Three elementary school students were hospitalized after briefly ingesting what police believe may have been a "methamphetamine-related drug" while at school, authorities said. The incident happened on April 17, 2023, at College Gardens Elementary School in Rockville, Maryland.
The Montgomery County Department of Police reported that Rockville City Police and Montgomery County Police detectives responded to the school when three students became sick after ingesting a container of "blue items" that they thought were candy.
Incidents at College Gardens Elementary School
According to TODAY, the police report stated that the children found a container of "blue items" that they thought were candy and briefly ingested them before spitting them out. The children started to feel dizzy and went to the school nurse before being taken to the hospital as a precaution.
The investigation is still active, and the police have not yet determined the exact substance that the children ingested. However, based on the toxicology of some of the victims, investigators believe that the items may have been methamphetamine-related drugs, such as Adderall or MDMA (ecstasy or Molly), both of which are controlled substances.
According to Chief Marcus Jones, they were relieved that the students were ultimately fine, but in many ways, what happened was frightening.
Jones expresses the desire that the severity of the incident will act as a strong incentive for parents to continue engaging in challenging discussions with their children regarding the hazards associated with consuming or ingesting unfamiliar substances.
Talking to Children About the Dangers of Unknown Substances
The incident at College Gardens Elementary School serves as a stark reminder of the importance of educating children about the dangers of unknown substances.
Parents play a critical role in helping their children understand the risks associated with ingesting or taking substances, especially those that appear harmless, such as candy or other items.
Parents must have open and honest conversations with their children about the risks of consuming food or drink with which they are not familiar. They should explain to their children that not everything that looks like candy is safe to eat and that they should never put anything in their mouths without first checking with an adult.
Moreover, parents should make it clear to their children that sharing food or drink with others can be hazardous, especially when they are not sure what is in it. They should encourage their children to speak up and ask questions when they are unsure about something they have been given or are offered.
Read Also: Pediatric Mental Health Hospitalizations for Suicidal, Self-Harming Behavior Spike Dramatically
What Is Adderall and MDMA?
According to American Addiction Centers, Adderall, methamphetamine, amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine are all stimulant drugs with similar chemical structures and effects on the body. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, leading to increased alertness, focus, and energy.
Adderall is a medication that is available only with a doctor's prescription and is used to treat both narcolepsy and ADHD. When taken as directed by a healthcare provider, it can be an effective treatment. However, when taken without medical supervision or in larger doses than prescribed, it can be highly addictive and harmful. Common side effects of Adderall abuse include insomnia, anxiety, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and mood swings.
The synthetic drug MDMA, which also goes by the names ecstasy and Molly, has the ability to alter both mood and perception. It can produce feelings of euphoria, increased empathy, and heightened sensory perception. MDMA is not approved for medical use and is often used recreationally in social settings.
When taken in high doses or in combination with other substances, MDMA can be dangerous and even lethal. Side effects of MDMA abuse include dehydration, overheating, heart and kidney failure, and even death.
