Parents Warned About Dangers Of Teen Drug Use

Drug and alcohol use in high schools is a problem across the United States. At a special PTSA presentation at Quince Orchard High School on Tuesday night, parents were reminded that their school is no different.

Parents heard from both a drug enforcement detective and a mother who's son was killed as a result of his use of marijuana about the importance of staying vigilant.

"We have a responsibility to our kids and our kids friends," said Montgomery County Detective Richard Grapes. "It is everybody's responsibility; if you hear a rumor, see a text, engage your child in a conversation."

Grapes began by showing a powerpoint presentation of the different kinds of drugs parents should look out for, including marijuana, cocaine and pharmaceuticals.

As marijuana has become more visible in the media, he said many parents do not take teen use as seriously as they should.

"I hear a lot of parents say, 'I smoked pot in college, I'm a hypocrite to get mad at my kid for doing the same thing'," Grapes said. "Let me tell you something, the marijuana these days has 400 times the amount of THC as the stuff at Woodstock. It's like comparing apples to oranges."

Even though marijuana is not as lethal as other drugs, it can be just as dangerous as mother Maria Solaun shared in her emotional presentation following Grapes introduction.

In 2005 her son Bijan was murdered while trying to buy marijuana in Bethesda. It was the night before he was supposed to attend his freshman year orientation at the University of Maryland.

She said he had been a casual user of marijuana since his sophomore year at Gonzaga College High School, but "was never a pothead." Over the next two years, she said she sent him to drug rehab therapy and even called the police once when she found out he had been dealing.

Solaun told the crowd how Bijan had two younger sisters and loving parents and he was a National Honor Society student. He left the house to go out on the evening of July 17. Solaun said she later learned he was going to buy marijuana. But it was a set up, the men Bijan planned to buy drugs from had planned to rob him. When Bijan fought back and ran from the car, one of them shot Bijan in the head.

Solaun said she now feels that it is her mission to tell other parents about the real dangers of marijuana.

"Alcohol can make you crash into trees, but marijuana puts you in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people," she said. "Marijuana denied me the chance to see my son graduate from college, go to his wedding and meet his first child."

At Quince Orchard High School, parents have a few options if they suspect their child or another student is using drugs. Grapes said any suspicioun should be reported to him and he will always keep the informant's identity anonymous.

Additionally, parents, staff or students can contact the Student Assistance Program about a specific concern.

Susan Soulé, who heads the program, said when she receives a referal that a student may be abusing drugs or alcohol, she goes through a confidential checklist with each of the student's teachers or coaches at the school. If the results come back signalling a problem, she contacts the parents.

The parent will have the option to come in to discuss the findings with Soulé in person or over the phone, she said. After she informs the parents, she said she closes the case and shreds all documents.

"It's a tool that Montgomery County Public Schools approves," said Soulé, the goal is to get help to the student. I don't go to the administration or a counselor."

Parents can email Susan Soulé at susan_e_soule@mcpsmd.org. Detective Richard Grapes can be reached by phone at (301) 840-2500 or email at richard.grapes@montgomerycountymd.gov.