New drug trends affect Idaho teens

Officer Jermaine Galloway says even though you might not see it, the drug world is right in front of you.

Drug education is important because drugs are different than they were 20 years ago.

Counselor Shauna Polson says sometimes stress gets the best of students.

“A lot of very popular kids, high achieving kids have even used drugs and alcohol,” Polson said.

Drug are evolving everyday.

The Gem State is seeing trends of its own.

“One of the things Idaho is seeing is marijuana concentrate. It’s different than marijuana, it’s much more potent, significantly more potent,” said Galloway.

It’s also becoming easier for kids to hide drugs in electronic cigarettes.

There are a few signs that could indicate your child is using
“Drop in grades, change in friends, change in sleeping patterns, mood swings’ Polson said.

It doesn’t just affect high school students either.

Just this school year District 93 has dealt with students as young as 8 years old using drugs.

Galloway advises parents to pay attention to the clothing your child wears, watch for logos and pictures, or wording, even bracelets and do your own research.

You can find more information at the following links:

http://www.odp.idaho.gov/parents/trends.html

http://www.odp.idaho.gov/pdf/Drug%20Info/druggeddriving.pdf

http://www.odp.idaho.gov/pdf/Trends/inhalantsppt.pdf

http://www.narconon.org/drug-abuse/signs-symptoms-marijuana-use.html/