Teaming Up Against Substance Abuse

Professor Gulu’s
TEAMING UP AGAINST
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
An Adolescent Drug Abuse Story
by
Karl A. Floyd,
M.Ed., LPC, ABMPP
UNIVERSAL TIME RELEASE PUBLISHING, LL C.

P.O. Box 18063
Sugar Land, Texas 77496
Teaming Up Against Substance Abuse
This book belongs to:
(My Name)
All Rights Reserved

Copyright © 2008 by Universal Time Release Publishing, LLC
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording, or by any information
storage or retrieval system without permission in writing
from this publisher.
ISBN # 978 1 60643 156 6

Printed in the United States of America
First Edition
For information or to order additional books, please write:

UNIVERSAL TIME RELEASE PUBLISHING, LLC.
P.O. Box 18063
Sugar Land, Texas 77496
U.S.A
2
Contents
1. My Big Break ………….…..…….. 13
2. Freaking Out ………...……...……. 21
3. Sobering Up ....…….………..……. 25
4. Like Father, Like Son ……………... 31
5. Out of Control ..…….……….…… 37
6. More Than a Dream …….…….…… 39
7. Someone Needs You ……………... 47
8. Enough is Enough .…….…….…….. 55
9. Breaking Free …….………………... 65
10. The Men in Blue …………………. 71
Quizzes, Slang Names and Drug Effects,

Symptoms of Drug Abuse, and Helpful
Resources …………….…………... 75
3
Professor Gulu
MORAL AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Teaching children from early and middle childhood
to adolescence how to respond and make informed
decisions under pressure is the hallmark of Professor
Gulu’s moral and character development learning series.
Each song and book is skillfully crafted to promote
insight and understanding, stimulate creative thinking,
and to equip youth with effective problem-solving skills.
And most importantly, the book and music learning
series has been made affordable for nearly every
family.
Therefore, thank you in advance for supporting
Professor Gulu’s initiative to ensure that every
youth has the opportunity to learn, grow, and to
reach his or her full potential.
4
A Message from Professor Gulu
Who you are and what you’re capable of

accomplishing in life can be totally ruined by
alcohol and drug abuse. Show that you value your
life, health, family, and friendships by making
wise decisions. Walk away from those who
encourage you to abuse alcohol and drugs, and
talk with your parents, teachers, and counselors
regularly about day-to-day concerns, problems
and issues.
Remember, PLAY IT SAFE!
5
Professor Gulu’s
NATIONAL CHILD SAFETY CAMPAIGN

Book and Cerebrophonic Music Collection
Professor Gulu’s book and online Cerebrophonic
mus ic learning series is considered one of the most
spectacular child safety programs on the market,
with sensational online mus ic and literacy tools
leading the way to revolutionizing child safety
education and community health.

6
With a focus on fostering positive parent-child
interaction and increasing quality time between family
me mbers, Professor Gulu’s educational series provides
opportunities to strengthen family relations and deepen
youth insight and understanding on important safety
issues. In addition, the stories reflect real-life
situations, include quizzes, critically important
parent-child safety tips, and helpful family
resources. Each book is also accompanied by
skillfully crafted songs that listeners can enjoy
anytime, anyplace, and anywhere on Professor Gulu’s
Online Music Learning Center.
Whether it’s tackling fire safety, Internet
predators, gang violence, seat belt safety, or type 2
7
diabetes and obesity, Professor Gulu’s National
Child Safety Campaign is sure to equip children,
parents, and educators with the strategies and knowledge
necessary to help overcome a multitude of dangerous
and unhealthy behaviors.
And finally, with special emphasis on
developing healthy social, moral, educational and
physical lifestyles, Professor Gulu child safety book
and online Cerebrophonic music learning series is
sure to entertain, educate, and motivate young minds
of all interests and from all walks of life.
THANK YOU for helping us promote child safety.
Professor Gulu Enterprises
8
Illustrated by:
Leonard Williams
and
Waajid Branding & Marketing
9
10
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to express the deepest appreciation
to my beautiful wife, Ann Branch-Floyd,
whose guidance, encouragement, and faith
challenged me to reach new heights. Without her
inspiration and persistent help, this book and the
entire Professor Gulu learning series would not
have been possible.
I would also like to thank Bilal Waajid of Waajid
Branding & Marketing for laying out the book cover
design.
Finally, very special thanks to First Editing,
Inc., and my aunt, Barbara Wright Coleman of
Albany, Georgia, for editing and proofreading.
11
12
My Big Break
The last strip of crispy fried bacon was
removed from the frying pan as Bobby, a tall and
slender seventeen-year-old African-American male,
headed down the stairway.
“Breakfast is ready,” his mother beckoned him
politely.
Bobby’s mother, Mrs. Sanders, worked for a
13
local bookstore, and she made it her business to
have Bobby read at least one book every month.
Bobby’s father, Mr. Sanders, was a grumpy
and ill-tempered auto mechanic who serviced cars
in their backyard and complained about bills.
“Good morning, son,” his father said, spreading
raspberry jam on his hot buttered toast.
“Good morning,” Bobby replied, sitting down at
the breakfast table. “Our coach informed the
team that three college scouts will be at the
game tomorrow. This may be my big
break, and possibly an opportunity for a
scholarship,” Bobby explained, staring straight at
his father.
14
Suddenly, his father began to laugh.
“What’s so funny?” Bobby asked his father.
Mr. Sanders seemed very amused by his son’s
wishful thinking.
“Come on. You? A scholarship? You must be
dreaming!” his father responded.
“John! Don’t be so hard on the boy,” his wife
complained.
“Honey, a little truth won’t hurt the kid. After
all, whose fault is it that he didn’t break the
school’s record last week? Just one basket away
and he couldn’t make it!” his father exclaimed.
Bobby jumped up from the table and burst into
tears.
15
“Okay! So I didn’t break the record! But
we won the game…we won!” he cried out
painfully. “Nothing is ever good enough for
you! Nothing!” Bobby shouted as he ran to
his room.
“John, you can’t continue to talk to him that
way,” his wife commented.
“Honey, I just don’t want the kid to grow up
believing in something that will never happen,”
he said.
“Why? Because it didn’t happen for you?” she
confronted her husband. “Sweetheart, you were a
great baseball player, but you had a choice, and
you chose drugs and alcohol. And now it’s
16
Bobby’s turn, and you’re afraid to support him
because you didn’t have the guts to go for it,”
she expressed angrily.
Mr. Sanders stood up, reached across the table,
and slapped the spoon out of his wife’s hand.
“How dare you talk that crap to me,” he
grumbled, pointing his finger in her face.
Her eyes gleamed with fear as Mrs. Sanders
cautiously wiped the food from her lap.
“What is wrong with you?” she shouted,
backing away from the table.
“Nothing’s wrong with me,” he boasted, while
hastily walking toward the refrigerator.
Breathing hard, and with a look of disgust
17
18
on her face, Mrs. Sanders yelled loudly.
“Go ahead! Grab a beer! It’s what you do best.
Oh, what is happening to this family?” she cried,
very upset.
“Hey, nothing’s wrong with this family, “he
muttered, opening the beer and walking out of the
kitchen.
19
20
Freaking Out
Bobby peeped through the crack of his
bedroom door and wept, wondering how much
more abuse he and his mother could take.
Shortly afterward, Bobby went to school.
After his last period English class, he rushed to
the gym’s locker room to prepare for the team’s
21
daily late afternoon basketball practice session.
He entered the gym’s locker room much sooner
than any of his teammates and removed a brown
paper bag from his locker. Before long, Bobby
was totally unconscious and lying on the locker
room floor. Moments later, two of his teammates
found him as they entered the locker room.
“Bobby, get up!” Jeff pleaded.
“Wow! He’s out cold. I wonder what’s wrong
with him,” Larry asked.
Right away, Jeff detected the smell of alcohol on
Bobby’s breath.
“He’s drunk!” Jeff exclaimed.
“We can’t leave him lying here. What if the
22
coach walks in?” Larry asked.
“He’ll be kicked off the team. Just think, we’ll

