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14 freshmen reprimanded for prescription drugs
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
Fourteen freshmen at Benson High School were punished last week for
distributing, taking or holding prescription medication, including Vicodin,
a narcotic painkiller.
High School Principal Bryan Bullington said three students were found to
have brought the medication to school, and they were seen exchanging the
pills with other students.
"After looking into it, we ended up with 10 kids that either brought them,
distributed them or took them," Bullington said. "We were able to get pretty
accurate information as to how everyone was involved."
Bullington said four other students received the pills, but knowing it was
wrong, just pocketed them. However, he noted those students did not do
anything to turn the others in.
"It was a peer pressure kind of thing," Bullington said. "They took the
pills, but didn't do anything with them."
The pills confiscated by the school included Vicodin, a pain killer,
Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Tramado, a narcotic-like
pain reliever used for moderate to severe pain and prescription strength
Ibuprofen.
Bullington said students were separated into three groups with severity of
punishments based on involvement. While exact punishment levied could not be
disclosed, Bullington noted parents were called and he described
repercussions as "severe."
The three students who brought the medications to school and distributed
them will be facing criminal charges.
Gary Douglas, the Benson Schools resource officer, said the three students
will likely be charged with possession and distribution.
Bullington said the incident brings up a lot of concerns that school
districts have, most notably the fact that students are bringing the drugs
to school, handing them out, and without knowing what the drugs even do,
they are taking them.
Fortunately, Bullington said, there were no adverse reactions and no medical
treatment re-quired by those who took the medications.
Prescription drugs are becoming one of the most convenient supplements for
teenagers to take.
"The convenience is what makes the drugs so attractive," Bullington said.
"Teachers have a harder time looking for signs that a kid is on drugs,
because the symptoms are harder to detect. These drugs are just easier to
hide, they are easier to get and they are easier to distribute."
Bullington said getting a handle on the problem is going to require action
from parents and for the medical industry to distribute prescriptions more
responsibly.
Douglas agreed with Bullington, stating that parents need to lock up
prescription drugs, noting, "It's like having a loaded gun sitting on the
table. Prescription drugs can kill someone."
Fourteen freshmen at Benson High School were punished last week for
distributing, taking or holding prescription medication, including Vicodin,
a narcotic painkiller.
High School Principal Bryan Bullington said three students were found to
have brought the medication to school, and they were seen exchanging the
pills with other students.
"After looking into it, we ended up with 10 kids that either brought them,
distributed them or took them," Bullington said. "We were able to get pretty
accurate information as to how everyone was involved."
Bullington said four other students received the pills, but knowing it was
wrong, just pocketed them. However, he noted those students did not do
anything to turn the others in.
"It was a peer pressure kind of thing," Bullington said. "They took the
pills, but didn't do anything with them."
The pills confiscated by the school included Vicodin, a pain killer,
Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Tramado, a narcotic-like
pain reliever used for moderate to severe pain and prescription strength
Ibuprofen.
Bullington said students were separated into three groups with severity of
punishments based on involvement. While exact punishment levied could not be
disclosed, Bullington noted parents were called and he described
repercussions as "severe."
The three students who brought the medications to school and distributed
them will be facing criminal charges.
Gary Douglas, the Benson Schools resource officer, said the three students
will likely be charged with possession and distribution.
Bullington said the incident brings up a lot of concerns that school
districts have, most notably the fact that students are bringing the drugs
to school, handing them out, and without knowing what the drugs even do,
they are taking them.
Fortunately, Bullington said, there were no adverse reactions and no medical
treatment re-quired by those who took the medications.
Prescription drugs are becoming one of the most convenient supplements for
teenagers to take.
"The convenience is what makes the drugs so attractive," Bullington said.
"Teachers have a harder time looking for signs that a kid is on drugs,
because the symptoms are harder to detect. These drugs are just easier to
hide, they are easier to get and they are easier to distribute."
Bullington said getting a handle on the problem is going to require action
from parents and for the medical industry to distribute prescriptions more
responsibly.
Douglas agreed with Bullington, stating that parents need to lock up
prescription drugs, noting, "It's like having a loaded gun sitting on the
table. Prescription drugs can kill someone."
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