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Drug
Education
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Definitions - Street
Drugs -
Prescription
Drugs - Resources - Support
Groups - Addiction/Overdosing - Reporting
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Drug Abuse
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The History
It has been documented through time that drugs have
played a tremendous role in our society. In
the “early days,” it was perfectly legal for someone
to possess and use drugs such as marijuana (cannabis),
heroin (opiates) and other dangerous substances,
with little or no government control.
It was not
until society recognized that these same drugs that
possessed some medicinal value also possessed a
strong potential to cause users to abuse them, and
were deemed an overall hazard to the well-being
of our communities.
As a result
of exhaustive research, and with the backing of
medical communities and government, we have enacted
laws to protect our citizens from these dangerous
substances and their destructive nature.
Who is Affected
Drug abuse and abusers follow no set pattern.
Drug abuse plays on human weakness and shows no
mercy to its victims and their families. It
does not matter what social, economic, or ethnic
class you are in – drug abuse can infect anyone.
Following
is some information on the commonly abused drugs
and their effects on our everyday lives. There
is also a resource list.
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Definitions
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Addiction: A psychological and/or physical
need to take a drug on a regular basis to experience
drug’s effect and to avoid the discomfort of its
absence.
Dependency: Psychological and/or physical
dependence of a drug, resulting from the use of
that drug on a periodic or continuous basis.
Tolerance: The body’s resistance to the effects
of the drug. As a person’s tolerance to a
drug increases with continued use, the user needs
progressively higher doses to obtain the desired
effects.
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Street
Drugs
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Cannabis
(Marijuana) |
| Dependency |
Physical |
Psychological |
Tolerance |
| None |
Moderate |
Moderate |
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| Description |
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Known
as hemp, marijuana .
Tall, leafy plant with odd number of divided
leaves. Grows all over the world.
Female flower contains most of the cannabanoids. |
| Effects |
Time, color,
spatial perception distortions, dreamy euphoria,
excitement, laughter, increased appetite.
Panic attacks. Paranoia. May be
anti-epileptic, treatment for nausea and other
side effects of chemotherapy and AIDS drugs.
Treatment for glaucoma, asthma. Possible treatment
for anorexia nervosa. |
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Cocaine |
| Dependency |
Physical |
Psychological |
Tolerance |
| Moderate |
Severe |
Strong |
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| Description |
Both a central
nervous system stimulant and anesthetic.
It is found in the leaves of the Erthroxylum
coca plant native to S. America. One
can chew the leaves to produce a mild stimulation.
Outside S. America, it can be found in powder
cocaine or freebase (chemically purified cocaine.
Also known as the lady, girl, white, uptown,
coke. |
| Effects |
Increases
alertness, wakefulness, elevates the mood,
induces a high degree of euphoria, decreases
fatigue, improves thinking, increase concentration,
increases energy, increased irritability,
insomnia, restlessness. In large doses,
possible psychosis with confused and disorganized
behavior, irritability, fear, paranoia, hallucinations,
may become extremely antisocial and aggressive.
Increases heart rate, blood pressure, body
temperature, pulse and respiration.
Decreased sleep and appetite, seizures, strokes,
heart attacks, death. |
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Crack |
| Dependency |
Physical |
Psychological |
Tolerance |
| Moderate |
Severe |
Strong |
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| Description |
Another
form of cocaine base, named because of the
sound it makes when heated. In a solution,
after heated, it is dried and forms crack
cocaine that is cut into “rocks.” Not
all crack on the streets is pure. |
| Effects |
More intense
effects than other cocaine, but short-lived.
Once the drug leaves the brain, the used experiences
a “coke crash” that includes depression, irritability,
fatigue, increase risk of abnormal heart rhythms,
high blood pressure, stroke and death.
Long term effects include coughing of black
phlegm, wheezing, lung trauma and bleeding,
hoarseness, parched lips, tongue and throat
from inhaling hot fumes, mental deterioration,
psychosis, suicidal thoughts social withdrawal,
and violent behavior. |
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Ecstasy |
| Dependency |
Physical |
Psychological |
Tolerance |
| Reported but not confirmed |
Moderate |
Moderate |
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| Description |
MDMA is
an amphetamine derivative. Can be extracted
from an essential oil of the sassafras tree.
