New drugs affect children in Dallas and surrounding areas

  • Published
  • By Victoria Brayton
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Far from the common yellow and orange dairy product, "Cheese" in the Dallas-Fort Worth area refers to a new drug made of Black Tar Heroin and Tylenol PM, or its generic brands.

The highly addictive tan-colored powder is usually packaged in small bindles or baggies and snorted through the nose, with dangerous consequences. An overdose of the drug or its use in combination with other depressants can result in respiratory arrest and even death.

Staff Sgt. Robert Major, non-commissioned officer in charge of resource protection, said Cheese has been around for almost two years in the Dallas area, but he has yet to see it locally.

"There's quite a bit of concern," he said, referring to the possibility of the drug becoming popular near Wichita Falls.

To prepare for and prevent such drug abuse, Sergeant Major said local schools and educators have been trained by the Wichita Falls Police Department on what it looks like, how it is being used and the common symptoms.

For example, some physical symptoms of use include drowsiness, disorientation and excessive thirst. Parents and teachers may also notice sudden changes in school grades and friends.

Someone going through withdrawal can experience mood swings, insomnia, headaches, chills, nausea, muscle spasms and anxiety. These symptoms may begin within a few hours of use and last up to five or six days.

Similarly, concern rises for "Strawberry Meth." This is another drug becoming popular with children in schools as it looks and smells just like strawberry pop rocks. In addition to strawberry, it is also available in chocolate, peanut butter, cola, cherry, grape and orange variations.

Capt. William Moore, program manager for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Treatment, said ADAPT generally focuses on active duty members, but offers other resources for anyone affected by Cheese, Strawberry Meth or any other substance abuse. He said TRICARE will fund treatment downtown for alcohol or drug abuse for dependents and that Sheppard's ADAPT program looks primarily to Red River Recovery Center for their local referral.

"If there is a dependent, a family member who has a problem with drugs, they certainly can come to us for a referral and we'll get them connected," he said.

For parents who might not know how to speak to their children about drug abuse, Captain Moore recommended Military One Source, which offers a plethora of information for the military community as well as a counselor available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.