Andy Vaughan
andyv@isb.ac.th
Dear Parents and Students,
As we prepare to enjoy this festive time of year and the celebrations that accompany it, we wanted to share a concern amongst high school counselors and administration regarding what we believe is a small number of students that are experimenting with substances. Along with other international schools in the region, we have seen evidence of the use of inhalants (i.e. nitrous oxide and foot spray) and prescription drugs such as Tramadol (a synthetic opioid) and Xanax (a benzodiazepine). Many of these drugs are highly addictive and easily accessible to our students at local pharmacies.
This trend is not limited to ISB and we are aware this exists in schools around the globe and definitely within other international schools in Bangkok. According to a recent article in the New York Times (29 November), “Synthetic drugs tend to be more deadly than prescription pills and heroin for two main reasons. They are usually more potent, meaning small errors in judgment can lead to an overdose. The blends of synthetic drugs also tend to change frequently making it easy to underestimate the strength of the drug….”
Students, if you are concerned about a friend’s substance use please encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult. Most important, if you are in a situation together and your friend is in a compromised state due to the overuse of drugs and/or alcohol, please seek immediate help. Sometimes the fear of getting in trouble stops teens from reaching out to adults. Don’t let this stop you from doing the right thing. Your friend’s life might depend on it. Parents, if you have any concern for a student, please contact a counselor or administrator directly.
Parents, we know that protective factors can help kids make healthy choices throughout life. Your voice carries a great deal of weight in your child’s life. Honest and non-judgmental conversations about the risks associated with drug use are important. Included here is a helpful article on how to speak with your kids about the dangers of opioids.
7 Tips for Talking to Your Kids About the Lethal Dangers of Opioids:
Here is a helpful reference related to the use of opioids:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iSevs9bUvOK2ysZzQupBK0PP2ZOPak7b/view?usp=sharing
In addition, we have included a reference related to the use of inhalants: https://store.samhsa.gov/system/files/pep18-04.pdf
It’s not easy finding the balance in promoting autonomy and independence while also setting boundaries and rules. Knowing what is going on with your child as it relates to matters of safety is a non-negotiable. We encourage you to have ongoing conversations and to set up some safe practices that support your child. One such practice is the no questions asked promise from parents to come pick up your child after they send a text code, this provides your child with an out in difficult situations. While the holiday season is a time for family and socializing, knowing your children’s whereabouts, being sure that they are safe, and maintaining open communication with them (and their friends’ parents) will be the most certain way that you and your family can be sure that the holiday season is a healthy and safe one.
As always, please feel free to reach out to your counselors and administration at school if you have any questions or concerns about the health and safety of your child.