Known as Ecstasy, X, XTC, E, M, truck driver,
beans, rolls. |
| Effects |
Can produce
euphoric sense of well being, feeling of connectedness
with empathy for other people, enhanced sense
of pleasure and self-confidence, increased
energy. Favorite on the club and “rave”
circuits. In overdoses, can experience
confusion, disorientation, anxiety, panic
attacks, depression, insomnia, anxiety, panic
attacks, depression, insomnia, perceptual
disorders and hallucinations, paranoia and
psychosis. May change the way the brain
produces and distributes neuro-transmitters
leading to long-term depression and possible
other mental illness. |
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GHB
(Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid) |
| Dependency |
Physical |
Psychological |
Tolerance |
| Reported but not confirmed |
Moderate |
Moderate |
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| Description |
Gamma-hydroxy-butyrate. Clear liquid,
although also in powder form which is rarely
seen. Colorless, odorless, nearly tasteless.
Is a solvent, found in floor cleaning products,
nail polish, and super glue removers. |
| Effects |
Depresses
the respiratory system and reduces the amount
of oxygen the brain receives which could lead
to unconsciousness and loss of memory.
Reduces social inhibitions, increases libido.
Feelings of sedation. Vomiting, drowsiness,
dizziness, vertigo, seizures. Loss of
consciousness, irregular and depressed respiration,
tremors or coma. Deaths have occurred. |
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Heroin |
| Dependency |
Physical |
Psychological |
Tolerance |
| Extreme |
Extreme |
Extreme |
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| Description |
Opiate. Derived from the dried “milk”
of opium poppy which contains morphine and
codeine which are used as painkillers.
Known as smack, junk, skag, shit, H, brown,
horse, dope, boy. White powder with
a bitter taste. In powder form.
Varies in color from white to dark brown.
Black Tar is made predominately in Mexico.
Heroin is illegal in the United States. |
| Effects |
Sedative. Euphoric, drowsy, warm and
content feeling. Relieves stress and discomfort
by a relaxed detachment from pain, desires
and activity. Depresses activity of
nervous system like coughing, breathing and
heart rate. Causes widening of the blood
vessels which gives a feeling of warmth, reduces
bowel activity causing constipation.
Overdoes can result in unconsciousness, coma
and death. Overdose is greatly increased
if alcohol or tranquilizers are used. |
Dependency
(Additional
Information) |
Highly addictive.
Mild withdrawal symptoms are similar to the
flu – often users don’t realize their “sickness”
is withdrawal. Once addicted, the withdrawal
is grueling, peaks between 48-72 hours after
the last dose. The intense part of withdrawal
lasts for 3-5 days, effects can last for months.
Symptoms may include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea,
cramping, muscle and bone pain, cold flashes
with goose bumps, kicking movements, severe
shaking. Cravings and depression may
occur during withdrawal. Treatment includes
physical detoxification, then residential
or 12-step programs. |
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LSD |
| Dependency |
Physical |
Psychological |
Tolerance |
| None |
Moderate |
Moderate |
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| Description |
Probably
most widely known and most commonly used hallucinogen
in U.S. Known as Acid, Cid, Trips, L,
Doses, Vitamin L, Paper. In base form,
is a liquid but when it reaches the street,
it can be in a variety of forms on blotter
paper, or as pills, gelatin shapes (known
as window pane), liquid, and sugar cubes. |
| Effects |
LSD trip
lasts from 6-12 hours, depending on the dose,
with the peak of the trip about 2 hours after
taking the drug. Vague feeling of anticipation,
increased energy, undefined feeling that something
is different. As effects gain strength,
a general change in sensory perception occurs:
non-specific mental and physical stimulation,
pupil dilation, closed and open eye patterning
and hallucinations, changed thought patterns,
feelings of insight, confusion, extreme mental
clarity, paranoia, quickly changing emotions.
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Methamphetamine |
| Dependency |
Physical |
Psychological |
Tolerance |
| Moderate |
Moderate to Severe |
Strong |
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| Description |
Known as
speed, meth, crystal, crank, ice. Stimulates
central nervous system. Produces alertness
elation. Longer lasting effects than
cocaine. Often confused with other drugs
that have similar symptoms including amphetamine,
ephedrine, caffeine. |
| Effects |
Euphoria,
hyper-excitability, extreme nervousness, accelerated
heartbeat, sweating, dizziness, restlessness,
insomnia, tooth grinding, incessant talking.
