THE EFFECTS OF DRUGS
ON YOUR CHILDREN
SERGEANT JOSEPH HOEBEKE
HUDSON POLICE DEPARTMENT
Class Objectives

Types of Drugs – WHAT WE SEE AS THE MOST COMMON
ABUSED DRUGS BY OUR YOUTH

Cannabis Type Drugs

Prescription Drugs

Inhalants

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use (specified categories)

Patterns of drug abuse

Parents Rights
Some Interesting Data

DID YOU KNOW:

7% of New Hampshire teenagers abuse drugs,
alcohol or both, landing New Hampshire among the
seven states with the largest problem (The Annie E.
Casey Foundation’s annual Kids Count Data
Report). Information published in August 2, 2015
Eagle Tribune.

“Our substance abuse crisis is the most pressing
public health and safety challenge facing our state,
ESPECIALLY FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE” (Gov. Maggie
Hassan, 2015).
What this presentation will
not do…

You will not be an expert in drug identification, nor will you
be an expert in detecting impairment caused by many of
the substances discussed in this presentation.

This presentation is not intended to scare you, but make you
aware of the challenges many of children face relative to
the topics of drug use and drug abuse.

I say this as a police officer and a parent:

YOU KNOW YOUR CHILDREN BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE. IF YOU
FEEL AS THOUGH YOUR CHILD IS ABUSING DRUGS AND/OR
ALCOHOL, SEEK HELP FROM TRAINED PROFESSIONALS.

IGNORING A PROBLEM WILL NOT MAKE IT GO AWAY!
CANNABIS
Marijuana

Common Street Names: Chronic, Ganja, Hydro, Mary
Jane, Weed, Kindbud…etc.

Marijuana is a mind-altering drug / Active ingredient is THC
or Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol

Marijuana is a Schedule I substance (high potential for
abuse)

Hydroponic (method of growing plants using mineral rich
solutions) marijuana street value = $5,000 to $8,000 a
pound
Synthetic Drugs:
A Cause for Concern





Synthetic marijuana (Spice or K2)
Herbal mixtures laced with synthetic chemicals similar to THC.
Like marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids stimulate receptors all over
the brain. But unlike marijuana, sometimes the body can’t
deactivate spice. The liver breaks the drug down, but in some
people those broken down bits keep circulating in the blood,
stimulating the brain, making them high – or psychotic.
Sale has been illegal under federal law since 2011.
Still perceived as a safe alternative to marijuana.
In August 2014, there were 44 overdoses from synthetic marijuana in
a one week period!!!
 Spice makers try to get around current laws by changing the
chemical compounds, making it more difficult to test the products,
and prove they are in violation of law.

SPICE
VAPORIZER PENS
HIDING MARIJUANA USE

“If I am running a school
or a house, and I have a
nose, I can tell if my kids
are smoking pot. But if
they're using a vape
pen, forget about it.”
Vaporizer Pens
(continued)

Virtually indistinguishable from a high-end e-cigarette.

The latest versions of e-cigarettes contain a battery-powered heating
element that vaporizes a liquid containing nicotine. Vape pens for pot use
the same mechanism, but the devices are optimized to vaporize the
active molecules in concentrated marijuana oils, not nicotine. And just as
with e-cigs, there's no fire or smoke.

Most vape pens don't actually vaporize the marijuana plant. They're
loaded with marijuana concentrates, or "hash oil": a viscous, yellow resin
chemically extracted from the plant. In many places, that extraction often
occurs in somebody's kitchen — which can be explosive and dangerous.

The concentrates can be strong. Really, really strong. Marijuana flowers
can contain up to about 20 percent THC, the psychoactive chemical that
makes you feel high. But the concentrates can contain up to 90 percent
THC.

Many first time users say they almost fainted when they took their first hit.
Butane Honey Oil (BHO)
A Hazardous New High

Super high potent type of
hash.

The ‘dabs’ of oil can be
vaporized and inhaled
without the pungent smell of
marijuana.

Produces a soaring high for
even long time marijuana
users with a high tolerance
for the drug.
THE DANGERS

The synthesis of butane hash oil (BHO) is a
particularly dangerous drug-related activity that
can produce explosions and structure fires.

