Q:  FYI – There are several groups around the city called PAL (Parents of Addicted Loved ones.) It has helped us immensely and it’s different from Alanon, etc.  Email:  mike@pal-group.org / website: www.pal-group.org

 

A:  Thank you for the information!  We strongly encourage families and loved ones of those addicted to reach out to get help for themselves whether through PALS, a mental health care provider, a church group or wherever they feel most comfortable.  The journey to recovery is a long one and families and loved ones need as much support as they can get!

 

Q:  Why do pawnshops purchase obviously stolen goods from young adults?  (jewelry, power tools, etc.) – What are the laws?

 

A:  The short answer is pawn shops are not allowed to take-in items that are stolen, however it clearly happens from time-to-time.  When someone “pawns” an item, they must show identification and fill out their information on a pawn ticket.  In Peoria, they must also give a right index fingerprint on the ticket.  (This helps with police investigations if the item turns out to be stolen.)  The store then inputs the transaction into a database that police can search and within two days they must provide the pawn ticket to police for review and filing.  If items are determined to be stolen through a police investigation there is a process by which the victims can get their items returned.

 

Q:  How can the smoke shops get away with selling spice?

 

A:  As of April 2013, the sale of “spice” or synthetic marijuana is a felony offense and possession can also be charged as a felony.  The new law expands the state’s definition of dangerous drugs to include chemical configurations that make up “spice,” ”K2,” ”bath salts,” and other synthetic drugs.

 

Q:  My son is on heroin.  He is homeless – we kicked him out months ago.  When he does contact us I would like to know where I can take him when he is ready.  He does not have insurance.  Where should I take him even if it’s at night?  He is 19.

 

A:  Your story is not uncommon unfortunately.  When your son is ready to stop using heroin and “get clean” there are a number of options and programs depending on what he’s willing to do.  There are long-term residency programs like Teen Challenge in Phoenix & Tucson or Recovery in the Pines in Prescott, both of which are faith-based programs.  There are also others in the Valley such as Aurora Behavioral, which operate both in and outpatient programs and Community Bridges, which operates 24/7 and is located on 99th Ave just south of Van Buren St in Avondale.  Fortunately, there are several other fantastic recovery programs – the question becomes which one is best for your son.  For a few more recovery resources please look under the “Resources” tab on the website.

 

Q:  [I] have a son who is clean six months & finds it hard to get a job.  What does he do?  [He] is doing well, but needs a job.  [It’s] hard with [a] record.

 

A:  There is no doubt it is hard to get back on your feet once you’ve gotten clean especially with felony convictions, which most addicts have as a result of their past addiction.  There is no easy answer, however addiction recovery resources like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can connect recovering addicts with employers who understands the recovery process.  The same goes for other recovery resources like the ones listed under the “Resources” page.  If you give them a call, they might also be able to connect your son with some prospective employers.

 

Q:  With heroin becoming such a problem in our neighboring schools / high schools, what is being done to deal with this with teachers, administrators, and police?

 

A:  This is a great question and one with which we are continually wrestling.  Our community meetings are the first step in the process.  In December and May there were two drug awareness meetings in Peoria and one in Glendale in September.  In October, the Surprise Police Department and CCV – Surprise will host another one.  We hope to continue to hold these as long as there is interest by the community.  Secondly, we’re working closely with the local school districts to develop training for educators and school personnel so they understand the signs and symptoms of heroin and illicit pill use while also seeking to educate students on the dangers of addiction.  Lastly, we’re also developing a regional symposium for 2015 to bring together community members, law enforcement professionals, medical professionals, educators and others to discuss the issue of heroin and pill addiction in our community and to develop new strategies on how to best prevent, mitigate and respond to the problem.

 

Q:  Will any of the officers be available [for] K-8 schools to speak to students as a program or a one-time meeting?

 

A:  Absolutely.  Officers have recently presented age-appropriate material to community leaders, school district officials and parents and even elementary and junior high age students.

 

Q:  If I have used heroin, can I still be a police officer?