Elevated blood pressure, heart rate, increased
nervous activity, hypothermia, convulsions.
Possible death. Can develop an amphetamine
psychosis which is similar to paranoid schizophrenia.
May have hallucinations, delusions, extreme
paranoia. |
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Mushrooms |
| Dependency |
Physical |
Psychological |
Tolerance |
| None |
Moderate |
Moderate |
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| Description |
One of most
frequently used hallucinogens after LSD.
Almost all are small, brown or tan.
Known as Mushrooms, Magic Mushrooms, Mushies,
Shrooms, Sillies, Boomers Caps, or Fungus. |
| Effects |
Similar
to LSD but less intense and of shorter duration.
Feelings of being out of one’s body (ego loss),
colorful hallucinations, distortion in spatial
perception, time and color shift. May
experience lightheadedness, numbness of tongue,
lips or mouth, shivering or sweating, nausea
and/or vomiting, anxiety. Bad trips
can occur. |
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Prescription
Drugs
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Oxycontin |
| Description |
Oxycodone hydrochloride
(C18 H21 NO4 - HCl MW 351.83) is the chemical
structural formula for OxyContin, manufactured
by Purdue Pharma, L.P. Tablets are an opioid
analgesic, and a Schedule II controlled substance
with an abuse liability similar to morphine.
OxyContin tablets are supplied in 10mg, 20 mg,
40 mg, and 80 mg tablet strengths for oral administration.
The tablet strengths indicate the amount of
oxycodone per tablet as hydrochloride salt.
OxyContin is a trade name for the drug oxycodone
hydrochloride, or oxycodone HCL. Street names
for Oxycodone include Oxy, O.C., Hillbilly heroin,
Oxycotton and Killer.
Oxycodone is a white, odorless crystalline powder
derived from the opium alkaloid, thebaine. Inactive
ingredients include ammonio methacrylate copolymer,
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium
stearate, povidone, red iron oxide (20 mg strength
tablet only), stearyl alcohol, talc, titanium
dioxide, triacetin, yellow iron oxide (40 mg
strength tablet only) , yellow iron oxide with
FD&C blue No. 2 (80 mg strength tablet only). |
| Indications |
OxyContin
tablets are a controlled-release oral formulation
of oxycodone hydrochloride indicated for the
management of chronic, and moderate to severe
pain when a continuous around-the-clock analgesic
is needed. When used properly, OxyContin can
provide pain relief for up to 12 hours. OxyContin
is not intended as a prn analgesic. (Not to
be taken as needed.) |
| Usage |
While
OxyContin tablets are only to be administered
by swallowing the tablets whole, a number
of other dangerous and potentially fatal means
of administration are often employed by those
seeking to increase the euphoria, by bypassing
the time-release control mechanism. According
to many experts, this hazardous and abusive
means of ingestion creates a euphoric rush similar
to heroin.
These potentially lethal ingestion practices
include snorting, crushing, chewing, or injecting
the dissolved product. This results in an uncontrolled
delivery of the opioid and poses significant
risks to the abuser that could result in overdose
and death. |
| Effects |
Oxycodone
works by stimulating certain opioid receptors
located throughout the central nervous system,
in the brain and along the spinal cord. When
the oxycodone binds to the opioid receptors,
a variety of physiologic responses can occur,
including pain relief, relaxation, slowed
breathing, and euphoria.
Typical side effects of opioid therapy include
constipation, somnolence, nausea, vomiting,
pruritus, (itching) headache, dry mouth, sweating
and asthenia (weakness).
Less
common but potentially hazardous effects include
respiratory depression, altered mental state
and postural hypotension. Elderly patients
are particularly susceptible to respiratory
depression, particularly when oxycodone is
used in conjunction with other CNS depressant
medications. Oxycodone can cause severe hypotension
and is risky for individuals whose ability
to maintain blood pressure has been compromised.
All effects are typical opioid side effects.
Such effects are dose dependent, related to
a patient's level of opioid tolerance, and
specific to an individual's host factors.
