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.''