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Location: Twin Falls, ID (83301)
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Drugs and Alcohol: An Ever-Changing Culture

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By Brittany Cooper

Twin Falls, Idaho (KMVT-TV) Think you know everything about the drug and alcohol culture? Chances are you don't.

Manufacturers consistently come up with new products and the trends are always changing, no matter the age. But one class is hoping to educate the community and keep them updated on this culture.

Parents, if you have small children, some of the products shown here reference drugs or alcohol.

From t–shirts to energy drinks to logos, all purchases made by law Enforcement Officer and Presenter of the course, Jermaine Galloway.

And you may ask, why?

Well, he bought these items because they promote drugs or alcohol.

Galloway says, "many of these items weren't there 20 or 30 years ago and they're here now and look like a standard everyday item."

And some parents don't have a clue these exist or the message they're sending.

"In some cases, the parents aren't involved, in other cases, the parents are involved and don't even know because they're so detached," adds Galloway.

One of the participants taking the class is Montpelier Police Officer, Jeffrey Marx.

"I learned a lot about logos. I was not aware of that was related to the drug situation in the state..the sandals have hidden compartments with bottle openers i didn't even know they exist," says Marx.

What are the current problems?

Debbie Thomas, Clinical Director, Walker Center says, "there's so much innovation and excitement in drugs and alcohol and rock and roll that parents aren't aware of and that once they get hooked into the culture, it's really hard to change."

For Galloway, marijuana is number one followed by synthetic drugs such as spice. Underage drinking still remains an issue.

"I think parents don't realize that kids are going to start drinking alcohol, then move on to something else," adds Galloway.

Galloway hopes the participants will walk away with knowledge they can utilize at their job or in some cases, their home.

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