(l-r) Adjustment counselor Kerry Fagan, Attorney Lesure,
and school nurse Kristin Gauthier
Earlier this morning students at Nipmuc Regional High School had the chance to hear a presentation from Attorney M. Julie Lesure from the District Attorney’s office. Attorney Lesure met with students to discuss the adverse consequences of alcohol and drug use. Nipmuc Regional High School Principal John Clements said Attorney Lesure covered a wide range of topics.
Tomorrow students will have the opportunity to discuss today’s presentation with teachers in small groups during their advisory meetings.
When Nipmuc’s nurse Kristin Gauthier and adjustment counselor Kerry Fagan contacted Attorney Lesure in January to book today’s event they wanted the discussion to reach beyond the students. With that in mind they have scheduled an event for Monday, March 24 at Nipmuc Regional High School where the community can discuss health risks in students’ lives and ways the community can build partnerships to promote wellness. This event for parents, students, and community members will take place on 3/24 at 7 pm in the Nipmuc cafeteria. All are welcome.
Top ten takeaways from today’s presentation provided by Principal Clements:
- Approximately 88-92% of cases in Worcester court are drug/alcohol related.
- Use of alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana before age 16 is associated with higher rates of substance use dependence.
- A study of the impact of marijuana on frequent users showed that marijuana use leads to a loss of 8 points in I.Q. levels.
- The social host law makes it illegal for parents to allow underage kids to drink at their home and can lead to jail time as a consequence.
- The most common two-drug combination resulting in death is prescription painkillers and alcohol.
- Possessing drugs (prescription pills, cocaine, etc.) while in a vehicle – even if infraction has nothing to do with auto infraction – can result in arrest and loss of license.
- Synthetic marijuana is prevalent among teenagers and can lead to heart attacks and violent behavior.
- There are a number of local cases of teenagers who have injured others and faced significant legal consequences as a result of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Marijuana is the most prevalent drug detected in fatally-injured drivers.
- Operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol will result in a minimum 1 – 5 year loss of license.
Editors Note: The event on March 24 is not just meant for parents of high school students. Studies have shown the best deterrent for children not to get involved with drugs is an open dialogue. This event is a must see presentation for parents, grandparents, students, and parents of children in the middle school. Information and photos from this post are courtesy of Nipmuc Principal John Clements – check out his blog here
UPTON DAILY 