Sussex Co. Cops, Experts Help Adults Recognize Teen Drug Use

SPARTA, NJ — Community health agencies and law enforcement in Sussex County are coming together Wednesday evening to educate adults on how teen drug use may be hidden in plain sight.

A presentation called "Hidden in Plain Sight" will be featured virtually on March 23 at 7 p.m. The Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities has collaborated with the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office, County of Sussex, and Franklin Police Department to provide a presentation suitable for parents and other adult community members who work with or care about young people. Its goal is to prevent youth drug misuse.

"Did you recently find a vape in your child's pocket or read a text about pods or puff bars and wondered what that’s about? Seemingly 'innocent' items commonly used by youth could actually indicate a substance use problem," a flyer about the presentation said.

The presentation will allow adults to be more proactive in helping a young person who might be using alcohol or other drugs, a police department social media post explained.

The post asks parents and adults, "Would you be able to recognize signs of use and intervene before they become impossible to ignore?"

Prevention specialists will talk about drug trends and how to prevent youth substance use disorders and will provide information about resources available to help keep youth healthy.

"Hidden in Plain Sight" will equip parents and community members with the knowledge to look past the obvious and become aware of the signs and symptoms of drug misuse.

This program is sponsored by The Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities and the Wallkill Coalition. Preregistration is required, and only adults may participate, the statement from police said. The link for registration is here.

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