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| Cautionary Note |
Oxycodone
should only be used with extreme caution in
the following conditions: acute alcoholism;
Addison's Disease; CNS depression or coma;
delirium tremens; debilitated patients; kyphosocoliosis
associated with respiratory depression; myxedema
or hypothyroidism; prostatic hypertrophy or
urethral stricture; severe impairment or hepatic,
pulmonary or renal function; and toxic psychosis.
Oxycodone usage may obscure the diagnosis
or clinical course in patients with acute
abdominal conditions.
Oxycodone
may aggravate convulsive disorders, and all
opioids may induce or aggravate seizures.
The use of oxycodone with alcohol, other opioids,
or illicit drugs will have an additive effect,
causing central nervous system depression.
Oxycodone
is abused much like other legal or illicit
opioid agonists. This medication has become
widely sought by drug abusers and people with
a history of addiction.
Acute over dosage presents with respiratory
depression, somnolence leading to stupor or
coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and
clammy skin, constricted pupils, bradycardia
(unusually slow heart action), hypotension
and death. Oxycodone over dosage requires
immediate medical attention.
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| Withdrawal |
Hydrocodone
withdrawal is often characterized by over-activity
of the physiologic functions that were suppressed
by the drug and/or depression of the functions
that were stimulated by the drug. Opioids often
cause sleepiness, calmness, and constipation,
so opioid withdrawal often includes insomnia,
anxiety, and diarrhea. Other withdrawal symptoms
include restlessness, sweating, chills, yawning,
muscle pain, teariness, and runny nose. Other
symptoms include: irritability, joint pain,
backache, weakness, abdominal cramps, insomnia,
nausea, anorexia, vomiting, and increased blood
pressure, respiratory rate, or heart rate. |
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Vicodin |
| Description |
Vicodin
is the brand name for the popular painkiller,
hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen.
Hydrocodone bitartrate is an opioid analgesic
and antitussive, occurring as fine, white
crystals or, as a crystalline powder.
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| Indications |
Vicodin
is a phenathrene-derivate opiate agonist, effective
both as an antitussive (anti-cough) agent, and
as an opiate, an effective analgesic for mild
to moderate pain. Five mg of hydrocodone is
equivalent to 30 mg of codeine when administered
orally. 15 mg (1/4 gr) of hydrocodone is considered
equivalent to 10 mg (1/6 gr) of morphine. Hydrocodone
is considered to be like morphine in all respects. |
| Usage |
The
combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone
is available in tablet or capsule form, as well
as liquid, to be taken by mouth. Generally,
it is taken every 4-6 hours as needed (PRN).
The usual dose of Vicodin is 1 or 2 tablets,
up to a maximum of 8 tablets per day. The usual
dose of Vicodin HP® is 1 tablet, up to a maximum
of 6 tablets per day. For Vicodin ES®, the usual
dose is 1 tablet, up to a maximum of 5 tablets
per day. Vicodin can be habit forming or addictive,
and it is imperative that patients take the
medication precisely as prescribed by their
physician.
Do not increase the amount or frequency without
your doctor's approval. Do not take this drug
for any reason other than the one prescribed. |
| Effects |
Vicodin
is a semi synthetic narcotic analgesic and antitussive
with multiple actions qualitatively similar
to those of codeine. Most of these involve the
central nervous system and smooth muscle. The
precise mechanism of action of hydrocodone and
other opiates is not known, although it is believed
to relate to the existence of opiate receptors
in the central nervous system. In addition to
analgesia, narcotics may produce euphoria; drowsiness;
lethargy; relaxation; difficulty in concentrating;
decreased physical activity in some users and
increased physical activity in others; mild
anxiety or fear, and pupillary constriction. |
| Cautionary Note |
Vicodin
may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car, operate
machinery, or perform any other potentially
dangerous activities until you know how this
drug affects you.
Narcotics
such as Vicodin may interfere with the diagnosis
and treatment of abdominal conditions.
Vicodin
suppresses the cough reflex; therefore, be
careful using Vicodin after an operation or
if you have a lung disease.
High
doses of Vicodin may produce slowed breathing;
if you are sensitive to this drug, you are
more likely to experience this effect.
Vicodin
slows the nervous system. Alcohol can intensify
this effect.
Use
Vicodin
with caution if:
You
have a head injury. Narcotics tend to increase
the pressure of the fluid within the skull.
