Pubdate: Thu, 28 May 2009
Source: Day, The (New London,CT)
Copyright: 2009 The Day Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.theday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/293
Author: Kira Goldenberg
Bookmark: http://mapinc.org/topic/Salvia

PARENTS GET THE LOWDOWN ON A NEW DRUG THREAT

North Stonington - The man in the video took one long drag on a water 
pipe and, within moments, was writhing, oblivious to his friends and 
unable to stand up.

"It looks like he's having a seizure," said a woman wearing scrubs, 
watching the YouTube clip showing someone using Salvia on Tuesday evening.

About 40 parents crowded into the meeting in the Wheeler High School 
library to hear information about Salvia divinorum, a legal drug that 
causes a short but severe high and whose usage school administrators 
said has been spreading through the school, especially in recent weeks.

Principal Michael Susi and assistant principal Chris Sandford 
scheduled the meeting last week by auto-calling all the middle school 
and high school parents.

Increasing numbers of Wheeler students appear to be using the plant, 
part of the sage family, which can be purchased legally in the state 
by people older than 18, Susi said. He and Sandford said their 
biggest concerns were that people often don't remember what happens 
during a Salvia high and that, since students are reportedly using it 
in groups, it could lead to injury or to some students taking 
advantage of others.

"It alarmed us to the point where we wanted to make sure we notified 
you of what we're hearing," Susi said.

Rayallen Bergman, prevention coordinator of the Southeastern Regional 
Action Council, gave a presentation about Salvia. He said that the 
drug's widespread use seems to be a new and growing issue in the 
area, that it's illegal in a bunch of states and that there are yet 
to be conclusive studies of longterm effects or drug tests that 
screen for the substance, originally used for shamanistic experiences 
in parts of Mexico.

Susi said the school is holding talks for each grade at Wheeler 
before the end of the year to discuss Salvia use.

"It's frightening. But that's reality. That's where we're at right 
now," Susi said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom