PROGRAM WILL WARN OF THE DANGERS OF POPULAR DRUGS

Issue -- Widespread use of drugs such as OxyContin, GHB and Ecstasy.

We Suggest -- Users need to know the life-threatening potential.

The Advertiser has long urged an intervention program designed to warn
young people about the dangers of certain drugs, particularly OxyContin, a
potent painkiller, and such designer drugs as GHB and Ecstasy. Now, a
partnership of the Lafayette Parish Medical Society and Lafayette General
Medical Center has launched an educational program designed to warn people
of the enormous health threats from using party drugs or misusing
prescription drugs. The campaign will utilize broadcast and print
announcements to get the message across that the drugs pose a threat to life.

We believe this is an extremely timely approach. The public has had the
dangers of street drugs such as cocaine hammered into their consciousness
for years. OxyContin, GHB and Ecstasy have not had that kind of exposure
and we do not believe enough people have yet received the sobering message.

The danger of the drugs cannot be over-emphasized. There is a fine line
between a dosage that intoxicates and a dosage that can kill or cause brain
damage. Lafayette has had some alarming cases.

Hospitals here have been seeing more and more emergency room visits brought
on by the abuse of the drugs. A 2001 Southern Illinois University study
found 22.8 percent of UL Lafayette students had used a designer drug at
least once.

Making young people aware of the terrible risk they take is a vital
responsibility. We commend the medical society and Lafayette General for
accepting the challenge.