Galloway said one of the most alarming trends is the prevalence of vaping among teenagers. “A lot of people think of vaping as just nicotine, but what’s actually inside those devices is often something much stronger,” he said. “Many students are unknowingly consuming high-potency THC, synthetic cannabinoids, or even fentanyl-laced products.”
He added that many young people view vaping as harmless, despite the health risks and potential for addiction. “Ten years ago, you didn’t see vapes in schools,” Galloway said. “Now, they’ve become an epidemic. The number of kids using them is staggering.”
Galloway emphasized that drug concealment has become more sophisticated, with items disguised as everyday objects. He displayed stash compartments embedded in clothing, power strips, and even seemingly innocent water bottles, all designed to hide illicit substances. “Most parents and even some professionals have no idea how easy it is for kids to conceal drugs,” Galloway said. “There are stash compartments in everything — water bottles, power strips, even hoodie strings. The market for these products is booming, and they’re readily available online.”
“There is no city that is exempt from these issues,” he said. “If there was, we’d all want to live there. Fentanyl is everywhere, Delta-8 is everywhere, kratom is everywhere. Whether it’s Amarillo or Austin, these substances are present and being used.”
He also highlighted the increasing presence of psychedelics and designer drugs, including mushrooms and synthetic hallucinogens. “Five years ago, you rarely saw psychedelics in schools,” he said. “Now, we’re finding students experimenting with mushrooms, designer hallucinogens, and other substances that were once considered uncommon.”
Galloway urged parents, educators, and community leaders to have frequent, open conversations with young people about substance use and to stay informed about evolving drug trends. “Kids are having conversations about drugs every day, whether it’s with their friends, on social media, or through advertisements,” Galloway said. “If we’re only talking to them about it once a year, we’re way behind.”
He also stressed that early intervention is critical. “The biggest takeaway is to take the small stuff seriously,” he said. “If we address the little things early on, we can prevent bigger problems down the road.”
