The Dangers of Drugs and Kids

I was hit with a shocking phone call yesterday. A mother went in to wake up her 11 year old boy for school along with his 4 other brothers and sisters. When she went to wake up Tony he was dead. After the police, investigators, and coroner left it was determined that Tony overdosed on Methadone.

Methadone is a narcotic pain reliever, similar to morphine. It also reduces withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to heroin or other narcotic drugs without causing the "high" associated with the drug addiction. Taking methadone improperly will increase your risk of serious side effects or death. Even if you have used other narcotic medications, you may still have serious side effects from methadone.

So the question is how did this little boy get Methadone? The police were led to a 13 year old girl who went to school with Tony. When questioned she admitted to giving him 2-4 pills as well as giving pills to other kids in school. When asked how she got the Methadone she told police she stole it out of her Grandma's purse. Can you see where this problem started?

Educating our kids as well as educating parents about the dangers of prescriptions drugs is so important. We are to a point where if we don't do something soon, it may be too late. Get involved. It starts in the home.

Tony was a great kid with a very bright future. He made a senseless mistake and paid the ultimate price. His family is definitely grieving and trying to wrap their brains about this. I had spoken to Tony many times about drugs but I was never specific. Kids don't realize that prescription medication is a drug too.

If you would like to donate to Tony's family he has a memorial account set up at Malvern National Bank under Tony Phillips Memorial.
207 North Oak Street
Sheridan, AR 72150
(870) 942-5191 (voice)
(870) 942-5194 (fax)





Read more: http://www.drugs.com/methadone.html#ixzz0mb2FyEzc

DOT Positive Database for Arkansas

In 2008 Arkansas passed a law that all DOT positive test results are to be reported to the Department of Finance and Administration. They've created a database that allows you to put the drivers CDL number, company they tested for, the test they took and the date is was reported positive. The twist is all companies that follow DOT regulations have to check the database for all new drivers they hire. If that driver is in that database as having a positive drug test then the driver has to either (A) show proof of visiting a DOT recognized SAP as well as a follow up program or one completed or (B) can not drive until the driver can show proof of this. If a driver is in the middle of a follow up program, the company hiring him must continue the follow up program until the SAP says it is complete. So the question here is when it comes to this database, how accurate is it, are all MRO's reporting to it, and are companies even checking it? You can set up an account online to check previous driving records for a set up fee of $75.00 plus $1.00 for every search or you can go downtown and pick one up for $0.50 (last time I checked). For questions regarding this new step in hiring a DOT driver please contact us at 501-661-9992 or AR Department of Finance and Administration.

Welcome to our First Blog!

As businesses grow and the world starts shifting more to technology, we have to start keeping up with the Jones'! Many companies are participating in blogging, social networking, and other ways to keep others informed about their industry. We have a Facebook, a Twitter, and now a Blog! I will attempt daily to blog about something interesting or even services we offer. For any questions regarding our services or for more information please give us a call at 501-661-9992. Our company was founded by 3 nurses in 2006 and is stronger than ever today! We have a great team on board who are constantly updating features and services to keep our happy customers HAPPY! Customer service is our number 1 priority and take pride in our knowledge in our services. Please feel free to post comments or send us an email at info@firstchoice-testing.com. Look forward to blogging to you!