Drug swaps on rise

Last modified: Thursday, July 12, 2007 9:57 AM CDT

Drug swaps on rise

By The Chippewa Herald

It’s not prevalent yet in the Chippewa Valley, but two experts say the practice of prescription drug swapping by youths is on the rise.

There are what’s called “Pharm parties,” when a variety of prescription drugs are placed in bowl that is then passed around, said Betty Kleemeier, director of Pathways in Chippewa Falls.

She’s one of a panel of experts set to talk at the 2007 Community Forum on Alcohol/Drug and Mental Health Issues. The free forum is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Best Western Trail Lodge and Suites, 3340 Mondovi Road in Eau Claire.

Most of the time drug swapping is more informal, said Chippewa Falls Police Chief Wayne Nehring.

“It is just a flip-flop trade or swap ... You contribute and you get to take,” he said of the trend.

“They are essentially taking a drug in the blind,” Nehring said.

Kleemeier said the practice appeals to high school-aged youths.

A few years ago, the Chippewa Valley had to make a determined effort to fight the rise in the use of meth.

“Right now other drugs have picked up,” said Kleemeier, whose agency offers substance abuse prevention and intervention services.

But the underlying drug in the Chippewa Valley continues to be alcohol, Kleemeier said. It’s the base for other drug problems, she said.

“Once they have alcohol in their bodies, common sense goes out the window,” she said.

Kleemeier said she hopes Thursday’s forum will help the public understand the broad spectrum of concerns around substance abuse, including mental health issues.

She plans to speak on new research on brain development, and how that may affect drug abuse.

Other scheduled panelists include include a representative of Serenity House in Chippewa Falls, and Tom Fuchs of the L.E. Phillips Libertas Center in Chippewa Falls.

They will be joined by, among others, Eau Claire County Sheriff Ron Cramer and Pam Haukness of Arbor Place in Menomonie.

Leading the discussion will be Dr. Cardwell C. Nuckols of Orlando, Fla. He has written 30 books and more than 50 medical journal articles and has appeared in 38 DVDs, CDs and videos. He has consulted for Boeing, Dupont, General Motors, Stouffers, Ford Motor Company and United Airlines, and has served as a trainer for the FBI.