Pubdate: Sun, 08 Dec 2002 Source: State Journal-Register (IL) Copyright: 2002 The State Journal-Register Contact: http://www.sj-r.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/425 Author: Sarah Antonacci DESIGNER DRUGS 101 Police Officers Learn What To Look For At Conference What may appear to be novelties strewn around some teens' rooms may actually be clues to what they're up to, according to an Illinois State Police officer who is an expert in designer drugs. Pacifiers, glow sticks and bags of Skittles could all be evidence that your child may be experimenting with new synthetic drugs that give them feelings of euphoria but that could cause long-term damage. Fifty-two police officers from 35 agencies in three states are in town learning about these and other drugs and how to combat the drug problem in a training course offered by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency's at the Hilton Springfield. George E. Hood, special agent with the DEA and coordinator of the conference, said the officers are the best of the best of each department and have to meet certain standards in order to participate in the two-week conference. "We know what kind of audience we have so we try to bring in the best speakers. We want to keep the level of instruction at a high level so the students will appreciate it and remember it. We strive for quality," he said. On Thursday, ISP trooper Michael Ross addressed the group about the basics of "designer drugs." Such drugs include Ecstasy, methamphetamine, gamma-hydroxybutyrate or GHB, LSD, Rohypnol and ketamine. Many of these are also referred to as "club drugs." Ross told the officers of one of the first times he'd come across a girl on GHB. He was called to a rest stop on a report of a woman exposing her breasts. When he arrived, the two young boys and the young girl all seemed friendly and helpful. One of the boys was wanted on a warrant and was put in the back of the trooper's squad car. As time passed, the girl kept getting friendlier and friendlier and then drowsier and drowsier. Eventually, she fell asleep and Ross said he had a hard time waking her and couldn't feel a pulse. Fearing for her safety, Ross began to ask one of her male friends if she was on anything and if so, what it was. The boy's attitude changed. He didn't want to help. Eventually, the boy in the squad car began flailing around and smashed the window out of the trooper's car. A truck driver who had witnessed the whole episode told the trooper that the youths had been pouring a blue liquid down the girl's throat. Police later discovered it was GHB and it was being stored in a mouthwash bottle in the car. The kids had bought a bottle of the substance over the Internet. "They are making these chemicals so fast that they'll put it out on the Internet, the kids use it and then they'll take it off the market and do it again," Ross said. Hood said it's often hard for parents to grasp that their children are using these types of drugs because they are so easy to hide and because they are so different than the drugs available when the parents were young. "The kids are using them and the parents don't understand why," Hood said. "We need parents' help, too. "Parents need to be aware. Their kid may be leaving the house with a bag of Skittles and some lollipops and they think the kids are going to snack all night. In reality, the pills are hidden in the candy bag and the lollipops are to ease the chewing sensation they get when they take the drug." Other seemingly innocent items that might prompt a parent to ask questions include pacifiers, which are also used to deal with drug-induced chewing urges and glow sticks, which can be used for psychedelic light shows while under the influence. Here are some basics on the drugs: ECSTASY: Also known as XTC, Clarity or Lover's Speed. It's usually found in a tablet or capsule form and its effects last three to six hours and include confusion, depression, sleep problems, sweating, anxiety, jaw clenching and dehydration. In high doses, it can cause an increase in body temperature, strokes, seizures and permanent brain damage. METHAMPHETAMINE: Also known as speed, meth, crystal or crank. It is made with over-the-counter ingredients and farm chemicals and is usually smoked, snorted, injected or swallowed. Its effects include agitation, aggression, excited speech, decreased appetite and in high doses can cause brain hemorrhaging. GHB: Also known as G, Liquid Ecstasy, Easy Lay and Georgia Home Boy. It has been known to be used in "date rapes" and is a central nervous system depressant that can be homemade. It is found in liquid, powder, tablet or capsule form and its effects include relief of anxiety, relaxation, sleep, headache and can be deadly when mixed with alcohol. LSD: Is also known as Acid, Boomers and Yellow Sunshines. It is a hallucinogen that can be found in tablet, capsule and liquid forms and can also be put on blotter paper. Its effects include dilated pupils, higher body temperature, sweating, and tremors and with long-term use can cause flashbacks and brain problems. ROHYPNOL: Also known as Roofies, Rophies and is also used in sexual assaults. It is tasteless, odorless and dissolves quickly in any beverage. It can be taken orally or by snorting. Its effects include amnesia, decreased blood pressure, drowsiness, confusion and can be lethal when mixed with alcohol. KETAMINE: Also known as Special K, K, Vitamin K and Cat Valiums. It is normally used for animals as an anesthetic or tranquilizer. It is found in liquid form, pill form or as a white powder that is snorted or smoked. Effects include hallucination, amnesia, inability to feel pain, hearing failure and in high doses can include delirium, depression and fatal respiratory problems. The conference will continue this week with presentations on methamphetamine, an increasing problem in central Illinois, and on the psychology of addiction. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth