It is an issue the superintendent of the Camdenton School District wants people to know it is taking seriously.
In the past few weeks, three teenagers including two in Camden County have been treated for a drug overdose after taking a clear liquid being referred to as “acid”.
Disguised in over-the-counter eye dropper bottles, the harmala alkaloid substance has been found on the school district’s campus.
Earlier this week, a round of letters describing the drug and its effects were sent home. In grades preschool through sixth grade, the letters were sent home with the students. For all grades above, the letters were placed in the mail for home delivery.
Overlander said the letter was an educational campaign for parents.
The letter reports how harmala alkaloid is found in certain imported plants and is considered to be a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. An uncontrolled dosage can cause a hallucinogenic effect. It can also be fatal.
MAO inhibitors interact with tyramine, a chemical found in many drugs, medications, food and drinks, including smoked meats, chocolate, alcohol and some cheeses. Mixing the two can potentially raise a person’s blood pressure to life-threatening levels.
Students are getting high by placing the drops under their tongue or in their eye. The high apparently lasts from six to eight hours.
They’re selling the substance, known as acid, at $5-$10 a drop.
Also in the letter, physical and behavioral signs of using the drug are listed.
Overlander said the response to the letter from parents has been positive.
“They’re really appreciative. The parents who didn’t find out about this through a different way, from the newspaper or another parent and are only realizing that it exists, they are the most appreciative,” Overlander said.
The district also utilized its calling system to notify parents about the letter.
“Our intent is to let people, parents and students, know what the dangers are, what to watch out for,” Overlander said.
According to the high school’s policy manual, a student caught in possession or in attendance under the influence, faces up to 180 days of out-of-school suspension for the first offense.
A first time offender caught distributing also faces up to 180 days of out-of-school suspension.
Overlander said the phrasing does allow some flexibility with sentencing a student, but it doesn’t mean he won’t push for the maximum.
For second and other repeat offenders, the punishment increases in severity up to and including expulsion from school.
It is the district’s policy that all medications, including over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements and vitamins, be kept in the nurse’s office.
Contact this reporter at deannaw@lakesunleader.com
Camden County, Mo. —
