Newton Lions learn dangers of addiction
Prescription drugs gaining ground

Joe Miller and Stewart Shaver

Stewart Shaver, adult probation officer for Newton County, educated Newton Lions about the dangers of drugs and alcohol use in Newton County.

Shaver handles a case load of 362 offenders who are on probation. Of those, 114 are drug/alcohol cases.

"The drug of choice among offenders is still alcohol," said Lion Joe Miller.

Shaver told the group marijuana ranks second, and prescription drugs and meth amphetamines rank third.

"Prescription drugs are gaining ground with school-age kids because they are easily accessible in home medicine cabinets," according to Shaver.

"Meth use is becoming epidemic.

It is hard to stop the flow since it is made from household goods. The drug is more addictive than crack," Shaver said.

He distributed posters showing the Faces of Meth, before and after photos of people that clearly show the physical ravages of drug use.

"This was a very informative program," Miller said.