go into the championship game without our best
player,” Jeff whispered.
“Yeah, we’ll be pulverized,” Larry added.
As Bobby’s two teammates pulled him to his
feet, they saw two empt y beer bottles and a small
clear bag of colorful pills on the floor.
“Look!” Jeff whispered, pointing down.
“No! Tell me this is not what I think it is,
Jeff,” Larry said, picking the small bag of drugs
off the floor.
“Can you believe this guy? One day before the
state championship and he freaks out on us,” Jeff
23
complained.
“What are we gonna do?” Larry asked
nervously.
“First, let’s toss these beer bottles and flush his
drugs,” Jeff replied. “I wonder how much he has
taken,” Jeff added. “And second, we gotta find a
way to sneak him out of here without anyone
seeing us,” Jeff whispered softly.
24
Sobering Up
The two boys dragged Bobby out of the locker
room through the rear door. Bobby was placed in
the back seat of Jeff’s car and driven three blocks
down the street to Jeff’s older sister’s apartment.
Jeff and Larry physically carried Bobby from the
car to the front door of the apartment. Jeff rang
the doorbell, and seconds later, his sister, Shirley,
25
opened the door.
“Jeff! What’s going on?” Shirley asked, with a
shocked look on her face. Shirley was a nursing
student who worked part-time at the community
medical center. “Put him on the sofa,” she
instructed the boys. With a bit of struggle, both
Larry and Jeff managed to lay Bobby down on
the sofa. Bobby was now semi-conscious and
mumbling gibberish.
“Isn’t that Bobby? Alright, what’s wrong with
him?” Shirley asked.
Larry and Jeff informed Shirley about Bobby’s
drug problem before they rushed back to
basketball practice. Shirley made sure that Bobby
26
fully recovered before driving him home.
Bobby gave Shirley his word that he would
not abuse drugs again, and Shirley informed
Bobby of the harmful effects of alcohol and drug
abuse.
Later on that evening, Bobby was restless and
nervous. He had trouble falling asleep, and he
squirmed in bed for nearly four hours.
“I just can’t sleep,” Bobby said to himself,
clinching his fists and getting out of bed.
“Everybody is depending on me to play a
great game—to win the championship,” he
mumbled, pacing his bedroom floor.
“What if I have a bad game? What if I’m not
27
feeling well? No one will understand; no one will
care. They’ll just see me as a failure,” he
muttered softly.
“I wish I could talk with my parents, but my
dad would only laugh and call me a coward. I just
need to rest, relax, and clear my mind,” he added.
“But—how?” he murmured.
Bobby crept silently into the bathroom, opened
the medicine cabinet, and found a bottle of
sleeping pills. He noticed that the bottle was
empty.
“Oh boy, how can I have a big game if I can’t
rest,” he mumbled, feeling frustrated.
Just then, Bobby recalled his father’s secret
28
hiding place, a room where he stashed away his
drugs and alcohol.
“Maybe he has something that will help me to
fall asleep,” Bobby whispered to himself.
Minutes later, Bobby found his father’s secret
hiding place in the basement. He opened the old
wooden chest and found an assortment of colorful
pills and liquor.
“Wow! Look at this! Something in here has to
work,” he said, searching desperately.
Bobby swallowed a combination of pills and
flushed them down with liquor. He quietly
returned to his bedroom and was sound asleep
within minutes. Unfortunately, he had no idea of
29
the harmful effects of mixing drugs with alcohol.
30
Like Father, Like Son
At 7:30 a.m., sunrays beamed through the
kitchen window as Bobby’ mother prepared
breakfast.
“Bobby!” she yelled, flipping the pancakes
and turning off the burner. “Come on, honey!
Breakfast is ready,” she beckoned him.
31
His father was seated at the table drinking
coffee and reading the newspaper when he heard
a loud tumbling noise from the stairway.
“What in the world was that?” Mr. Sanders
asked with his heart pounding rapidly.
“Bobby? Honey! Is everything okay? his
mother shouted.
There was only silence as Bobby managed to
pull himself to his feet and stumble into the
kitchen.
“Bobby—what’s wrong? Are you okay?” his
mother asked once again.
“I’m fine!” he stammered, struggling to keep
his balance.
32
Mr. Sanders shook his head in disbelief. “If
you’re fine,” he told his son, “then your mo m and
I are seriously hallucinating,” Mr. Sanders
commented.
“That’s it! You’re hallucinating,” Bobby
giggled inappropriately, his breath smelling like
alcohol.
“Bobby! You’re drunk!” his mother said with
a surprised look on her face.
Bobby shrugged. “So what’s the big deal?”
Bobby replied.
“I can handle it! Like father, like son,” he
added, glancing around the kitchen aimlessly.
“I can’t believe it! You’re right!” his mother
33
cried out in anger. “First, it’s your father, and
now it’s you. What is this family co ming to?” she
screamed in anguish.
“Don’t blame me,” Mr. Sanders remarked
defensively. “The boy has his own mind,” he told
his wife.
“Yes, I blame you. I blame you and all the
liquor and drugs you’ve hid in the basement for
years,” she expressed boldly.
“Oh, be quiet! I’m getting tired of hearing you
yak, yak, yak,” Mr. Sanders replied irritably.
Bobby turned slowly, with his eyes squinting
as he staggered to the breakfast table and flopped
down in his chair.
34
His father chuckled. “The championship game
is today, and my son is a scholarship candidate. What
a bunch of crock. Face it, son, you’re a born loser.”
“Zip it! John, that’s enough! I’ve had it! You’re
talking crazy!” Mrs. Sanders exclaimed.
Immediately, Mr. Sanders stormed out of his
house in a fit of rage. He jumped into his Toyota
4Runner and sped out of the driveway, burning
rubber and driving erratically through the
neighborhood.
35
36
Out of Control
“Blame me and call me crazy—she’s out of her
freaking mind!” Mr. Sanders bellowed, clinching
the steering wheel and breathing rapidly.
“Yak, yak, yak, that’s all she ever does,”
complained Mr. Sanders. He rubbed his eyes as
beads of perspiration dripped from his forehead.
37
Almost immediately, he was struck with a
paralyzing pain in his chest, producing a wave of
dizziness as his truck swirled out of control and
crashed into a tree.
“Ahh, oh, no,” Mr. Sanders moaned, crawling
out of his truck with a dazed look on his face.
“What a mess!” he exclaimed, as he looked
back at his wrecked vehicle and kneeled down to
the ground in despair.
38
More Than a Dream
The loud noise of the truck crash attracted two
little kids playing outdoors. As they approached
the damaged vehicle, Mr. Sanders called out to
them.
“Hey!” cried Mr. Sanders, “can you get me some
help?” he asked the two kids, as he stood up and
began to walk in their direction. “Are your parents
39
home?” he asked.
Still the kids did not respond, as they appeared
frozen stiff with an intense gaze inside of the
truck.
“Hmm, why won’t they answer me?” Mr.
Sanders murmured to himself.
“Mr. Sanders,” a calm voice from behind him
called out. “The problem is they cannot hear
you,” the voice said.
Just then, Mr. Sanders turned around and
beheld the presence of a very old man with a long
gray beard.
“Wow! Who are you? And where did
you come from?” Mr. Sanders replied, appearing
