About Us

The IDEA Coalition is a partnership of school/community organizations, governmental agencies, local civic associations, houses of worship, the Islip Chamber of Commerce, the South Shore Community Organization, Syntax, Access at the Town of Islip, the School Board, Islip Administrators, PTSA, the YMCA, Suffolk County Legislator's Office and the COPE Unit of Suffolk County Police Department.

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Drug and Alcohol Facts

What is an Opioid?

Opioids are medications that relieve pain. They are prescribed for a variety of painful conditions. They work to reduce the sending of pain messages to the brain. People who are seriously injured may be prescribed an opioid to reduce their pain. But, they are very easy to become addicted to, and can be easily abused.

What is Heroin?

Heroin is a highly addictive, illegal drug processed from morphine. It is typically sold as a white or brownish powder. Heroin can be snorted, smoked, or injected into the body, and gives a rush of good feelings and happiness. Heroin addicts who use this drug often can quickly become dependent and addicted. Overdosing on heroin is common, and in many cases, leads to death.

Opioids and pain relievers overdose rates have continued to increase over the past five years, and can often work together.

When opioid abusers run out of access to pills, they often turn to heroin as a cheaper alternative.

What is a Vape Pen and a Wax Pen?

An Vape Pen is a battery- operated device designed to deliver nicotine and other chemicals to users, using vapor instead of smoke. They work to have the same effect of a traditional cigarette. However, Vape Pens still contain nicotine (a highly addictive drug) and other harmful chemicals that cause cancer.

Wax Pens however is a device that is used to smoke marijuana and other illegal drugs. The marijuana wax drug, also known as marijuana oil, is highly potent and dangerous. Wax is derived from marijuana plants but can have up to eight times the concentration of THC compared to the buds people typically smoke.

What is Alcohol?

Alcohol is a legal (when over the age of 21), sedative drug that changes the way a person feels when they drink it. Alcohol can come in many different forms including beer, wine, and liquor. When a person consumes alcohol, they may begin to feel more relaxed, and happy. Consuming alcohol can take away a person’s judgement, and can result in bad situations. A person may also suffer from memory loss when drinking a large amount of alcohol. Consuming a large amount of alcohol can also have long lasting, damaging effects to the liver.

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug. Cocaine can have powerful negative effects on the heart, brain, and emotions. Cocaine appears as a white powder, and can be injected or snorted into a person’s body. Cocaine users may describe immediate feelings of energy, and happiness. The use of cocaine comes with a variety of negative side effects including anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. Cocaine is very addictive and is harmful to the brain, heart, and lungs.

What is K2 Spice?

K2 is a synthetic marijuana. it is marketed as incense and has effects like crack/cocaine. These chemicals are called cannabinoids because they are related to chemicals found in the marijuana plant. In fact, they may affect the brain much more powerfully than marijuana; their actual effects can be unpredictable and, in some cases, severe or even life-threatening.

What is a Juul/Suorin?

A Juul is a device that can resembles a USB flash drive. A Suorin is also a inhalant device that is the size of a credit card. The refills for the Juuls are called pods. At high temperatures, these can transform the oil into dangerous toxins. One Juul pod refill is approximately equivalent to 1 pack of cigarettes or 200 puffs. Each Juul pod contains 0.7mL with 5% nicotine by weight. Suorin however contain more nicotine then a Juul pod. These products have a highly concentrated nicotine vaporizer which underage kids use to get a buzz. The chemical in these devices can be substituted for illegal drugs and the chemical causes cancer.

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana is a greenish-gray mixture of dry, shredded leaves and flowers of the cannabis sativa. Marijuana users smoke marijuana in hand-rolled cigarettes, water pipes, or marijuana cigars. The main chemical in marijuana is called THC. Smoking marijuana can make a person feel “high”. Feelings of happiness, enhanced sensations, and mild hallucinations/visions are common side effects of the drug. Smoking marijuana can harm a person’s memory, and can cause damage to your lungs resulting in bronchitis and long term illnesses.

What is Ecstasy?

Ecstasy most commonly comes in pill form but can also be injected and taken in other ways. Liquid Ecstasy is actually GHB, a nervous system depressant—a substance that can also be found in drain cleaner, floor stripper and degreasing solvents.

What is Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs used to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety and insomnia. They are one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States, particularly among elderly patients.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a schedule II prescription drug, and it is typically used to treat patients with severe pain or to manage pain after surgery. It is also sometimes used to treat patients with chronic pain who are physically tolerant to other opioids. Fentanyl sold on the street can be mixed with heroin or cocaine, which markedly amplifies its potency and potential dangers.

Mission Statement

The Islip Drug Education Awareness (IDEA) Compass Coalition, in partnership with school/community organizations, local civic associations, governmental agencies, houses of worship, the Islip Chamber of Commerce, and the COPE Unit of the Suffolk County Police Department, will seek and plan appropriate activities to offer to the youth of the hamlet of Islip with the intentions of: providing education and awareness of dangerous substances and behaviors, offering them safe activities during times when they are not in school, and empowering them to make healthy choices that result in a substance-free lifestyle.