LETTER ON DRUG SAFETY PUTS THE 'HAPPY' IN HOLIDAYS

As I read of all the drug-related horror stories this holiday season
and think of my son as he grows up, I'd like to offer the kind of
advice we don't read often enough.

I'm offering that advice through the following unsolicited and
unedited recent letter from a student graduating college to his
mother, a public health specialist and friend of mine:

"Dear Mom,

It has been eight years since I entered high school on the heels of
your famous advice about drugs: 'Johnny, be skeptical and, most of
all, be safe.' Although I'd like to tell you that I never needed your
advice because I never encountered drugs, I'd prefer to be as honest
with you as you have been with me.

Just as you predicted, I spent high school and college navigating a
highly experimental teenage drug culture. While some of the substances
that I encountered were illegal, like marijuana, cocaine, and Ecstasy,
many were not, like alcohol, cigarettes, and Ritalin. Because you
explained that a drugs legality does not mean that it is better or
worse for me, I approached every substance with skepticism, moderation
and common sense.

Our household mantra of 'safety first' guided me through a maze of
difficult decisions, particularly in college where alcohol use and
abuse is widespread. Because you didn't lie or exaggerate the risks of
drug use, I took your warnings seriously.

I always made plans for sober transportation; I refused to leave
friends alone if they were highly intoxicated; and I was never afraid
to call home if I found myself in a dangerous situation.

Of course you advised me not to use drugs, but as an expert in the
field, you knew that I was likely to experiment. Most parents panic in
response to this likelihood, but you and Dad remained
levelheaded:

You didn't impose rigid rules that were bound to be broken, and you
didn't bombard me with transparent scare tactics. Instead you
encouraged me to think critically and carefully about drug use.

When I inquired, you armed me with truthful, scientifically based
information from which I could make my own decisions. This was
excellent practice for adulthood, and we built a loving relationship
based on trust and truth.

Mom, your work does so much more than teach parents how to talk to
their kids about drugs; your work keeps parents and kids communicating
at a time when most kids shut their parents out. Our relationship is a
perfect example. For never ceasing to communicate with me, even when I
tried to shut the door on you, and for tirelessly keeping me, my
sisters, and so many other kids safe, thank you." Johnny

The letter was to Marsha Rosenbaum, Ph. D., from her son
Johnny.

Have a happy holiday season and, above all, be safe.

Nicholas Eyle, ReconsiDer

Nicolas Eyle is head of the Syracuse-based ReconsiDer, an organization
dedicated to reforming drug policies.