never. Please take the advice that is given and stop trying to be your kids friends – play detective – investigate – and not just once – but often – so that you can never feel as though it is too late!
I’m curious to know if there was any discussion or mention of doing something like this in the middle schools. If 14 is the common age for usage to start, we’re talking about high school freshmen. A strong message in middle school and then followup in high school could go a long way.
Was their any mention of doing something in the K-8 schools? Any plans for followup discussions? Will there be a presentation to the students in the high schools? Once is not enough.
Sorry I missed it due to the parent/teacher conferences in the K-8 schools being held at the same time.
Editor’s Note: There was talk about doing presentations with the younger kids (ie: middle school). Admittedly the police said this is a new program and they are working their way through it’s development.