At this point, we all know someone with a drug problem, whether it’s prescription pills, illegal drugs, alcohol, marijuana, or something else. It can be overwhelming to love someone with an addiction, just as much as being the person addicted.
In an effort to connect with and educate residents, and in partnership with the Town of Stratford Community Services, the Stratford Police Department held a presentation on December 10th at the police department called Hidden in Plain Sight. Attended by community members, this interactive presentation provided us with the opportunity to understand how some smoke shops target young people, what to look for in our own homes if we suspect someone is using drugs, and what it’s like to spend five minutes high.
I never thought I’d experience what it’s like to be high, and drive a vehicle while impaired due to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical in cannabis that gets someone “high.” No, I did not get behind the wheel of a car, and drive away from the police station high.
But I did wear Fatal Vision Goggles that simulated, in this case, what it would be like to try to complete a puzzle while high. Elizabeth Galliford, Prevention Specialist with the Town of Stratford Community Services, led us in this activity. It was challenging to accomplish this puzzle “sober” and impossible to complete “high.” You know the two women on the right. Elizabeth explained how the goggles work, and that they are a way to educate people about the dangers of driving while high – a tool they use in classrooms with students as well.
After we used the Fatal Vision Goggles, Detective Jason Creatore of the Narcotics, Vice & Intelligence Unit, took us on a journey through what they see in the field and what we should look for in our homes, and the behavior in our loved ones who we may suspect are using.
Much of the presentation walked us through where drugs can be hidden in one’s room, or common area, and where the police have found drugs in homes. There are fake coca cola cans that have a hidden compartment for storing drugs, belts that have inner linings to hide drugs, curtain rods used as stash locations, and even in surge protectors.
Edibles are often more potent than when one smokes marijuana. Here are some things to look for in a person who has taken edibles: paranoia, hallucinations, impaired mobility, panic attacks. And what to look for in a person who may have overdosed on opioids: not moving/can’t be wakened, slow/no breathing, tiny pupils, gurgling sounds/snoring, cold skin, blue lips/nails.
According to Detective Creatore, prescription drugs are also a problem, especially among young people because of how accessible they are. He shared that these pills can even be purchased on the black market, an illegal network of dealers who often sell fake medicinal drugs. In one slide, Detective Creatore showed comparisons between real and fake pills.
He went on to say that “In the past 2 years, we have found illegal products with THC in them at smoke shops in Stratford.” And that while drugs like cocaine, heroin and fentanyl are illegal, selling the “bags they come in is not. Selling the bags becomes illegal when there are drugs in them.”
One of the main takeaways from their presentation is to be aware — even candy boxes are used to lure kids in (and adults). Keep your eyes open, and educate yourself about what the signs are. Pertaining to drug use, being educated on the issues facing youth and families alike goes a long way, and can even save lives.
If you, or someone you know is battling addiction, there is help. Reach out to the Town of Stratford Community Services at (203) 385-4095. You’re not alone.
