DRUG PROGRAMS NEED NEW APPROACH

Yet another study points to the continuing high level that middle- and
high-school students say illegal drugs are sold and used in schools. This
study, a compilation of data from other studies and a recent survey of
1,000 students by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse,
found that 60 percent of the high schoolers and 40 percent of the middle
schoolers reported student drug misuse. These figures are similar to
earlier findings. Where this study deviates, however, is that it casts
doubt on the value of three widely used methods of battling teen-age drug
abuse: the popular Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program;
drug-free school-zone laws that mandate particularly harsh penalties for
selling or possession of illegal drugs within 1,000 feet of a school; and
zero-tolerance school programs, which it says are ineffective because
students frequently refuse to turn in drug-abusing peers.

The survey, part of a broader study involving 10,000 telephone interviews
over six years with parents, teachers and students, concluded the
effectiveness of the zone laws is "not clear." Data from three
Massachusetts cities found that 80 percent of drugs cases occurred inside
drug-free zones, although most were after school hours. And of the D.A.R.E.
program, it concludes there is "little evidence ...of any extended impact."

Two techniques work better, the study says: strong parental intervention in
school activities and one-on-one programs that pair drug-troubled youths
with family court-appointed advisors. In the one-on-one program, troubled
teens are assigned a mentor who helps the student with homework, school
supplies and a summer school program. Costs vary depending upon the degree
of assistance and support provided.

There are no pat answers on how to keep students off drugs. But it's clear
we need a better approach; present methods just aren't doing the job.
Certainly parental involvement and mentoring are worth our consideration
and effort.