SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION URGED

Preventing children and young adults from using drugs and abusing alcohol
is a community responsibility, public officials said at a news conference
Tuesday.

Mayor Bobby Simpson and representatives of a variety of public agencies
gathered in the Metro Council chambers to reiterate the message of a
community breakfast last month.

Simpson said more than 200 people made a commitment at the breakfast to
work to stop young people from abusing alcohol and drugs.

"There are so many ways to have fun in Baton Rouge without getting drunk or
high on drugs," the mayor said.

Norma Rutledge, who runs the I CARE counseling program, said sixth-graders
routinely tell her alcohol and even illegal drugs are available at the
parties they attend.

"That's our problem. That's not a youth problem. That's a community
problem. That's a parent problem," she said.

"It is absolutely essential that our entire community embrace our youth,"
she said.

Coroner Louis Cataldie said that the drugs and alcohol won't be going away
and neither will adolescent curiosity and belief in their own immortality.

Adults must convey the physical, psychological and spiritual risks of
substance abuse and must educate themselves about the availability of drugs
in the community, Cataldie said.

Drug Court Judge William Morvant said, "Parents and adults are going to
have to lead by example" by not allowing teen-agers access to alcohol and
by following laws about drinking and drug use.

"It's now up to the community to act," he said.