40
startled.
“That’s not important,” the old man replied.
“Perhaps you’re not aware of what has
captured the children’s attention,” the old man
remarked.
“My truck, no doubt, how can anyone miss it?
It’s a disaster!” Mr. Sanders exclaimed.
“Take a closer look,” the man said. “Go on,”
he commanded, “there is something you should
see.”
“Mr. Sanders cautiously approached his
wrecked vehicle, bracing a hand on the shoulder
of one of the children and peeping through the
driver’s side front window.
41
“Oh, no,” Mr. Sanders cried, with a confused and
ghastly look on his face. “It can’t be! Am
I…” Mr. Sanders repeated, struggling to let the
words roll off his tongue. Am I…dead?” he
asked, with a grievous expression on his face.
With tears rolling down his face, Mr. Sanders
reached inside his truck and touched his lifeless
body. “It just doesn’t seem real. I must be
dreaming,” he mumbled to himself.
“Truthfully, life is more real now than ever
before,” the old man told him.
Just then, the two children dashed off to their
homes and screamed for help.
Seconds later, Mr. Sanders backed away from
42
his truck and looked the old man straight in the
eyes.
“Something tells me this wreck is much more
than just a mere accident,” the old man said.
“What do you mean?” Mr. Sanders asked.
“There’s always more to it than meets the
eye…always!” he told Mr. Sanders. “I imagine
the damage and pain you’ve experienced here
can’t compare to the hurt you’ve caused in those
who love you the most,” he told Mr. Sanders.
“Hey! Where do you come off meddling in
other folks business? And how do you know
these things?” he asked the old man.
Mr. Sanders dropped his head and appeared
43
very remorseful. “Well, I guess your message
comes a little bit too late,” Mr. Sanders
murmured softly, feeling sad.
The old man glanced at Mr. Sanders and
nodded his head. Within the blink of an eye, the
old man was gone. Seconds later, Mr. Sanders
awakened inside of his wrecked vehicle and
discovered that he had regained consciousness.
“Wow! I guess it was all a dream. I must have
really bumped my head,” Mr. Sanders said,
feeling relieved.
Mr. Sanders struggled to wiggle his fingers
and then managed to step out of his truck with
only minor cuts and bruises.
44
“Oh, thank goodness,” Mr. Sanders cried out
joyfully, with a lower bloody lip and a silly grin.
“I’m alive! I’m alive!” he shouted.
45
46
Someone Needs You
Meanwhile, back at the Sanders’ home, Bobby
had climbed onto the rooftop of a three-story
building next door, threatening to jump headfirst.
His two best friends, Jeff and Larry, had arrived
at Bobby’s home carrying their books and school
supplies.
“Just give me one good reason why I shouldn’t
47
jump,” Bobby cried in despair.
Right away, Jeff, Bobby’s closest friend and
teammate, looked up and shouted. “Because the
team needs you! We’ll lose the championship if
you don’t play,” Jeff exclaimed.
“No, that’s not good enough! Nothing’s ever good
enough,” Bobby cried, staggering just inches
away from the edge of the roof.
“Honey, back away from the edge! We can
work it out! It doesn’t have to be this way,”
Bobby’s mother cried out grievously. “You’ll
only regret it if you hurt yourself,” she uttered
painfully, dropping to her knees.
48
“Mom, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to hurt anyone,
but I just can’t take the criticism and abuse
anymore. No matter what, I’ll always love you,
mom,” Bobby uttered, with one foot overlapping
the edge of the roof.
“Bobby, don’t!” Larry shouted loudly, fearing
the worst.
Spectators and neighbors had gathered below to
observe the commotion.
Two blocks away from his home, Mr. Sanders
witnessed the re-appearance of the old man.
“Wow! It’s you again,” Mr. Sanders stated,
looking stunned.
49
“Someone needs you now more than ever.
You must go now! It’s all in your hands,” the old
man told him.
“What do you mean?” Mr. Sanders asked.
However, as quickly as the old man had
appeared, he disappeared, without a trace.
Mr. Sanders limped home and was shocked by
the commotion in front of his house. Instantly, he
was stricken with panic and his heart pounded
thunderously as he watched his son threatening to
end his life.
“Bobby, don’t do it, son!” his father yelled
out nervously. Bobby remained absolutely silent,
50
peering down at the crowd below.
“If you jump, you’re gonna have to take me down
with you, son, because I’m gonna catch you,”
Mr. Sanders shouted, extending his arms outward.
Bobby stared down at his father.
“Because you’re gonna catch me? That’s not good
enough,” Bobby replied, with big tears streaming
down his face.
“No, son, you’re right!” his father replied,
pausing to take a deep breath. “It’s because…”
with his lips trembling, Mr. Sanders continued,
“it’s because I love you,” he expressed very
compassionately.
Bobby shook his head in disbelief, wondering if
51
he had heard his father correctly.
“It’s because I love you!” his father shouted a
second time.
Bobby placed his hands over his face, dropped to
his knees, and sobbed profusely.
“Don’t move, son, I’m coming up to get you,”
Mr. Sanders shouted.
Once Bobby and his father were safely on the
ground, they received hugs, kisses, and cheers from
Mrs. Sanders, his neighbors, and other onlookers.
52
53
54
Enough is Enough
Seconds later, the crowd began to disperse.
Bobby and his parents, including Jeff and Larry,
could be seen entering the Sanders’ home. They
gathered together in the family’s living room to
talk about the incident.
“I’d like for each of you to listen very carefully.
55
It’s time we sit down and talk about what’s going on
in this family and how we can get back on the right
track,” Mrs. Sanders expressed openly. “To be
perfectly honest, sweetheart, I’ve had enough of
your uncontrollable drinking and constant ridicule.
I just can’t take it anymore!” she exclaimed,
glaring at her husband and feeling overwhelmed
and frustrated.
“Honey,” Mr. Sander stuttered, attempting to
speak.
“No, it is my turn to speak, and you will listen.
Every one of you will hear what I have to say,”
she expressed in a serious tone of voice.
“This is not a healthy family. Sweetheart?”
56
speaking to her husband, “you need help! Your
drinking, drug use, and violent temper have
nearly destroyed us!” Trembling with anger, Mrs.
Sanders locked eyes with her husband. “You’re
not a bad person who deserves to be punished,
but you’re definitely a sick person who needs
help,” Mrs. Sanders exclaimed. “It’s destroying
me inside to see you so full of resentment,
mentally torturing our son for not living out your
dreams,” she added, sounding exasperated.
“Bobby can only be who he is, and he must feel
good about himself and value life. Nothing hurts
me more than to hear you repeatedly criticize and
belittle him,” she vented angrily. “He deserves so
57
much better,” she cried, gazing directly at her
husband.
After taking a deep breath, Mrs. Sanders,
drying her eyes with a Kleenex tissue, glanced at
her son.
“Bobby, sweetheart, enough is enough!
You’ve made it awfully clear to us that it’s now
or never, and that you can’t go on unless things
change,” she said. “I’m so sorry that I allowed
you to suffer so much. My fear of standing up to
