Pubdate: Sat, 14 Oct 2000
Source: Saint Paul Pioneer Press (MN)
Copyright: 2000 St. Paul Pioneer Press
Contact:  345 Cedar St., St. Paul, MN 55101
Website: http://www.pioneerplanet.com/
Forum: http://www.pioneerplanet.com/watercooler/
Author: Associated Press

TEACHERS GET TOOLS TO FIGHT DRUGS IN SCHOOLS

Workshop Shows Ways To Identify Signs Of Drug Use

EAU CLAIRE, WIS. - David Hammond says the tips he and other teachers 
received from a state drug agent should help them identify and deal with 
drug-related influences among their students.

Tim Schultz, a special agent for the Department of Justice Narcotics 
Division, offered the tips at one of the dozens of workshops during the 
two-day Northwestern Wisconsin Education Association conference.

Schultz taught about 50 teachers at the workshop how to identify illicit 
drugs, how much drugs cost, how they are packaged and what drugs are 
prevalent in Wisconsin.

Hammond, who teaches at Hudson High School, said he learned that 
methamphetamine, or meth, is prevalent in northwestern Wisconsin, and 
particularly in St. Croix County. And GHB, known as the date rape drug, is 
growing in popularity across the state.

"As a teacher, you overhear things,'' Hammond said after the presentation 
Thursday. "If you know a little street language, it gives you a big edge.''

According to Schultz, the drug Ecstasy, a hallucinogenic substance taken as 
a mood enhancer, has surged in popularity among high school and college-age 
students. The drug is commonly available at all-night parties called raves.

"(Ecstasy) has become a big problem for us and is becoming bigger and 
bigger,'' he said.

But the biggest problem in western Wisconsin continues to be the 
manufacturing and use of methamphetamine, a highly addictive stimulant, 
Schultz said. The drug has been seized at meth labs in Buffalo, Polk, 
Barron, Eau Claire and other counties in Wisconsin.

"It's going to become more prevalent. This is kind of the drug of the 
future,'' he said. ``It's just a nasty drug, and it's taking a lot of our 
time.''

One effect of methamphetamine is a decreased appetite, which has lured 
young girls into addiction, Schultz said.

He advised teachers on what signs to look for if they suspect a student is 
hooked on the drug.

"They'll have sunken eyes, rapid weight loss and they'll be hyper, but they 
still can function,'' he said.

Other common drugs in the state include cocaine, LSD and marijuana, Schultz 
said, adding that misuse of Ritalin, a stimulant used to treat 
hyperactivity in children, is on the rise.

Hammond, who teaches at-risk students, said he found the presentation 
extremely beneficial and will take his knowledge back to the classroom.

"(At-risk) kids talk loose and are very savvy,'' he said, adding he 
believes drug use is a part of every high school.

"Now I'll be able to be a step or two ahead.''
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