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WOOSTER DISTRICT -- Even their "tweens" should be monitored when it comes to substance abuse was the message given to parents during a presentation at Edgewood Middle School recently.
Called "Be Aware -- Be Prepared: What you need to know about drugs and your tween" enlisted experts from a number of district partnerships, including the Circle Coalition, STEPS and Teen Initiative, tackling topics such as youth drug use trends, prevention tips, warning signs of use and abuse and sources of help, according to district registered nurse Shelly Mountjoy.
Steve Glick, former Wooster City police chief and now director of security and protective services at The College of Wooster, reported on trends seen in law enforcement.
"Obviously, alcohol is there," Glick said.
But the usage trend includes a laundry list of other substances -- marijuana, K2 synthetic marijuana, cocaine and occasionally crack cocaine, along with other substances being abused -- cough medicine and prescription drugs, according to Glick.
Just last year, five meth labs were uncovered in Wooster alone, he said.
Glick is concerned about drugs such as heroin, crack and speed "trickl(ing) down into the younger population."
"To see meth at this level is a concern," he said, stressing, it gains a stronghold and "does not let go; the effects are devastating."
"We haven't seen it in younger people yet," Glick said, but he is concerned about the impact of budget reductions that have cut educational programs warning youth about the dangers of drug abuse.
Brad Derflinger of CIRCLE Coalition outlined the stages of brain development in early, middle and late adolescence, labeling the "tween" as the 11-12-year-old range.
He demonstrated damage to the brain caused by substance abuse at the three stages of development.
Derflinger also discussed cognitive, social and emotional development and the confusion experienced by a young person as he or she seeks independence and falls prey to peer pressure.
"Why do kids use drugs?" he asked.
"Drugs provide instant gratification and instant highs," Derflinger said, without immediate recognition of long-term consequences.
"We're also looking at the availability of drugs," he said, and the influence of other people.
"Another reason people use it is curiosity," he pointed out, accompanied by "thrill seeking as well -- a dangerous behavior."
At the same time, rebellion plays a part, he said. "Kids are trying to find their identity, and they think they're capable of making all of the decisions themselves."
Drugs additionally offer an escape from life and relief from pain.
One of the panel members, identified by only a first name, Adam, shared his own cycle of drug and alcohol abuse beginning at the age of 12.
"I made some bad choices early in life. I had to fit in; I had to be part of the cool crowd," Adam said. "I started to have consequences almost right out of the gate. I lost interest in school, and it took me two years of summer school just to get out of junior high."
He dropped out of high school and got fired from a job for failing a drug test.
From the ages of 13-25, he got into trouble with the law, spent time in prison and finally "made the choice to get some treatment," even though "I was full of fear, and I didn't know if I could live sober.
"All I ever did was party," he said.
At STEPS, he learned about addiction, he said. "I've been clean and sober for three years. I try to speak (out against drugs) whenever I can, to be an example," he said.
One mother cautioned a drug user may even be an athlete with a 4.0 grade point average.
Another mother said she lost her son to a drug overdose.
"We didn't see it coming; we didn't think it would happen to us," said Joan Fenzl, stressing, "Ignorance and denial are addiction's best friends."
The unhappy endings are the reason for the urgency of getting the message out. Lana Gesler, a Wooster High School nurse who served as the facilitator for the event, said they'll repeat programming as often as they need to.
"There are a lot of warning signs (of drug abuse) to look for," Derflinger said, listing ways teens "can mask smells and signs."
"One piece of advice; try not to be a pushover, and try not to give in," Adam said.
"Parents matter -- period," Derflinger affirmed. "Because you matter, talk to (your teens). Be an example, and spend some time with them."
"Tell your teens what you expect, set rules and enforce them," he said. "Follow through."
Help them identify their future aspirations, and make sure they are busy, Derflinger recommended. "When kids don't have something to do," engaging in high-risk behavior becomes more likely.
According to "USA Today," 70 percent of teens named their parents as the most important influence in their lives, Derflinger said.
Reporter Linda Hall can be reached at 330-264-1125, Ext. 2230, or firstname.lastname@example.org.