Law enforcement officers say that prescription medications now appear to be the “drug for choice” for abusers in Jackson County.

While marijuana, cocaine and other illegal drugs are still being abused here, methamphetamine (“meth”) appears less prevalent. Aggressive enforcement by area lawmen and new laws which put sudaphedrine medications behind the counter in local drug stores and requires recorded identification of purchasers has put a real dent in the meth community which invaded the county a few years ago.

“I’d say by far prescription medications like hydrocodone and Fentanyl are being abused most these days,” said Chief Deputy Bruce DeWees of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. “While kids might not engage in using other illegal drugs, they see it as socially acceptable to take a pill. As parents, we give them pills for everything as they grow up.”

The overdose deaths of as many as a dozen local young people over the past four years have heightened awareness and spawned the creation of the Jackson County Anti-Drug Coalition chaired by Rhonda Davis.

The JCADC is sponsoring a New Years’s Eve lock-in at Ripley High School , “Project Celebration,” to give young adults a drug-free alternative way to celebrate. The lock-in event, which will feature live music, games and a host of activities, will run from 8 p.m. on New Year’s Even to 6 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Cost is a $6 donation at the door with group discounts available.

For more information, call 273-0909, 542-3869 or email jcoadc@gmail.com.

The Jackson County Board of Education has also adopted a random drug testing policy for students who participate in competitive sports and programs and who drive to school.