 

A:  The requirements to become a police officer often preclude any former use of illicit narcotics, however each agency sets their own standards within the boundaries established by the state organization that certifies peace officers.  Please reference their website for specific information on past drug use (https://post.az.gov/certification-process).

 

Q:  Why is the U.S. Attorney General saying simple possession of these hard drugs are “victimless” and non-violent and pushing for lighter sentences?

 

A:  We’re not sure to what specifically you’re referring, but as we all know the use of illicit substances such as heroin ruins the lives of those using it and their loved ones so it is hard to understand how it can be labeled “victimless”.  In Arizona, the criminal statutes concerning illicit drug use remain fairly strict, however the courts often offer diversion programs and/or probation for lesser drug offenses.  It is our desire for law enforcement (e.g. police, probation, courts) to continue to partner together in order to reduce illicit drug use and trafficking in order to safeguard our communities.  The more engaged residents become with the issue and their elected officials, the more effective we’ll be able to do just that!

 

Q:  How can over the counter [prescription] drugs be abused?

 

A:  There are two common scenarios.  The first is when someone with a legitimate prescription uses it for so long they feel like they cannot stop using it – they’re likely addicted and will continue to try and keep their prescription in order to keep taking the pills.  The second possibility is when someone experiments with a pill or medication for which they do not have a prescription and then because of the way it makes them feel, they continue to use them, which means they must acquire them through fraud, theft or illegally purchasing them.

 

Q:  What programs are available for drug addiction?

 

A:  Please see the “Resources” tab on the webpage.  Also, an internet search for “Heroin Addiction Resources” or “Pill Addiction Resources” in Arizona will produce several great programs.

 

Q:  DRE – Will I notice the signs & symptoms you described if a person is using a very low dose?

 

A:  Not usually.

 

Q:  Is hydrocodone / hydrocodeine the same as oxycodone?

 

A:  They are very similar and are prescribed for very similar treatments, but they are not the same substances.  Oxycodone is a “stronger” pain reliever and a Schedule 2 drug, which means it is a much stronger opiate than hydrocodone for example, which is a Schedule 3 drug.  (The schedules are general classifications of medications and drugs based in part on their strength, intended purpose, potential danger if misused, etc.  The schedules are established by the Controlled Substances Act and administered by the Food and Drug Administration.)

 

Q:  Where can we get our son drug tested?  How often should we get him drug tested? [Contact info provided.]

 

A:  Your health care provider can provide you with resources and information on how to drug test your son, however there are also “home kits” available from most drug stores depending on what substances you think he may be using.  If you suspect your son is using illicit drugs we recommend you act immediately to get him tested, especially if he is not being honest about things.

 

Q:  Is it best as a parent to immediately make or force your child to go to rehab or try to help on your own?

 

A:  This is a very, very difficult question because the answer is very, very difficult.  In short, only an addict that is willing to go through “rehab” is able to make it through rehab.  Over and over again this is what we hear from parents and loved ones, “I’ve tried everything and they still won’t get clean!”  If you are a parent of an addict who is a minor, you can possibly “force” them to get clean because you can take away privileges, money, access to drugs and people, etc., but you still can’t give them the desire to get clean.  That has to come from the individual.  If your adult son or daughter is addicted to illicit drugs, there is only so much you can do for them directly.  In these cases we recommend continue to love them and communicate your support for them to get clean, however do not give them money, access to your valuables or allow their friends in your homes.  This is the toughest dilemma we hear from parents time and again – loving their addicted children, but keeping them at arm’s length because of the toxicity of their addiction.

 

Q:  As my teen gets older and attends functions that many include people outside of his / our circle of friends – I worry someone may slip him something’s he’s unaware of in a beverage, etc.  Is this a valid concern?  Do you see this very often? 

 

A:  Whenever we allow our children outside our direct supervision and protection we take a calculated risk, which is obviously needed for them to mature and develop their own decision-making skills.  Most drug use is overt and intentional so there is little risk someone will expose your teen to something without his or her knowledge.  The best thing we can do is to equip our teens with the skills to recognize unhealthy situations and the means to get away from those situations when they do arise.

