The Facts, Effects, and Dangers of Benzodiazepines

The Hidden Dangers of Benzodiazepines

Methuen Public Schools would like all students and families to be aware of the harmful effects of benzodiazepines. No person should be using benzodiazepines unless prescribed by a medical professional. Abuse of "benzos" can lead to long-term effects including lack of energy and interest in doing every day activities, irritability, memory loss, headaches, and depression. It is critical that all students and families are aware of the dangers of this highly addictive drug.  

Wellness/Health Curriculum website

Methuen High School-Jackie Rubino I am the SADD advisor for Methuen High School as well as the Comprehensive Grammar school. As a high school student, I was an active member of the SADD program and truly believed in helping to make my school a healthier, more positive environment. The group worked towards drunk- driving awareness and the prevention of unhealthy activities within the school walls. Today, students are faced with even more challenges.  As a 9th grade English teacher, I see what occurs on a day to day basis in the classroom and hallways of the school. They face constant temptation and persuasion from peers both in school, out of school and on social media. The mission of the high school and CGS SADD groups is to provide the students with fun and healthy activities, both within the school walls and around the community. We have bi-monthly meetings at the high school and weekly meetings at the CGS to discuss issues within the school, plan activities after school and on the weekends, and, in general, have a place to go with like-minded peers. All are welcome to attend meetings and activities, and I especially encourage parents and guardians to attend our out of school activities. If you have any questions at all about the SADD program at the high school or CGS, please feel free to contact me at jerubino@methuen.k12.ma.us.

Prevention strategies used by MPS staff and Dean Brouder 

• Episode 1 "SADD" (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Guest: Jackie Rubino- Jackie has been a member of the Methuen High School staff for about 7 years. As well as being  the advisor for MHS SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) since she began teaching! In this episode, Jackie gives us a breakdown of the prevention model, what SADD is and what it means and a little background into her life about her relative who struggled with substance  abuse.
• Episode 2 Guest: Anthony Sediri- Anthony had it good, or so we all thought. He wasn't part of a messed up family. He did not grow up in the projects. He grew up in a good area of North Andover. He was a straightedge high school sophomore, until he began drinking and using drugs at parties. Bottle after bottle, pill after pill, Anthony became addicted. Worse came to worse and he landed himself in jail. Now, Anthony is back on his feet, married and has a baby girl. In this episode, we learn how a normal high schooler gets caught up in the wrong crowd and makes bad decisions, leading him to the worst possible thing he could imagine. 
• Episode 3 Guest: Shane Godek-Shane is currently a senior at Methuen High School. He has been a member of SADD for 5 years, beginning in 8th grade at the Tenny Grammar School. In this episode, this high school senior dispels the myth that all kids use substances, or drugs as parties and social events. Shane gives us some background on his life and how he was raised, pointing him in a positive direction for the future. He also gives us a glimpse into what colleges he has applied to and where he has been accepted. We wish you the best of luck, Shane! 
• Episode 4 Guest: Patty Comeau-In this episode, we meet the School Nurse Leader, Patty Comeau. Patty tells us about the role the nurses play in the support of students struggling and dealing with addiction, mental illness, bullying, and/or substance abuse, etc. We learn that Patty has been a nurse with Methuen Public Schools for about 24 years. We also learn that there are two other nurses that assist Patty that are available during the day at the high school. Tune in to find out more information!
• Episode 5 Guest: Anthony Curet
• Episode 6 Guest: John Crocker
• Episode 7 Guest: Jeff Osgood
• Episode 8 Guest: Tom Walters -In this episode. we meet the Fine Arts Department Chair, Tom Walters. Tom gives us a taste of what the new Methuen High School has to offer in the Fine Arts Department. Tom tells us of the various activities and festivals the MHS Fine Arts Department does within the 2014-2015 school year.Episode 9 Guest: 
• Episode 9 Guest: Steven Crowell-In this episode of "Lets Talk with Dean Brouder" Dean discusses with Steven Crowell from the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center the hot topic of Narcan. He talks about the effects of Narcan and what it does to reverse the symptoms or an opiate overdose.’’
•  Season 2 Episode 1 Guest: Doug Griffin:  Dean Brouder talked with Doug Griffin, father from New Hampshire who lost his daughter Courtney to a drug overdose. He discusses the difficult times his entire family went through In the hopes he has an opportunity to educate and help others through similar situations. Doug and his family hope to open a sober house in Courtney's name.
• Season 2 Episode 2 Guest: Chuck Rosa:  Dean Brouder Invites Chuck Rosa from New Hampshire, Who has lost two sons to accidental drug overdose.  Chuck and his family decided to turn this tragedy Into non-profit organization  "Chucky's Fight."   The primary focus is to educate Teens and young adults about the dangers of substance abuse.  For more information, please visit www.chuckysfight.com
• Season 2 Episode 3 Guest:  Evelyn Rodriguez from the Methuen/ Lawrence Substance Abuse Coalition
• "Season 2 Episode 4 Guest: Colleen Welch “Haven of Hope”
• Season 3 Episode 1 Guest: Amanda Aziz-Dean Brouder Interviews Amanda Aziz-,  "a graduate of Methuen High School about  how the Methuen chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) played a role in her success. They also discuss her future plans and ambitions of being a college-level educator."
•  Season 3 Episode 2 Guest: Maryanne Frangules-Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR)- Maryanne Frangules, The executive director of MOAR explains in detail what the organization’s mission is and she explores some initiatives which Massachusetts is involved in. They provide education and awareness of the current epidemic of overdoses currently in the state. For more information visit the MOAR website.
• Season 3 Episode 3 Guest: Jeff Bellistri "The Role PBIS Plays in  Creating A Positive Learning Environment"
•  Season 3 Episode 4 Guest: Joshua Rogato “Positive Life Choices”
• Season 3 Episode 5 Guest: Kevin Hatch"Methuen High School Produces Very Special People. Overcoming Obstacles"
• Season 4 Episode 1 Guest Michael Gorman MHS Graduate Paying it Forward. Dean's speaks with former Methuen High School graduate about the way he chooses to pay it forward to help other less fortunate people in our community. His organization called The movement Family can be reached at the information here.
• Season 4 Episode 2 Guest Gina Currao She spoke regarding her struggle with substance abuse and how she has used those experiences to turn her life around and positive and very productive lifestyle. Gina speaks about how Methuen public schools and has had a tremendous positive impact in her life.

Informational Websites/ Policies

Community Education and Substance Abuse Services (This list is intended to provide our community with information related to all matters concerning substance abuse.)