This high-potency product is made by extracting
cannabinoids from marijuana plants with butane
gas, then evaporating the butane to leave
behind concentrated cannabinoids with up to
85% THC concentration.

https://youtu.be/4gFgvCi-JGw
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Be on the Lookout (BOLO)

Cannabis Drugs

Marked reddening of the inside of the eyelids

Odor

Marijuana debris in the mouth

Body tremors

Eyelid tremors

Relaxed inhibitions

Increased appetite

Impaired perception of time and distance

Disorientation
Duration of Effects
Usual Methods of Administration
Overdose Signs



DURATION OF EFFECTS:

Will exhibit effects for 2-3 hours; although
impairment may last up to 24 hours without
awareness of effects.

Can be smoked or taken orally
METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION:

Smoked

Oral
OVERDOSE SIGNS **:

Fatigue

Paranoia
THE EYES DO NOT LIE!!!

Marijuana may dilate pupils…
Prescription Drugs –
Oxycodone (Dissociative Anesthetic)

OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan

High risk of abuse.

Abusers often dissolve or scrape away the time
release coating.

Abusers subject to extreme withdrawal symptoms.
Prescription Drugs –
Vicodin (Dissociative Anesthetic)



Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen (increases
effects of hydrocodone)
Pain reliever
Withdrawal symptoms can be extreme.
Prescription Drugs –
Klonopin (Depressant)

Used legally to treat panic disorders.

A depressant or mood stabilizer.

Commonly abused
Prescription Drugs –
Ritaline (Stimulant)

Ritalin is used to treat attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

The increased use of this substance for the
treatment of ADHD has paralleled in its abuse
among adolescents and young adults who crush
these tablets and snort the powder to get high.

Youngsters have little difficulty obtaining
methylphenidate from classmates or friends who
have been prescribed it.

Greater efforts are needed to safeguard this
medication at home and school.
Prescription &
Over-the-Counter Medications

Accessibility, Invincibility, Pill Taking Society

Prescription and OTC drugs such as cold medicines,
pain relievers, sleeping aids, and even ADHD
medicines are commonly abused by young people.

They are readily available, and can be more
dangerous than other drugs.

Some side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting,
coma, and even death.

Abusing prescription drugs is a growing problem in the
US, therefore, start talking to your child today about
the dangers of drugs.
Prescription &
Over-the-Counter Medications

Although the proper use of prescription drugs can
serve a legitimate medical purpose, misuse can lead to
overdose, addiction and even death.

Think about your household…I am sure many parents
in this room are prescribed some form of medication.

Where do you keep those drugs? Are the readily
accessible? Would you even notice if one or two
missing?

The problem is that prescription drugs are easily
accessible to our children.
Signs and Symptoms:
Be On the Lookout (BOLO)
Depressants
Dissociative
Anesthetics
Uncoordinated
Droopy eyelids
Disoriented
**On the nod**
Sluggish
Low, raspy, slow
speech
Euphoric
Dry mouth
Exaggerated reflexes
Facial itching
Anxiety
Thick slurred speech
Drunk-like behavior
Drowsiness
Droopy eyes
Euphoria
Stimulants
Restlessness
Body tremors
Excited
Talkative
Grinding teeth
Redness to nasal area
Fresh puncture wounds
Runny nose
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Track marks
Insomnia
Increased alertness
Disorientation
Flashbacks
Duration of Effects
Methods of Administration
Overdose Signs
Depressants
Can range from 1-16
hours
Oral and injected
(occasionally)
Shallow breathing,
cold clammy skin,
rapid, weak pulse,
coma.
PUPILS WILL LIKELY BE
NORMAL SIZE
Dissociative
Anesthetics
Stimulants
Heroin is 4-6 hours
Cocaine: 5-90 minutes
Methadone Up to 24
hours
Amphetamines: 4-8
hours
May vary greatly
Methamphetamine: 12
hours
Smoked, oral, injected,
snorted.
PUPIL SIZE WILL BE
CONSTRICTED
Can be snorted,
smoked, injected, or
taken orally
PUPIL SIZE WILL BE
DILATED
CONSTRICTED
PUPILS:
THIS IS WHAT THEY
LOOKS LIKE
INHALANTS

Breathable chemical
vapors that users
intentionally inhale
because of the
chemicals' mind-altering
effects.

