Drug Use in White House Schools

conducted by the White House Police Department

March 4, 2003



We are fortunate, as parents, to have leaders in our community--especially in the police department--who are interested in educating us about the dangers that our children face when they're out of our "realm of influence." Due to the nature of police work, the police officers are probably more aware of these dangers than most parents. There is no doubt that the child/teen culture has become more complex and much more adult-oriented during recent years. In addition, many parents are living hurried lifestyles and leaving their latchkey children without adult supervision for at least an hour or two each afternoon after school. These facts, unfortunately, have helped create an environment where so-called adult problems can more easily develop in the lives of many American children--sometimes threatening to ruin the lives of children as young as elementary school age!

The meeting, held at White House High School on March 4th, focused on drug abuse in our schools and the particular drugs that are most commonly abused by children and teens today.

Interestingly enough, one of the biggest drug problems with youth today could probably be lessened if all of us were more cautious, thoughtful and proactive. Abuse of prescription drugs is a growing and dangerous problem, especially drugs such as Adderol, Lortab, Ritalin, Klonipin, Oxycontin and Xanax. As you might expect, teenage drug abuse is centered around easy access and low cost. The widespread availability of painkillers in America allows for both. Oxycontin, one of the most abused drugs, is actually a painkiller used by cancer patients. Perhaps, a little extra precaution by those who are allowed to legally use such drugs would help lessen their availability--for illegal use--by children.

Designer drugs (or "club drugs") represent yet another group of abused substances. Kids who speak of "X," "bean" or "Adam" are referring to such drugs. Ecstasy is one of the most widely abused club drugs. Someone who takes ecstasy is said to be a "roller" and someone under the influence of ecstasy is said to be "rolling." If parents become familiar with these terms and the various street names that kids use for certain drugs, they will be in a much better position to spot drug problems in the community (and perhaps with our own children) at an earlier point--and to seek intervention through police drug enforcement programs and drug rehabilitation programs.

Ecstasy is often in widespread use at so-called "rave parties," which are usually run like a traveling show, moving from town to town--and promoting more and more drug abuse among our young people. The drug "GHB" is also known as the "date rape" drug. It is easily hidden in water or soft drink and easy to overdose on. Since this drug can be so easily dissolved in liquid, teenagers should never leave their drinks unattended when at a party. To do so might mean leaving yourself vulnerable to the worst intentions of a sexual predator in the crowd (who might happen to look like the nicest kid on the block!). Rohypnol is another date rape drug, referred to as "roofies." It produces mild amnesia and can lead to problems in prosecuting those who successfully sneak it into the drinks of rape victims. You should discuss these facts with your children--especially your daughters-- before ever allowing them to attend unchaperoned parties.

A number of drugs that are abused by young people can be spotted by looking for certain markings on the pills. Ecstasy usually has a logo printed on it. Klonopin (a prescription drug) has a large "K" printed on it.

The police in our community work with the Student Resource Officers (SRO's) and the principals in our schools to try and limit drug abuse and to arrest drug dealers who are intent on spreading the problem. Students are encouraged to report known or suspicious behavior involving drugs at their school to either the SRO or the principal, who can then investigate the report (while acting "in loco parentis," or "in place of the parent").

The good news is that during a recent random (urine) drug test among athletes at White House High School, only 1.5% of the students tested positive. The bad news, of course, is that the number wasn't 0%. Remember-- it's up to us, as parents, to help keep drugs away from our kids and out of the schools. We should not expect the police to do what we, as parents, are responsible for doing.

We, here at the White House Cyber Library, would like to extend a special "Thank You" to our local White House Police Department for providing this educational meeting for our community. If you haven't taken advantage of one of these meetings, we hope you will do so in the future. The meetings are usually advertised well in advance.

The head of the White House Police Department's Drug Awareness Program is Captain Jeff Mingledorff. You can reach him at the police department, at 672-4903 or his email address at whpd601@cityofwhitehouse.com. You can also contact Officer Billy Compton, the SRO at Heritage High (at 672-0311 or 672-4903), or Officer Scott Bilbrey, the SRO at White House High (at 672-3761), for additional information.

For more information on drug prevention, you can check out the following website:



 [this page last updated: 05/30/03]