JPD helps parents spot drug abuse
WANDA BRISTER

Safety tips for parents are brought to you by the Jasper Police D e p a r t m e n t . Every month we will be working hard to keep our parents aware of the most current information and updates on safety tips and drug awareness.

Prescription Drug Abuse

The law: A person commits an offense if they possess a dangerous drug, unless the person obtains the drug from a pharmacist or a practitioner acting in the manner described by Section 483.042(a) (1) or (2).

The most commonly abused prescription drugs and their common names are: XANAX- footballs, bars VALIUM- blues, drunk pills, and Ludes SOMA CODEINE BASED COUGH SYRUP- commonly mixed with soft or sports drinks and poured over ice with a jolly rancher candy. Known as lean, syrup and purple drink RITALIN, VICODIN, OXYCONTIN

These are just a handful of the most common prescription drugs, known as "Kiddie Drugs," being used by our young people. If you find a suspect pill or substance in your child's possessions, you can learn more at the national Drug E n f o rc e m e n t Agency's webs i t e , www.dea.gov. It shows pictures of drugs and trademarks to look for, as well as describing symptoms and behavior associated with abuse of these drugs.

Our main goal as parents today is to make sure that all medication prescribed should be put out of reach and unavailable to the young ones.

Many times we don't think much of leaving these prescriptions just lying around, even when we visit grandparents and other family members who might have left their prescriptions sitting on end tables or by the bed.

Know what your kids are into, for their own safety. Remember, our kids are our future. Next month we will be reporting on school bullying and how as parents we can help.

Wanda Brister is the D.A.R.E. officer for Jasper County.

WWW.DEA.GOV is an easy to use website that will show you what commonly abused drugs look like, and give you points to discuss with your kids.