PROGRAM TRAINS KIDS TO STAY DRUG-FREE

Janine Pacelli doesn't want teenagers to view her as another Mr.
Mackey, the little-respected "South Park" counselor who repeats a
"drugs are bad" mantra without thoroughly explaining the consequences.

But she's not seeking to use scare tactics, either, to persuade
teens to ponder the dangers of drug use, underage drinking and smoking.

As a treatment specialist for the Fayette County Drug and Alcohol
Commission, Pacelli says she's confronted by teens growing up in
communities where a prevailing feeling exists that alcohol, tobacco
and marijuana use is an accepted way of fitting in.

In organizing a new monthly prevention program, Pacelli, 27, strives
to connect with teens who might be unwilling to talk with their
parents about the peer pressure and other influences that could lead
to substance abuse.

"There's no real support system out there for adolescents who are
looking for help," Pacelli said

This season, the commission unveiled the Underage Curriculum for
Adolescent Needs, a free, five-evening program to train kids how to
live a substance-free lifestyle.

The prevention program was spawned from similar programs the
commission managed that weren't regularly scheduled. The second
small-group program of the fall concluded Sunday night.

The goal is to have a group of between eight and 10 children that
meet every month.

Referrals come from magistrates, school officials, physicians or
parents who have identified a child as an underage drinker or drug
user or believe the child may be at risk to use. The program is for
people 21 and younger.

Unlike most of the referrals, a student can't avoid the program if a
district judge makes the recommendation.

Some judges, including Robert W. Breakiron, of Bullskin Township,
might use the program as a substitute for the $300 fine a student
would face upon pleading guilty to an underage drinking citation.

"It puts a little salt in their oats, so to speak, to get them to
go," Breakiron said. "It's an awareness program, and I think these
young people need to be aware of the problems that drinking and drugs cause."

"It could save a life down the road, too," he said.

Although Underage Curriculum for Adolescent Needs isn't designed as
an inpatient program, the commission performs a complete psychiatric
assessment and studies a client's medical history to determine if
there are any greater needs.

During the five evenings, Pacelli describes the effects that drugs
and alcohol have on the body, relates the family issues that can
arise from substance abuse and explores the link between substance
abuse and sexual activity.

The fourth day is a family session in which a relative attends and
participates.

"My goal is to enlighten them and their families that it could be a
problem," Pacelli said. "Maybe it's not now, but it could be, and
you're taking a risk."

As an offshoot of the prevention program, the commission's
prevention specialists are getting into Fayette County's elementary
schools to talk with younger students.

"Our teachers are really excited that people are coming in with the
resources and the know-how," said Ed Zelich, principal of Hatfield
Elementary School in the Laurel Highlands School District.

The commission hopes its prevention programs help children with
their daily choices, said Joseph Augustine, of the prevention unit.

"It's something that you should want to take advantage of," he said.
"The help is here, you just have to be willing to take the next step."