your father’s illness has only caused more harm. I
can no longer afford to live as a coward and risk
losing you, my only child. Please forgive me for
not being more courageous,” she pleaded.
58
“However, honey, suicide is not the answer,” she
told Bobby.
“She’s right, Bobby,” uttered Larry, in a soft-
spoken voice. “My dad had a drinking problem.
He would never keep his promises and he and my
mom always argued. When my parents divorced, I
thought my life was over. I couldn’t understand
why my father moved away. I thought I’d done
something wrong and that he hated me,” Larry
said. “My dad and I were so close when he
suddenly disappeared. I was confused, hurt, angry,
and I stopped caring about everything, including
myself. I just really wanted my life to end. I felt
all alone and I didn’t believe anyone else cared. My
59
counselor, Professor Gulu, told me that I had
done nothing wrong to my father, and that
alcohol and drug abuse damage relationships.
During this time, I caught a stomach virus, and
my mom took me to the hospital where I saw a
twelve-year-old little girl fighting to survive terminal
cancer. This little girl was so tiny and in so much
pain, and yet she wanted to live. I admired
her courage and her will to survive. I had what
this little girl longed for, the gift of life, and
I felt so ungrateful for wanting to kill myself.
Believe me, Bobby, it was through this little girl
l that I found the courage to live,” Larry told them.
“Larry, I really appreciate you sharing your
60
experience. It was very touching,” Mrs. Sanders
expressed compassionately.
“Yeah, it made me think about our team’s
motto: Fight to the very end,” Jeff expressed
empathetically. The room was silent for a brief
mo ment. Jeff drew a deep breath, cleared his
throat and continued. “Actually, we’re a team,
too. We all want what’s best for one another.”
Glancing at Bobby, whose eyes were filled
with tears, Jeff spoke in a calm and reassuring
voice. “Bobby, I want you to be happy. When
you’re happy, I’m happy. We’re not just
teammates, we’re as close as brothers,” he said.
Jeff took a big sigh. “Boy, what you did today
61
really scared me. Don’t ever do that again!” Jeff
demanded. This is not just your problem, it’s our
problem, and we’ll work it out together. Okay?
Remember all of our talks?” Jeff asked. “You’ve
told me how badly you wanted your father to
understand you, to accept you as you are. Gosh!
You even shared with me how you’d give
anything in this world to see your father finally
treat your mom with respect,” Jeff said.
Bobby dropped his head in the face of
Jeff’s courageous disclosure. “I just wanted
you to know, Bobby, that I love you, and that
we’ll always be a team, both on and off the
court,” Jeff added.
62
Then, Jeff extended his hand to Bobby and the
two boys stood up and embraced one another with
a big hug. After the two boys returned to their
seats, all eyes were on Mr. Sanders.
63
64
Breaking Free
As beads of perspiration dripped from his
forehead, Mr. Sanders began to speak. “I’d like to
say that I’ve been given a second chance, another
opportunity to do the right thing,” Mr. Sanders
told the group. Pausing, Mr. Sanders nervously
twiddled his thumbs as the others leaned forward,
65
hanging on his every word “Oh, boy,” Mr.
Sanders gasped. “You all have made it so
obvious,” he stated. “It doesn’t take a scholar to
see how much I’ve hurt my family. Today, out of
a fit of rage, I wrecked my car and nearly killed
myself, and I almost lost my only son,” Mr.
Sanders disclosed shamefully. “For heaven’s
sake, I don’t need any more tragedies to remind
me that I’m too much like my father,” Mr.
Sanders acknowledged begrudgingly. “When I
was fifteen years old, my dad broke my jaw and
nearly beat me unconscious for coming home late
after trying out for the school’s baseball team. He
said I was wasting my time, and that my job was
66
to come home each day and feed the farm
animals. I was afraid of my father, and that’s
when I also began to envy every guy who had the
opportunity to make it big in sports,” Mr. Sanders
explained to the group. “The following year, my
father died of cirrhosis of the liver. The doctors
had repeatedly warned him to stay off the
alcohol, but he wouldn’t listen. After his death,
many of my friends encouraged me to try out for
the school’s baseball team. Baseball was my
lifelong dream,” Mr. Sanders said, with a sparkle
of excitement in his eyes. “But, unfortunately, I
had developed a secret passion – drinking – and I
no longer cared about all the things that were
67
important to me. My only concern was when and
how I would get my next drink,” Mr. Sanders
said, observing the others sitting motionless and
silent.
“Honey,” his wife cried out, “now is the time
we must break free of this vicious cycle,” his wife
told him. “Your father, you, and now Bobby.
When will it ever end?” she asked, flinging her
arms hopelessly.
“It’ll start today, sweetheart,” Mr. Sanders
replied. “I’ll go to the hospital and talk with a
counselor or social worker,” he added.
“I’ll go with you, dad,” Bobby offered, being
supportive.
68
“We’ll all go together,” Mrs. Sanders
responded.
“Sounds like a team to me,” Jeff uttered, with a
big grin on his face.
69
70
10
The Men in Blue
Seconds later, the doorbell rang. Two police
officers in blue uniforms greeted Mrs. Sanders as
she opened the front door.
“Good afternoon, ma’am,” the sergeant spoke
politely.
“Good afternoon, officers. I’m Mrs. Sanders.
71
How can I help you?” she asked the officers.
“We received a dispatch call that a young man
at this address was threatening to jump off the
roof,” the sergeant stated.
“That young man is my son, Bobby, and he,
his father, and myself are all preparing to go to
the hospital to speak with a counselor,” she
replied to the officers.
“We just need to speak with him briefly, Mrs.
Sanders,” the sergeant requested. “And if you
need any help getting him to the hospital today,
we’ll be happy to assist you,” the sergeant offered
courteously.
“I’m sure we’ll be just fine, but thanks for
72
offering,” Mrs. Sanders responded,” appearing calm
and confident.
“Please, come in!” Mrs. Sanders insisted,
escorting the officers to the living room.
The officers met with the family and talked
specifically with Bobby about the incident and
his plans to get help. Bobby reassured the officers
that he would not harm himself and that he’d ride
with his parents to the hospital.
“We’ll need to take my car,” Mrs. Sanders
uttered, gawking at her husband.
Before walking out the front door, the
sergeant, with a peculiar expression on his face,
turned to Bobby and commented.
73
“By the way, young man,” the sergeant
remarked. “During your last basketball game, I
overheard two college scouts discussing plans to
recruit you. If there ever was anyone who
deserves a collegiate athletic scholarship, you’d
surely get my vote,” the sergeant stated, as he and
his partner exited the front door.
“That’s my son,” Mr. Sanders said, looking at
the others and boasting with pride. “That’s my
son,” he repeated.
74
TEAMING UP AGAINST
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
QUIZ
Instructions: Please read each question carefully

