Forum tackles latest designer drugs at Brazil on April 23

BRAZIL -- A 2012 Indiana Prevention Resource Center Survey indicates that about six percent of Indiana 12th-graders have tried the designer drug ecstasy.

Designer drugs are created to have similar effects as hallucinogens or narcotics but evade the current restrictions to illegal substances. Designer drugs include K2, spice and bath salts.

In response to the growing number of designer drugs, the Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) is hosting a forum for youth serving organizations that will explore the drugs' impact on children.

The forum will feature Noah Coley, a counselor at Hamilton Center, who will discuss substances commonly abused by children and adults, including designer drugs. Coley also will explain how drugs affect the mind and body, signs and symptoms of drug use, and current treatment options.

The forum will run from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 at the YMCA of Clay County, 225 E. Kruzan St., Brazil.

As part of IYI's Youth Worker Café program, the forum is free and lunch will be served, but reservations are required by Monday, April 22. RSVP at www.iyi.org/YWC.

Reservations can also be made by contacting IYI West Central field representative Katie McGaughey via email at kmcgaughey@iyi.org or via phone at (855) 859-0292.

For more information, persons may contact McGaughey at (866) 426-6568 or kmcgaughey@iyi.org.