By Nicole MOORE

On Oct. 25, Rosemont Middle School held a Red Ribbon Awareness event in the school’s auditorium aimed at parents. The purpose of the 90-minute presentation was to inform Rosemont parents of the warning signs of drug abuse and offer available resources in the area.

The event’s first speaker, “Ulysses,” is a business owner and a social worker for the YMCA. Due to childhood trauma, Ulysses began to use drugs and alcohol at an early age as a way to self-medicate. He dealt with drug abuse for eight years until entering a rehab center at the age of 21.

“My dreams and desires were suffocated by an internal struggle. I was dealing with a heavy emotional struggle and mental illness,” said Ulysses.

He urged parents and teachers to have “real conversations” with students who may be misbehaving.

“There is a silent voice behind rude and obnoxious behavior. We need to stand still and listen to the silent voice behind that behavior,” advised Ulysses. “Parents wonder why their children are not communicating. [Their children] are probably dealing with trauma. They behave in a different way to shield [their] hearts because they don’t want someone to hurt them. This behavior can translate into substance abuse.”

Ulysses reminded his audience of the commonality of addiction and requested parents take priority in their own self-care to be a better support system for their children.

“[Drug abuse] is a crisis and epidemic that does not know boundaries, it doesn’t know skin color or whether you’re rich or poor. At one point or another … you might be faced with an instance where a loved one will asked you for help and you’ll see them being dragged. You have to first and foremost ground yourself,” Ulysses said.

The next to speak was Ofc. Joe Allen of the Glendale Police Dept. Allen specializes in narcotics and is a drug recognition expert.

Allen presented a relatively positive outlook regarding teenagers and drugs.

“Very few kids end up using drugs,” he said. “For the most part we just have to make sure they have the right support.”

However, Allen is wary of the increasing discussions to legalize marijuana.

“Our environment is changing … with continued propositions legalizing marijuana,” Allen warned. “Availability increases accessibility.”

Allen showed the audience videos depicting people huffing spray paint and smoking both salvia and butane hash oil. Allen noted the intoxicated individuals on the screen lacked motor skill, experienced a loss of memory retention, had increased heart rates, and increased paranoia.

“We need to teach young people the damage [drugs] can do,” he said.

Pat Ryan, former teacher and guidance counselor for GUSD, spoke on behalf of the local organization Action Family. The program has a 24-hour hotline number, (800) 367-8336, and is located at 2817 E. Foothill Blvd. Pasadena. Action Family holds meetings for parents and teens on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

“Our goal is to help parents who have difficulty with their teens, to take back power in their homes. We also help them with communication and to provide information about the drugs out there,” said Ryan.

Action Family is free to any individual who wishes to join.

  Nicole MOORE