and circle the correct response.
1. According to Mrs. Sanders, her husband was a

great baseball player who didn’t succeed
because
a) he decided to drop out of school
b) he chose drugs and alcohol
c) he moved to another city
d) he had a gambling problem
2. Jeff and Larry found Bobby lying unconscious

on the floor due to
a) an accidental fall and head injury
b) a heat stroke
c) fatigue and exhaustion
d) alcohol and drug abuse
3. Bobby gave his word that he

would not abuse drugs again
a) Shirley
b) Debra
c) Alice
d) Jennifer
75
4. Bobby had no idea of the harmful effects of

mixing drugs with
a) multi-vitamins
b) liquor
c) sweets
d) carbonated soft drinks
5. The old man told Mr. Sanders to

a) call a tow truck
b) never drive when upset
c) buy him some food
d) learn to accept others for who they are
6. Jeff told Bobby not to jump because

a) he could injure his legs
b) the team needed him
c) he would hurt his parents
d) he could hurt someone on the ground
7. Bobby dropped to his knees and sobbed

profusely after his father
a) ignored him
b) encouraged him to jump
c) said that he loved him
d) threatened to punish him
76
8. Mrs. Sanders told her husband that he was not

a bad person who needed to be punished, but
definitely a
a) sick person who needed help
b) cruel and insensitive father
c) confused and ill-tempered husband
d) wasteful and irresponsible adult
9. Mrs. Sanders told Bobby that

a) he needed to forgive his father
immediately
b) he needed to take medication for
depression
c) he was grounded for two weeks
d) suicide was not the answer
10. Mr. Sanders said that his father died from

a) cancer
b) diabetes
c) cirrhosis of the liver
d) an automobile accident
77
Reasons to Suspect You or a Family

Member May Have an Alcohol or
Drug Problem:
Drinking alcohol or using drugs before,
during, or after school
Trying different ways to stop drinking or

using drugs without success
Drinking regularly on the weekends
Feeling uptight or uncomfortable if drugs

or alcohol are not available
Blacking out and experiencing memory

loss after drinking or getting high
Failing to keep your promise not to drink

or use less alcohol or drugs
Being untruthful about your drug and/or

alcohol use
Admitting that you feel guilty about your

drug or alcohol use
78
 Becoming more increasingly tardy, dishevel, and

undependable
 Planning to hang out with individuals who

consistently drink or use drugs on the
weekend
 Fantasizing more and more about attending

weekend parties and getting high
 Pressuring others to drink or get high
 Avoiding family members and friends who

refuse to drink or get high
 Experiencing family conflicts, school

problems, and/or legal problems around
drinking or drug use
 Being suspended from school or work due to

peer conflicts, decline in performance, or
irresponsible behavior
 Being advised by family members or others

that you need to stop or reduce your drinking
or drug use
79
 Losing interest in sports, hobbies,

friendships, and activities you previously
enjoyed
 Endangering friends, family members, and

others due to your alcohol and/or drug use
 Beginning to experience increased feelings of