The substances inhaled
are often common
household products that
contain volatile solvents
or aerosols.

Produce a high that
resembles alcohol
intoxication.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Be on the Lookout (BOLO)

Residue of substance around the nose & mouth

Odor of substance

Possible nausea

Slurred speech

Disorientation

Confusion

Bloodshot, watery eyes

Lack of muscle control

Flushed face

Non-communicative

Intense headaches
Duration of Effects
Usual Methods of Administration
Overdose Signs


DURATION OF EFFECTS:

6-8 hours for most volatile solvents

Aerosols have a very short duration
METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION:


OVERDOSE SIGNS :


Insufflated
Coma
Pupil size will most likely be normal, but in some case
dilated.
https://youtu.be/-ydbSbMFLYM
OTHER TYPES OF DRUGS

Alcohol use among teens remains at historically
low levels.

Reduced use of inhalants and less use of cocaine.

Fewer teens smoke cigarettes than smoke
marijuana.
PATTERNS OF ABUSE

Changes in friends.

Negative changes in school.

Missing school

Declining grades

Increased secrecy about possessions or activities.

Use of incense, room deodorant, or perfume to hide
smoke or chemical odors.

Subtle changes in conversations with friends.


More secretive (using coded language or text
messages.
Change in clothing choices: new fascination with
clothes that highlight drug abuse.
PATTERNS OF ABUSE
(continued)

Increase in borrowing money.

Evidence of drugs abuse: i.e. pipes, vapor pens,
rolling papers, small plastic baggies.

Evidence of use of an inhalant: i.e. nail polish
remover, correction fluid, common household
chemicals.

Bottles of eye drops, which might be used to mask
dilated or bloodshot eyes.

New use of mouthwash or breath mints to cover
the odor of alcohol.

Missing prescription drugs, especially narcotic and
mood stimulators.
YOU KNOW YOUR CHILD
BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE

You can also look for signs of depression,
withdrawal, hostility, or carelessness with
withdrawal, hostility, or carelessness with
grooming.

Some of these signs also indicate there may be a
deeper problem with depression, gang
involvement, or suicidal thoughts.

Be on the watch for suicidal thoughts.

Be on the watch for these signs so that you can
spot trouble before it goes further
Talking to your Children
about Drugs
Brief screening/intervention

A conversation in the hallway, in the car ride home or
on the field can make a difference.
Empathize with teens

Validate common stressors facing teens (pressure to
excel academically/get into college, fit in with peers,
find their place in the world).

Provide healthy alternatives for coping (exercise,
picking up a sport, drug-free social activities).
Talk to your Children
about Drugs
“Denormalize” the behavior

While 1 in 5 teens are abusing drugs, 4 in 5 are not.
Debunk common myths

All drugs are dangerous.

Addictive.

It’s not okay to use/misuse drugs, even “once and a
while.”
If you are a parent

Set limits and let teens know you will be
disappointed.

Lead by example.
Talking to your Children
about Drugs

Give teens an escape route

Teach them how to get out of a bad situation.

Suggest a response they can use so they
don’t
feel “uncool.”

“I don’t want to ruin my season/get in trouble with the
coach.”

“I have to do something with my parents really early
tomorrow morning.”

“I’m the designated driver.”

“I’m not interested.”

“No, thanks.”
Parental Rights

Has your child’s grades dropped?

Do they appear withdrawn?

Change in friends associates?

Change in appearance?

Have they lost interest in their ‘normal’ involvement of
things?

Are you missing things?

Can you search your child’s room?
YOU ARE NOT ALONE

There are people who can help in the event you
suspect your child is abusing drugs and/or
alcohol.

Contact your health care provider, mental health
counselor, police department, and school
guidance counselors.

WE ARE IN THIS FIGHT TOGETHER.

THIS IS NOT ONLY A FAMILY ISSUE, THIS IS A
COMMUNITY ISSUE.
Questions?