ADDRESS CAUSE OF DRUG ABUSE; PROVIDE 'LIFELINE'

An old co-worker would always go straight home and never party with us
on Fridays after work. I vividly recall the day my boss observed, "He
must be getting something somewhere!"

As a school counselor, it's been hard to understand kids' extreme
adverse reactions to disruptions in the family or boyfriend/girlfriend
rejection. Why are what seem such not uncommon events in life so
devastating for some people? It has to be something worse than a
broken heart. What are we so desperate to hold on to?

A Lifeline.

Good lifelines are found in strong families, good friends, sports, and
positive activities. If an individual fails to connect in positive
ways, he or she may grasp for false lifelines ... one of which is drugs.

There are three basic kinds of addiction:

The rush. The adrenaline high. In this category are amphetamines (ice,
crack), but also dangerous high-risk games such as gambling or
shoplifting.

Satiation. Killing pain. Alcohol, opiates, medications,
overeating.

Fantasy. Escapism. Marijuana, LSD, but also religious mysticism or
cults.

We tell students that, in the long term, school is their main lifeline
- -- that being a student is the most important job they will ever have.
What we all can do is take the time to show care and solicitude. The
ordinary friendly, "What's new?" Showing understanding and
unconditional acceptance.

We've learned that drug use is more a chemicals issue than a morals
issue. I once felt compelled to tell a middle child underachiever,
"You're nicer than your sister." Who responded finally, "Yeah ... I
know."

"But it doesn't hurt to be told once in a while!"

Can we keep our youth away from drugs? Some. An effort to socially
involve them or a sincere, "I'll be there for you" will surely help.
Thereby, we'll enjoin the battle against the causes of drug abuse, not
just the act of drug abuse itself.