hopelessness and depression
 Physically injuring oneself and/or another

while high or intoxicated
 Continuing to drink after others say they’ve

had enough
 Hearing or seeing things that aren’t there
 Losing weight and eating irregularly
 Believing you cannot have a good time

without alcohol or drugs
 Having legal and financial problems related

to drugs and alcohol use
80
Slang Names and Drug Effects

An Introduction to Club Drugs
Slang Names Drug
“X,” “Adam,” and “MDMA” ………….. Ecstasy
Ecstasy is a synthetic drug, meaning that it is made

in a laboratory. The drug heightens sensations,
particularly those having to do with happiness and
intimacy. Ecstasy is usually taken in pill form and is
one of the most dangerous drugs threatening the
health and well-being of today’s teens and young
adults. Many refer to ecstasy as “the love drug,”
but ecstasy is not an aphrodisiac and typically
inhibits sexual performance.
Effects: Stimulant and a hallucinogen taken to alter
moods or increase energy to keep partying or
dancing.
Health Consequences: appears to damage the
brain's ability to think and regulate emotion,
disrupts sleep cycles, impairs memory, increases
mood disorders such as depression, and persistent
anxiety, and alters pain threshold. Risk of
hyperthermia and hyponatraemia identified as acute
adverse effects.
81
Ecstasy is usually slipped into a drink and leaves

the victim with little or no memory of the incident.
Other effects include drowsiness, dizziness,
confusion, low blood pressure, visual disturbances,
urinary retention, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
Health Consequences: comas and seizures when
combined with amphetamines, rapid mood swings,
violent and hostile outbursts, dangerous decline in
breathing and heart rate, vomiting and headaches,
insomnia, anxiety, tremors, sweating, and death.
Slang Names Drug

“Speed,” “Ice,” “Chalk” … Methamphetamine
(Meth)
These drugs are often used to increase arousal and

reduce inhibition, often leading to sexual acting-
out behaviors. When Meth is crystallized, it is
called ice or glass.
Effects: produces a high, numbs senses and causes
hyperactivity, increases stamina and causes
abusers to dance and party for long periods.
Health Consequences: Health concerns are very
serious. Memory loss, bizarre and psychotic
behavior, aggression, violence, and heart problems
82
Are well-documented health concerns. Other

consequences include lung and liver damage,
blurred vision, extended wakefulness, high
distractibility, and damage to the brain, including
death.
Slang Names Drug

“Special K” or “K” …………. Ketamine
Ketamine is an anesthetic that is abused for its

hallucinogenic properties. The potent hallucinogenic
effect usually last for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
Ketamine is primarily used as a veterinary
anesthetic. This drug has been reportedly used by
sexual predators to incapacitate their victims. Effects:
distort perceptions of sight and sound. The abuser
generally feels disconnected and out of control.
Ketamine impairs judgment and sensory abilities,
including mild to moderate loss of coordination
throughout the entire day.
Health Consequences: Serious mental and physical
problems have been noted. These problems include
amnesia, depression, confusion, delirium, high blood
pressure, impaired motor function, and potentially
fatal respiratory problems.
83
Slang Names Drug

"G," "Liquid Ecstasy,"
"Georgia Home Boy" … Gamma-hydroxybutyrate
GHB produces a “touchy-feely” desire in the

abuser. The drug is a psychedelic sleep inducer.
GHB was initially designed as a surgical
anesthetic, but many began to experiment with the
drug as a muscle-builder and weight-loss potion.
Effects: memory loss, reduced heart rate, seizures,
respiratory failure, vertigo and even coma.
Slang Names Drug

“Ox,” “Cotton,” “ Killers,”
“20s, 40s, 80s, Beans” ………….. Oxycontin
Oxycontin is a brand name for the drug Oxycodone.

The drug is very addictive and is used as an intense
pain reliever, similar to morphine. Both Oxycontin
and Oxycodone are schedule II opiate narcotics and
are highly abused today. The tablets are typically
crushed up and snorted, smoked or injected.
Oxycontin poses a higher risk for addiction.
Effects: slurred speech, memory and concentration
problems, coma, impaired judgment, constipation,
mental confusion, brain damage, respiratory
depression.
Health Consequences: cardiovascular disease and
arthritis due to injecting the drug, liver and kidney
84
damage, miscarriage, stillbirths, and addicted

newborns.
85
Test Your Knowledge of Street Drugs

Instructions: Please read each question carefully
and circle the correct response.
1. Another name for silly putty is

a) PCP
b) magic mushrooms
c) heroin
d) cocaine
2. Number 9 is also referred to as

a) LSD
b) acid
c) beer
d) ecstasy
3. A slang term for sleeping pill and Ambien

a) vitamin A
b) speed
c) meth
d) hash
4. A person requesting trail mix is asking for
a) marijuana
b) crack
c) inhalants
d) viagara, levitra, cialis mixed with
ecstasy or LSD
86
5. Cheese is defined as
a) Mexican heroin mixed with Tylenol
PM and baby powder
b) smoking marijuana laced with PCP
c) snorting cocaine after drinking
alcohol
d) injecting heroin after smoking
marijuana
6. Another name for fry sticks

a) joints laced with crack
b) clean or unused heroin needles
c) cigarettes or joints soaked in
embalming fluid
d) bandages soaked with LSD
7. A place where drugs are made

a) the slam
b) brewery
c) the hut
d) Stackhouse
8. An abuser seeking amphetamines may ask

for
a) sprinters
b) hotties
c) chillers
d) bumblebees
87
9. Smoking marijuana in a running car with

all the windows up is referred to as
a) hot box
b) auto zone
c) wheeling
d) cool ride
10. Another name for over-the-counter cough

or cold medicine mixed with alcohol
a) syrup
b) crankers
c) skittles
d) sneeze
88
Teen Substance Abuse Resources
National Drug & Alcohol Treatment Hotline

800-662-HELP (4357)
ALCOHOL
American Council on Alcoholism
800-527-5344
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug

Information 800-729-6686
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug

Dependence 800-622-2255
SUBSTANCE ABUSE/RECOVERY
Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.

