Cough syrup abuse hits Havana

To Brenda Rothert and the Peoria Journal Star, thank you so much for helping bring this growing problem into the spotlight. Small town America is no longer a safe haven as communities such as Havana have joined larger cities in watching our teens and even pre-teens become addicted to these deadly over-the-counter drugs when taken in large quantities. Parents please know that this is a very popular trend and no families are exempt. Please get involved with your children regarding this issue; you may be saving their lives.

As much as I didn't want my name on the front page of the Journal Star nor did I ever want my name on the same page as Rod Blagojevich.....I would rather be reading that article than my daughter's obituary. To all parents who read the paper today, wake up. Before you know it, a Havana teen is going to die.

Brandee, many would place this under the rug and turn their heads to keep such a dangerous trend quiet for one reason or another. You and others have done the right thing for not only your own family but for all the other children and families out there. This problem and others like it do exist here and in every corner of America. Thanks to people like you other parents now know this to be fact and a danger to the lives of their children. You have bravely done a wonderful thing for those families, thank you.

My phone hasn't stopped ringing since the Journal Star came out. One of my own daughters told me the article made it sound like I was addicted to over the counter meds. Ted, I agree with your first statement, Brenda did a great job and I am sure adults who read it know exactly what she was saying when she wrote "Shelia Coker said she hopes more stores will restrict sales of the medications teens are using to get high in the city. It creates more hassle for those who need them, she said, including her." Another phone call said Brandee was an idiot for having her name in the paper. Well, her daughter, my granddaughter almost died, and her future after she completes the program is still full of uncertainty.

As a parent of 7 children, I remember my kids being teenagers. We had 4 teen girls under one roof at one time. I always believed everything they told me they did or did not do. Mothers, for the most part, are very gullible people. I wanted so bad to trust and believe all of my children. I got very angry when people would say things about my kids, saying "I choose to believe my own children". At one time, a very well meaning person told me one of my teen girls was having sex. I blew up at this person, saying I did not and would not believe that. I asked my daughter and of course she denied it to the point of crying and begging me to believe her......I did
Imagine the "egg on my face" when my daughter turned up pregnant. Today when the entire family gets together I hear horror stories about the things they did and I cannot believe I did not know or even have a hint. Mothers want to believe their children, but let me tell you if are hearing things about your teens you would do well not to believe them, but do some investigating and the truth usually will always be uncovered.

I believed my granddaughter when she said she didn't do anything or take anything, until I saw her in the ER hallucinating, slobbering, and so high she didn't even know where she was.

Another phone call was very positive though. It was a lady who knew Brandee and her kids years ago and she called me to get my granddaughters address so she could send her something. The lady was also in tears because she knew her years ago and just could not believe what had happened.

Coker, Sadly doing the right thing is rarely popular, believe me I can testify to that first-hand. The really sad thing is that I think this is proof that few people are willing to stand up and do the right thing any more. Those who are, like yourself, hopefully find pride in knowing that doing the right thing may never be recognized yet often criticized by those who do not have the compassion or caring for others to speak out. Your brave act of caring about others in the midst of dealing with difficult family times will always be recognized as the right thing to do in the end result. As we know there are young lives in jeopardy out there.

Hello! I am sorry it took awhile for me to get online. I am so grateful that we finally got the article in the paper! Sadly, my son luke is having problems again. I have found out that he is back into drugs again. Tonight, he ran away. I notified the police, and they can't do nothing because luke is now 17 years old. It is now 12:13am and he still isn't home. Just a note about the newspaper article...there is an error about me in there. They said that my son is in rehab now. I don't know if it was typing error or misunderstanding...that my son WAS in rehab. I can't sleep, haven't ate today. It is so hard NOT knowing where ur child is. I am just waiting for a phone call from police...the hospital...who knows.

Funny how Brandee Stacy failed to mention her own drug use. Pill popping. Funny how she also failed to mention the fact that her daughter skipped almost the entire first half of school. Discipline is the key people. You must discipline your children, and keep a watchful eye on them. Just because you want them out of your hair is not a good excuse for drug abuse. Funny how Brandee Stacy also failed to mention the fact that she does not work, therefore had all the time in the world to keep her child from abusing drugs while she was supposed to be in school. Weird huh?

