LOWER PROVIDENCE TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT LT. MICHAEL JACKSON DRUG AWARENESS

OBJECTIVE Lower Providence Township is experiencing a dramatic increase in the number of drug overdoses. Our goal is to educate parents on drug trends and provide them with information that can assist them in guiding their children to a drug free life.

DRUG TRENDS IN LOWER PROVIDENCE TOWNSHIP IN 2017 Marijuana Marijuana accounts for 17 percent of admissions to treatment facilities in the United States, second only to opiates among illicit substances. About 1 in 6 people who start using as a teen, and percent of those who use it every day, become addicted to marijuana. Opioids: Heroin, Vicodin, Oxycodone, Percocet LPPD Narcan use 2015: 16 LPPD Narcan use 2016: 27 Out of 39 PDs in the county, LPPD ranks 2 nd in Narcan usage behind Pottstown PD. Inhalants: Butane, whipped cream, spray paint 13.1 percent of 8th-graders have used inhalants.

OVERDOSE STATISTICS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY 2015 to 2016 saw a 40% increase in drug related deaths 2016 stats list 230 accidental drug deaths with heroin contributing to most of those deaths is on track to surpass 2016

SYMPTOMS OF DRUG USE Sudden change in behavior Mood swings; irritable and grumpy and then suddenly happy and bright Withdrawal from family members or friends Careless about personal grooming Loss of interest in hobbies, sports and other favorite activities Changed sleeping pattern; up at night and sleeping during the day Red or glassy eyes, constricted or dilated pupils Sniffly or runny nose Poor performance at school

TIPS FOR PARENTS Set expectations Children who know their parents disapprove of drug use are less likely to use - and vice versa. It's best to let your kids know how you feel about drugs before they hit their teenage years. Don’t Ignore mental health issues More than two-thirds of young substance abusers suffer from mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and eating disorders. As a rule, substance abuse and mental health issues come together in young people. Don’t Assume experimentation is no big deal Experimentation doesn't necessarily lead to addiction, and some parents figure that there's nothing especially worrisome about a child trying drugs or alcohol. In fact, even dabbling in substance abuse can cause big problems, such as car accidents, sexual assault, and serious overdoses. It's not a normal rite of passage.

TIPS FOR PARENTS Set a good example Think children simply don't pay much attention to their parents? Research suggests otherwise. Model the kind of behavior you want from your child. Consider risk factors Just as obesity is a risk factor for diabetes, smoking is a risk factor for teen substance abuse. Other substance abuse risk factors include early aggressive or disruptive behaviors, depression, ADHD, and anxiety. Consider family history Like many diseases, addiction can run in families. If it runs heavily in yours, it might be a good idea to adopt a strict no-drinking policy in your home.

TIPS FOR PARENTS Lock the medicine cabinet Prescription drug abuse is a huge problem in the U.S. The CDC says one in five teens experiments with prescription drugs at some point, and most teens obtain the drugs not from drug dealers or the Internet but from friends and family. Take note of changes in your child Changes in sleep, mood, friends, activity level, academic performance, weight, personal hygiene, etc. can all signal a substance abuse problem. So pay attention. Monitor your child's welfare with particular care at times of transition - moving to a new school, onset of puberty, breakups with boyfriends or girlfriends, etc.

TIPS FOR PARENTS Inspect your child’s bedroom and electronic devices Cell phones are commonly used to facilitate drug sales. Familiarize yourself with slang terms associated with the drug trade. Your child’s bedroom and the cell phone you provide to them is your property. You have the right to access those at any time.

COMMON DRUG SLANG TERMS MarijuanaHeroinPillsInhalantsMethamphetamine WeedH BarsHuffCrystal PotSmackOCPoppersMeth HashishDopeOWhippetsCristy HashChina WhiteOxNitrousTina GreenHorseOxycottonLaughing GasCrank BudSkagOxy 80sMoon GasCrissy GrassJunkBlueSnappersTweak TreesBlack Tar512sBoldGlass ReeferBig HBarsRushIce HerbBrown SugarVicsAir BlastShards Mary JaneMudVicosGladGo GanjaDragonHydrosHippie CrackWhizz HempBoyLorrisOzChalk DopeMexican BrownFluffDiscorama ChronicThunderScratchWhiteout KushSkunkNorcoPoor Man’s Pot SinsemillaScagPlanks Purple Haze Tabs Z-Bars

IF YOU NEED HELP Montgomery County Office of Drug and Alcohol or Montgomery County Mobile Crisis Support