COLUMBUS, Ind. — The world of recreational drugs is much larger and more dangerous than it was when baby boomers and Generation X were growing up.
That was a part of the message heard by about 50 people Wednesday at a presentation at The Commons delivered by Jermaine Galloway, who retired after 18-years as an Idaho police officer. Today, he trains about 60,000 individuals annually on the ever-evolving drug culture and the dangers to youth. His visit was sponsored by the Bartholomew County Substance Abuse Council.
Often referred to as “Tall Cop” because of his 6-foot-9-inch frame, Galloway talked about unusual forms of drugs, especially vapes, that are likely unknown to many adults.
Some of Galloway’s presentation took the audience off-guard. For example, he said he had confirmed there have been overdose deaths in Bartholomew County connected with a medicine used to treat diarrhea known as Imodium. He was actually referring to all medicines that contain an ingredient call Loperamide.
When used in excess, Loperamide works just like an opioid, Galloway said. In fact, it has been referred to as the “poor man’s methadone,” Galloway said.
Another surprising revelation was that there are fourth and fifth graders using juices, vapes and other items containing mind-altering drugs with flavors ranging from cherry and grape to cotton candy.
But Galloway also said he wanted to put this into proper perspective. He stressed that the majority of children (80%) don’t do drugs.
“Don’t believe someone who says ‘everybody is doing it’,” he said. “Believe me, everybody is not doing it. Yes, we need to be concerned, but the problem is not as bad as it could be.”
For the complete story and more photos, see Friday’s Republic.