Oh yeah Brandee Stacy 'drug of choice' klonopin illegal prescription from her mothers friend.
that is what her daughter overdosed on, not once but twice. why wasnt that medicine locked up?

Brandee is not a hero or courageous for posting this article. she wants the spotlight. she loves when her children are sick so that she can get attention. she LOVES all of this attention. she LOVES it. what a sad pitiful person. too bad she doesn't use all of this energy for the spotlight and turn it into doing something good for her children.

Bashing Brandee does not help any of her children, especially the one in rehab. I would think you would care more about the kids than to write something like this, knowing they will probably hear about it. It won't be their mother that they will be disgusted with. They will always love her unconditionally. I believe if you were to make some serious inquiries, you would find that my granddaughter taking pills started in Pekin and landed her in Pekin ER for the first time, then unfortunately for her it wasn't the last time. Placing blame for something this serious is for God and small children. It doesn't help, it hinders, and it is hurtful to the children involved. My grandkids are my top priority here and should be everyone else's.

...and thank you so much for your contributions to help the kids of our area deal with this problem.

No bashing, its all the truth!!!! Every bit of it....and everyone knows it. Nasty, disgusting, hateful people.......maybe you and your daughter should practice what you preach. I'm sure the kids will hear about it. Just like they hear a lot of bad things they should NOT hear. The whole truth is that she learned the bad behavior from her mother and other people...um umm..

wow, you must have been sitting by your computer along with your daughter since sunday....didnt take long for a response. again....LOVES the spotlight....instead of Loves the children and cares about well being.

Who would the children be disgusted with? You make no sense???

Im a little taken a back by the comments from "Sadly Mistaken". I think your name fits you "Sadly" because you are VERY mistaken about Brandee and the Coker family. You seem to think you are someone who is privilege to their personal lives and information but "sadly" none of the comments you made were very accurate! Im a long time friend of the Cokers and Brandee is my best friend. She is NOT a drug addict and she doesnt have any illegal prescriptions. Those are statements made by a confused,angry, bitter and empty person.Kicking people when they are down is a sign of a seriously diseased mind! Maybe you should remember back "Sadly" to the first time Brandee's daughter O.D.ed. It was in Pekin under the care of her Father.She took drugs at school and was taken to the hospital. He was a strict disciplinarian and he too failed to keep HER sober.Why couldnt he save her either?So why arent you blaming him?Why do you feel the need to place blame and point fingers at all?. We know who you are and no one is blaming you!Addiction is a disease that afflicts everyone! Brandee was and is without blame in her childs addiction. She doesnt even have alcohol in her house. Her medications( doctor prescribed just like the rest of us) were locked up in a safe. In case you missed out...her daughter shop lifted most of her drugs from neighboring stores or acquired pills and medications from her friends.Also addicts are resourceful most locks wont keep one out!That is what this article and blog are hoping to shed light on...the abuse of over-the-counter mdeications and prescription drugs by teens in our area. This is not about your person vendetta against Brandee and her family. You dont think she is a good Mom then you need to walk in her shoes. Her 3 remaining children are functioning,brilliant students. 2 of her kids are in accelerated classes at school.She must be doing something right. You are the only one who sounds nasty,disgusting and hateful. How dare you mock something that you have no real insight into. You dont even have any kids! I take great offense to people who claim to be Christians and then go around spouting judgements. Remember God will judge you by the same measure. You should just worry about your own little household and stop abusing people. Dont condemn stay at mothers either because I was one for 7 yrs and I would never give that experience up. Im currently looking for work,since i recently moved, and its hard to find these days! Ive got lots of experience and education and jobs are still scarce. You are a mean person. Multiple Doctors,PHD's, counsellors, the courts and law officials have recommneded that Brandee's daughter be in a treatment program. This IS NOT FOR FAME AND GLORY.....its to save a life! Many,many lives if we can get the message out to other parents. What benefit do you get from trying to cause pain to this family? Jealousy,bitterness,hate and malice are your motives so if you cant say something helpful then DONT TALK AT ALL!

