Drug Awareness Program and Drug Search
Conducted at Boyd
Christian School
Chief Deputy Danice Taylor and
Captain Deke Stone of the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department recently spoke to
the middle and high school students at FC Boyd Christian School about the
dangers of illicit drugs. Lane Dix,
BCS Bible teacher said “Chief Taylor and Captain Stone both related
personal stories from their years in law enforcement to impress on the student
body that a life of drug use will result in a ruined life!” They specifically covered the risks and
effects of marijuana, methamphetamine, and misuse of prescription medications.
Chief Taylor said “I am thankful for the opportunities
I have to speak with young people. I
want to help prevent as many people as possible from getting involved in drugs!” Chief Taylor and Captain Stone also gave the
students an educational brochure with some of the effects listed and helpline
telephone numbers. People who use methamphetamine may experience
anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood swings, and violent behavior. They may also
show signs of psychosis, such as paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations,
and delusions (for example, the feeling of insects crawling under the skin). They may suffer severe structural and functional
changes in areas of the brain associated with emotion and memory as well. Some of the effects of marijuana use include paranoia,
hallucinations, difficulty with concentration/coordination, increased heart
rate, enhanced cancer risk, and increased risk of infertility. They also discussed the dangerous and illegal
impacts of using, buying, stealing, or borrowing someone else’s prescription
medications.
Substance use can lead to problems at school, home, work, and in
relationships, causing one to feel isolated, ashamed or helpless. The first
step is to recognize there is a problem.
This takes tremendous courage and strength, but recovery is within
reach. If one is ready to make a change and willing to get help, he/she can
overcome the addiction and build a satisfying, drug-free life. If someone is
worried about himself/herself or a friend or family member’s drug use, it’s
important to know that help is available. They may call the Girls and Boys National
helpline that is confidential and available 24/7 at 1-800-448-3000
or call 1-800-662-HELP in the U.S.
Principal Tabetha Sullens also had the Tennessee Highway Patrol recently conduct a random drug search on the school campus. The state troopers had their drug detection dog to search the high school students’ vehicles and lockers for any illegal drugs. Their search found the Boyd campus to be 100% drug free! Boyd is grateful for the support of law enforcement, parents, BCS staff, and District Attorney, Lisa Zavogiannis’ annual BCS Drug Awareness Program in helping ensure the students stay drug free. Principal Sullens states “I am very proud to honestly say we are clear on campus. When you send your child to Boyd, they are safe here. I plan to conduct unannounced, random drug searches and sweeps yearly to help ensure our safety.”
