President Mark Killingsworth presided over today’s meeting. Michael McPhail provided the invocation and Joe Meador provided the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was held at the Holiday Inn North.
Mark thanked those who helped with today’s meeting.
Gene Owens introduced his guests, Sam Hogue and Greg Lowery. We also had a surprise visitor from Illinois. John Schrader a Past President from Illinois was staying at the Holiday Inn and saw our Rotary sign and decided to join us.
Matthew Rigel then introduced today’s guest speaker, his father, Lamar County Sheriff Danny Rigel. Sheriff Rigel warned us of the dangers of Heroin, Fentanyl, Opioids, Methamphetamines, Club Drugs and edibles.
Heroin- Heroin use has increased the U.S. Most people that use heroin also use multiple other drugs. Most people that use heroin do so because they were first addicted to a prescription pain killer (opioids). When the prescription was discontinued, they were forced to search for other sources, which led them to heroin. Heroin comes in several forms, mostly white powder from Mexico and South America; “black tar” and brown powder. Most street heroin is cut with other drugs or things like sugar, starch, quinine and fentanyl.
Fentanyl- “Bad Batches” of heroin have been found to contain fentanyl or other dangerous synthetic opioids. Fentanyl is 50x stronger than heroin and 100x stronger than morphine.
Because fentanyl is being used, there are more causes of deaths by overdose being reported. Most is manufactured and coming from Mexico or China and could be sold alone or with other things like counterfeit pills.
Opioids- Opioids are the medications used to treat pain. Nearly 1 in 6 teens say they have used opioids at least once in their life to get high. In a single year, more than 33,000 Americans die as a result of opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Most cases start with a legitimate prescription that turned into dependence.
Methamphetamines- (Meth) is a Schedule II drug because of its high potential for abuse. It is a man-made amphetamine. Meth is available in pills, powder, rock and liquid form. It is odorless but tastes bitter. You can smoke, snort, inject or orally ingest it. Users experience a feeling of being in control, comfortable and attractive. Some experience “tweaking,” which is like schizophrenia where they cannot keep still and keeps them up for days. This is a highly addictive and damaging drug.
Club Drugs- Ecstasy/MDMA, aka E, X or Molly, Rohypnol, GHB and Ketamine are drugs used to sedate or intoxicate a potential victim. Because it is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It can be slipped into a drink very easily. These drugs produce a fake feeling of euphoria, decreased anxiety and enhanced sensory perception “Rolling” that can last up to 6 hours.
Many users think it is safe; thinking it is pure MDMA, but it is not.
Edibles – Edibles are drinks and foods made with marijuana concentrates including candy, gummy bears, lollipops, cupcakes and so much more. Edibles are used for recreational reasons, although some users consume them for health conditions like chronic pain, glaucoma, MS, cancer, epilepsy and Crohn’s disease. Edibles have a longer and more intense high than smoking Marijuana because it is absorbed though the stomach instead of the lungs. It can take anywhere from 30-90 minutes before you feel the effects and can last 6-10 hours.
Because these edibles are being packaged as candies and Rice Krispy Treats, children are getting their hands on them. They are being marketed on the streets to kids in school of all ages.
It’s your job as parents to be aware of what is going on out there. Keep your eyes open for any of these “treats.”
A good magazine to purchase is Confusions 13. It is a comprehensive guide for adults about alcohol and other drugs and topics. There are also free downloads of the topics discussed today along with:
Internet Safety For All Ages
Safetypup®'s Drug-Free & Safety-Sure Kids® Magazine
Stop Bullying
If you would like any of these publications or more information, please visit the National Child Safety Council at https://www.nationalchildsafetycouncil.org/materials/materials-by-age
Mark thanked our speaker. He then discussed the board’s desire to present a contribution of $1,000 each quarter. Members are asked to contribute to these projects. The first contribution is planned for next Tuesday to the Jeffrey Fund. Club members voted to approve the quarterly $1,000 donations.
There being no further business to come before the club, Mark thanked those who were able to attend today’s meeting both in person and by Zoom and adjourned the meeting with our motto: “Service Above Self.”