If
you have a severe liver or kidney disorder,
an under active thyroid gland, Addison's disease
(a disease of the adrenal glands), an enlarged
prostate, or urethral stricture.
You
are elderly and/or in a weakened condition.
Vicodin
usage may obscure the diagnosis or clinical
course in patients with acute abdominal conditions.
If
Vicodin
is
taken with certain other drugs, the effects
of either may be increased, decreased, or
altered. It is especially important to check
with your doctor before combining Vicodin
with the following:
Valium
and Librium
Tricyclic
Antidepressants such as such as Elavil and
Tofranil
Cimetidine
Antihistamines
such as Tavist
MAO
inhibitors such as Nardil and Parnate
Major
tranquilizers such as Thorazine and Haldol
Other
narcotic analgesics such as Demerol
Other
central nervous system depressants such as
Halcion and Restoril
Any
medication taken in excess can have serious
consequences. A severe overdose of Vicodin
can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose,
seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
Symptoms of a Vicodin overdose include: Blood
disorders, bluish tinge to skin, cold and
clammy skin, extreme sleepiness progressing
to a state of unresponsiveness or coma, general
feeling of bodily discomfort, heart problems,
heavy perspiration, kidney problems, limp
muscles, liver failure, low blood pressure,
nausea, slow heartbeat, troubled or slowed
breathing, and vomiting.
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Resources
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The National
Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
National Library of Medicine
Partnership for
a Drug-Free America
United States Drug Enforcement
Administration
Purdue Pharma
L.P. (Painfully Obvious)
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Support
Groups
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Advice On
Prescription Medication Addiction
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Education:
Know how medication
for depression, anxiety or pain could be addictive.
The people who get in trouble are those who have
no history of problems and think they're not addicted.
If drugs are abused, the body will build a tolerance
that requires an unhealthy increase in medication..
Symptoms: Prescription drug addiction is subtle
and different in every individual. There could be
a change in mood, sense of well-being, belligerence,
false feeling of confidence, heightened sensitivity
or flat emotions..
Confrontation: Find motivation
and incentives to help the abuser quit. Consider
an intervention with friends and family, get help
from trained professionals or find someone with
influence to sponsor rehabilitation. Create a loving
community of support with firmness against continued
abuse..
Withdraw: During drug
dependence, the brain stops producing natural chemicals
that it was getting from the drug, so withdrawal
can be excruciating. Consult a doctor or medical
personnel to address appropriate levels of medication
and a step-by-step process.
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Common
Symptoms of Addiction
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- False
feelings of self-confidence
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- Changes
in mood, from a sense of well being to belligerence
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- Increased
sensitivity to sights and sounds, including
hallucinations
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- Unpleasant
or painful symptoms when substance is withdrawn
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- Altered
activity levels-such as sleeping for 12-14
hours or frenzied activity lasting for hours
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Common Signs of Overdosing
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Intoxication: Slurred speech,
lethargic, disorientation, loss of balance,
loss of eye contact, impaired motoring skills, loss
of simple coordination.
Unconsciousness:
(Pass-out),
heavy breathing, loud/deep snoring, shallow
breathing, respiratory suppression.
Unresponsive/Lifeless: foaming from
mouth/nose area, cold, stiff to touch, heavy facial/body
discoloration.
Call the National
Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency
help line
at (800) 622-2255, or go online to
http://www.prescriptiondrugaddiction.com/.
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How
To Report Pharmaceutical Crimes
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Citizens: If
you suspect someone is selling prescription medications
or any other controlled substances (drugs) illegally
contact your local law enforcement agency to report
the crime.
Pharmacies/Pharmacist:
If
you suspect that someone has utilized your pharmacy
to obtain and/or attempted to obtain controlled
substances illegally, via the passing of a fraudulent
prescription note or fraudulently calling the pharmacy
posing as a physician’s office, you are required
by law to notify your local authorities. A
simple call to the investigating agency can help
to prevent the illicit distribution of controlled
substances on our streets.
It
is a FELONY to commit these acts, of obtaining
and/or attempt to obtain a controlled substance
by fraud and/or subterfuge.
The Houlton Police Department has experts who coordinate
efforts with other local, state, and federal agencies
to ensure that its citizens are well informed about
the dangers of drug abuse and the deadly affect
it could have on their lives.
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