Oh, BIGKWEAVER. I just feel sorry for you that Brandee hasn't pooped on you yet. She will....its only a matter of time(if she hasn't already). Trust me it will happen. In fact, you may want to go make sure that your purse is still there. Brandee likes to steal. Thats where her daughter learned it..........like many other bad habits..........

by the way
god will judge me i know that. and it will not be a long list. you'r friend on the other hand, shes gonna be standing there for a very very long time, if she even gets there.

Pride goes before the fall "Sad"! You need to read your bible a little more. Not that its any of your business but Ive known the Cokers and Brandee since around 1988(before you were born I bet) and...well...no "poop" yet. Sorry! No stealing either! You really are a sad, angry little girl arent you? Too bad really...you could be a supportive and helpful person but you are too barren and empty

so here is something helpful. there is no reason a parent should not be able to control there child. there is such thing as dicipline a teeneager should not be aloud out of the house all hours of the night. it is really not that hard if they are stealing you dont let them leave if they are cutting class you take them to school call and make sure they are there every hour and if they are not there you go find them. you have to care and love a child for them not to be bad give them attention and teach them right from wrong. telling a child something doesnt mean anything they learn from their parents actions and if a parent has a drug issue chances are their child will too. seeing is believing. this is just my opinion but i think if more parents paid attention to their kids these problems wouldn't be going on. it all starts with them

Nope I'm not empty or sad. I have a wonderful life. Thank you for asking. : ) Jesus loves me and you and everyone of his children. Thank you Jesus.I am truly happy for you that you are happy.It sounds like you are happy with the life you have made for yourself, as am I with mine. And, you really shouldnt judge either. Especially just from what you hear.

I am very happy with my life. Im very happy with my family.Im happy with my wonderful husband. Im happy with my beautiful child. Im very happy with my spirituality. I am also very happy with my friendship with Brandee. I dont believe I am judging you either...Im just pointing out all the holes in your judgement of Brandee and her child. I dont make judgements on what I "hear" because I am directly involved. It isnt just hearing...its constant contact and care. I love Brandee and her kids and they love me.Im an active part of their lives (unlike certain people)I love and support her as any good friend would.She is always there for me too. What I would never do is lie for her! So when I say that Brandee is not an "illegal drug" user I mean it!That is slander! You dont have the personal relationship that we do.You dont have very accurate information either.You sound jealous and petty. You seem to only have gossip and lies. You are just someone who wants to spread your hate and anger. Im sorry that you cant be happy without ruining someone else. That is very sad!You seem hell bent on trying to muddy the water for her. You seem to need to see her suffer and be humiliated on this public forum. You seem to need the attention more than anyone. She hasnt even replied to your remarks. Im defending her because everyone needs an advocate and friend. Im hers! Oh and STOP hiding behind my Lord and Saviour its truly blasphamy!

To Sadly mistaken.

How can you bash Brandee and grip about her parenting skills? This has NOTHING to do with her daughter's drug abuse. I am in the SAME boat! I am NOT a drug addict either! Yes, I have 4 wonderful sons. All 4 been on the honor roll and never skipped school. My oldest son, graduated high school, and joined the army and CURRENTLY serving over seas to Afghanistan. My 2 youngest son are currently in school, and honor rolls. My 17 year old son headed down the wrong path, got into pot and over the counter drugs, and skipping school. Don't tell me that it's MY parenting skills. So, please don't go blaming the parents. God bless everyone and Merry Christmas!:)

Hi Havana soldiers mother, I am so glad to see a comment from someone who really knows what addiction does to a family. It has nothing to do with parenting, it is a disease. You and your sons continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I was shocked to hear about the braces and what your orthodontist said is very true. I told my granddaughter and she was shocked. She said that your son has told her many times that was something he would never do. I know the people who are supplying this are "flying under the radar" right now, but sooner or later they will get caught. Just an after thought but when my daughters were teenagers, I got the most advice on parenting from women who had no children. Go figure!!!

Hey Ted, why did that post twice? I really did not do that. hmmmmmm Very spooky!!!! I am only posting this once.