TEEN MYTH: TEENS CAN'T SAY NO TO DRUGS

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Actually they say yes and no.

Although teens don't perceive most drugs to be as harmful as they did a
decade ago, and they aren't as disapproving of drugs overall, studies show
that actual drug use by middle and high school students has decreased or
remained static in recent years.

The problem, many experts believe, is that adolescents are always tempted
to try something new. And there are always new drugs being made available
to them.

So even as the use of inhalants, LSD, crystal methamphetamine, Rohypnol,
crack cocaine and cocaine powder has gone down (according to the 26th
Monitoring the Future Survey, released in February), drugs such as Ecstasy
and prescription painkillers have gained in popularity.

"Teenagers are always interested in what's new, whether it's clothes,
hairstyles, or whatever, and that interest extends to drugs," says Lloyd
Johnston, senior research scientist and principal investigator for the
Monitoring the Future Survey, which is conducted annually by the University
of Michigan's Institute for Social Research. "Also the new drugs, like
Ecstasy, usually come with the new promise of doing something great for the
user and initially, at least, seem to have little downside."

The most effective way to contain a drug is to convince would-be and
experimental users that it's dangerous, Johnston says. And sometimes it
takes a while to collect the evidence. It took about seven years to gather
the statistics on cocaine after its use began spreading in the late '70s,
he says. And the hazards of smoking took decades to document.

"If the adverse consequences are not immediate and obvious - as they were
with PCP, for example - then it takes a while for the epidemiological and
laboratory and clinical evidence to cumulate," Johnston says. "It then
takes additional time for it to get out to the population."

Johnston believes we are in the middle of that process right now with
Ecstasy. But, he adds, "the reality is that almost every psychoactive drug
known to man, with the possible exception of caffeine, has adverse effects.
That means that any new ones are extremely likely to, as well. It's just
that we don't always know what they are yet."

Meanwhile, as scientists and the media catch on to the dangers of the
trendy new drugs and begin spreading warnings, old drugs often make a
"comeback" with teens who only think they've discovered something different.

LSD is a good example, Johnston says. "It fell from favor in the '70s and
'80s as concerns grew about its possible effects on chromosomes and the
brain. And every rock concert had a medical tent to deal with teenagers
having a bad trip or other problems with drugs. But the teenagers of the
'90s knew little of this. To them, it was a 'new' drug and seemingly a
relatively safe one."

It's vital, therefore, that credible information be made available to
teens. At a time when there are so many conflicting influences - including
their peer group and, increasingly, various youth-related Web sites, the
media play an important role, Johnston says, because teens assume what they
hear and read in the news is accurate.

But schools, medical professionals, parents and other family members should
also play a part in teens' drug education, he adds, "because their opinions
count to most kids and because they are going to be looking out for the
youngster's welfare for the most part."

What parents can do:

1. Be your kids' greatest fan. Compliment them on all of their efforts, the
strength of their character and their individuality.

2. Get your kids involved in adult-supervised after-school activities. Ask
them what types of activities they're interested in and contact the school
principal or guidance counselor to find out what activities are available.
Sometimes it takes a bit of experimenting to find out what your kids are
best suited for, but it's worth the effort - feeling competent makes kids
much less likely to use drugs.

3. Help your kids develop tools they can use to get out of alcohol-or
drug-related situations.

4. Get to know your children's friends and their parents. Call them and
check in to make sure they share your views on alcohol, tobacco and other
drugs.

5. Call kids' parents if their home is to be used for a party. Make sure
that the party will be alcohol-free and supervised by adults.

6. Set curfews and enforce them. Let kids know the consequences of breaking
curfew.

7. Encourage open dialogue with your children about their experiences. Make
sure your children understand that they can ask you anything - and that
you'll give them an honest answer.

8. Set a no-use rule for alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

9. Sit down for dinner with your children at least once a week. Use the
time to talk - don't eat in front of the TV.

10. Get - and stay -involved in your children's lives.

Source: The Partnership for a Drug-Free America (www.drugfreeamerica.org)