(800) 356-9996
American Council on Alcoholism (800) 527-5344
The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and

Drug Information (800) 729-6686
National Drug Treatment Referral and

Information Hotline (800) 662-4357
89
TEAMING UP AGAINST
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
QUIZ
ANSWERS:
1. b 6. b
2. d 7. c
3. a 8. a
4. b 9. d
5. d 10. c
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

OF STREET DRUGS
ANSWERS:
1. b 6. c
2. d 7. b
3. a 8. d
4. d 9. a
5. a 10. c
90
PROFESSOR GULU’S
Below is a list of books and Cerebrophonic music

topics created by Professor Gulu, including his
scientifically proven approach to learning called
Cerebrophonics:
Cerebrophonics – A style of learning that uses

upbeat music to increase the flow of noradrenaline
in the brain, resulting in kids being more excited
and motivated during the learning process.
91
Simply put, Cerebrophonics makes learning fun!
And now, with Cerebrophonics, topics and lessons

that parents agree to be of tremendous importance to
kids can be taught and effectively communicated
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So, get excited while you learn use Cerebrophonics!
92
Professor Gulu’s
Cerebrophonic Music & Book Topics
1. The Basic Fundamentals of Learning

2. Obeying Rules
3. Oral Hygiene Care
4. Kids and Fire Safety
5. Internet Predators/Child Abduction
6. Bullying and Cyerbullying
7. Type 2 Diabetes/Obesity
8. No Talking or Texting While Driving and
Seat Belt Safety
9. HIV/ AIDS Awareness
10. Substance Abuse Prevention
11. Sexual Abuse Prevention
12. Self-Estee m Awareness
13. Gang Violence
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93
Play it Safe!
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94
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95
96
About the Author
The desire to reduce pain and suffering of children

and empower youth to be the best they can be is what
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stories and Cerebrophonic music series.
With a focus on increasing youth coping skills,
safety awareness, self-esteem, judgment and decision-
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A resident of Fort Bend County, Texas, Karl lives
with his wife and business partner, Ann Branch -Floyd,
and develops educational and therapeutic resources
that support healthy community development. He
holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology
from the University of Houston, University Park, and
works as a behavioral healthcare professional. Karl is
a former Statewide Health Coordinating Council
Member with the Governor’s Office of Boards and
Commissions (2004-2010) and is licensed as a
professional counselor. In addition, he is certified as a
Fellow and Diplomate with the American Board of
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97
NOTES
98

Teaming Up Against Substance Abuse

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UNIVERSAL TIME RELEASE PUBLISHING, LL C.

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For information or to order additional books, please write:

2. Freaking Out ………...……...……. 21

4. Like Father, Like Son ……………... 31

5. Out of Control ..…….……….…… 37

6. More Than a Dream …….…….…… 39

7. Someone Needs You ……………... 47

8. Enough is Enough .…….…….…….. 55

9. Breaking Free …….………………... 65

10. The Men in Blue …………………. 71

Quizzes, Slang Names and Drug Effects,

MORAL AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Teaching children from early and middle childhood

to adolescence how to respond and make informed

decisions under pressure is the hallmark of Professor

Gulu’s moral and character development learning series.

Each song and book is skillfully crafted to promote

insight and understanding, stimulate creative thinking,

and to equip youth with effective problem-solving skills.

And most importantly, the book and music learning

series has been made affordable for nearly every

Therefore, thank you in advance for supporting

Professor Gulu’s initiative to ensure that every

youth has the opportunity to learn, grow, and to

reach his or her full potential.

A Message from Professor Gulu

Who you are and what you’re capable of

Remember, PLAY IT SAFE!

NATIONAL CHILD SAFETY CAMPAIGN

Professor Gulu’s book and online Cerebrophonic

mus ic learning series is considered one of the most

spectacular child safety programs on the market,

with sensational online mus ic and literacy tools

leading the way to revolutionizing child safety

education and community health.

With a focus on fostering positive parent-child

interaction and increasing quality time between family

me mbers, Professor Gulu’s educational series provides

opportunities to strengthen family relations and deepen

youth insight and understanding on important safety

issues. In addition, the stories reflect real-life

situations, include quizzes, critically important

parent-child safety tips, and helpful family

resources. Each book is also accompanied by

skillfully crafted songs that listeners can enjoy

anytime, anyplace, and anywhere on Professor Gulu’s

Online Music Learning Center.

Whether it’s tackling fire safety, Internet

predators, gang violence, seat belt safety, or type 2

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and online Cerebrophonic music learning series is

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THANK YOU for helping us promote child safety.

Professor Gulu Enterprises

I would like to express the deepest appreciation