 

Q:  If you find your child smoking marijuana, how should you handle [it]?  What are reasonable consequences & what are the next steps?

 

A:  Every family handles discipline differently, but whatever is decided parents should not treat marijuana use lightly or “just a phase”.  Possession of marijuana in Arizona is a Class 6 felony offense for starters.  Secondly, marijuana can have significantly adverse effects on the developing brain of an adolescent therefore it is not a “harmless” drug as many proponents of legalization claim.  Lastly, while not all marijuana users turn to “harder” drugs, seldom do we encounter users and addicts of narcotics or methamphetamine who did not first use marijuana.  If you know your child is smoking marijuana it’s time to gather the family and have a serious talk about it, establish clear consequences for it and adhere to any punishments decided upon.  Continue to also communicate your love and support for your teen while encouraging and rewarding healthy choices.

 

Q:  I’m starting in high school in the fall.  What can I do to avoid accidently taking it?  (e.g. someone putting [it] into my locker, lunch, etc.)? 

 

A:  The fact that you are here at this presentation means you are already ahead of the game!  The chance of you accidentally taking any illegal drugs is almost zero.  Choose to be around friends who make good choices, never let peer pressure push you to take something you know is not healthy and work to be a positive influence on those around you.  And don’t forget to have some healthy fun along the way!

 

Q:  Do you do K-8th grade school presentations?  In the past school year we had the police 3x from students taking prescription pills.

 

A:  Absolutely.  Officers have recently presented age-appropriate material to community leaders, school district officials and parents and even elementary and junior high age students.

 

Q:  As a high school teacher, I feel like high schools do not want to find drugs in the schools because they do not want “bad press” – what can we do as educators?

 

A:  Thanks for being here!  As an educator you are on the front line of this issue as much as police officers or parents.  We have had the same concern you mentioned, but thankfully we’re seeing some great progress with administrators and community leaders who are beginning to understand the gravity and scope of the heroin and pill addiction problem.  We would ask that you continue to engage your administrators on the issue and ask for training and information and with which we can gladly help.  Also, continue to have honest dialogues with your students as they are the ones who can speak truth into the lives of their friends and who may just need to hear from someone else about the danger and lethality of heroin and pills.

 

Q:  How do we deal with [The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)]?

 

A:  For the most part HIPAA does not impede the work we need to do with respect to addiction prevention and recovery, however in those specific cases where it might impede things we recommend contacting your specific legal advisors whether they be with the school district, the city or the health care providers.

 

Q:  How prevalent is heroin and oxy at [XXXXX] Middle School?  I have a daughter going into 7th grade.  I’ve heard there are police on campus.  How does this help?

 

A:  We don’t have any drug use figures for specific schools, but in general any illicit drug use in middle schools is very, very rare.  Occasionally schools contact police for alcohol use by middle school children, but illegal drug activity is virtually non-existent in most of our elementary and middle schools.  It’s also important to remember police often visit campuses to interact with the students, build relationships with the staff and administrators or just have lunch with their kids!

 

Q:  What age do you see the drug use start?

 

A:  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health states the average age for first-time heroin use is 23 years old.  It is been our experience based on conversations with addicts and recovering addicts the age is probably closer to 19 or 20 years old.

 

Q:  What can you tell me about “wax”?

 

A:  “Wax” is synthetic form of marijuana that uses a simple process to extract the THC, the psychoactive chemical compound found naturally in marijuana plants, from leafy marijuana to form a “wax”-like substance that has extremely high THC content.  The substance is not easily recognizable and can be smoked with a glass pipe (“bong”) or in e-cigs/vaporizers.  It produces very little odor when smoked because there is no smoke from a leaf.  It is becoming more and more popular and while it is much more expensive than leaf marijuana, it is harder to detect or find.

 

Q:  What is your opinion of 12-Step Programs like Heroin Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous?

 

A:  We know that for some recovering addicts both of these programs have played an important role in helping them stay clean, particularly when the addict has a supportive and proactive sponsor.  We’ll support any program that helps addicts get and stay clean!