ALL TIED UP IN DRUG PREVENTION

Deaths Add Meaning to Red Ribbon Week

CEDARBURG - At least four drug overdose deaths, the arrest of a CHS
student for selling amphetamines on campus and the dismantling of a
heroin-dealing operation with ties to Ozaukee County have merged over
the past year to make this year's annual Red Ribbon Week more
critical than ever.

The campaign to educate youths on the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and
drug use is under way in cities across the nation this week,
including Cedarburg, where young people continue to experiment with
and abuse everything from heroin to over-the-counter cold medicines.

Those involved with the Red Ribbon campaign say more emphasis must be
placed this year on drawing parents into the discussion of preventing
teens drug and alcohol use.

"I think we do a good job of bringing the anti-drug message to
students. We really want parents to get involved," said Kathy
Ingrassia, a member of the Cedarburg Positive Parent Involvement group.

That was the hope behind this year's idea to tie red ribbons onto one
of the four trees along the sidewalk in front of City Hall this year.
The ribbons can be placed in memory of someone lost to drug or
alcohol abuse, in recognition of someone struggling with substance
abuse or in honor of someone who has overcome such addictions, Ingrassia said.

"We thought this was more personal," said Ingrassia, who would like
to see parents taking the lead and tying the ribbons on the trees
with their children.

Statistics show an increase in recent years of substance abuse
problems in the county. According to the Ozaukee County Public Health
Department, the number of underage drinking assessments conducted
between 2000 and 2005 jumped about 60 percent. Also on the rise is
the number of people being treated for chemical dependency. That
figure rose from 1,588 in 2000 to 3,967 in 2005.

Behind the statistics are names, such as Angela Raettig, the
17-year-old CHS student who died from a heroin overdose late last
year. Or Ryan Willhard, 21, a CHS grad who died June 18 from an
overdose of fentanyl, a painkiller whose effects are similar to heroin.

If nothing else, the deaths serve to underscore the urgency of
prevention efforts like Red Ribbon Week, said Shea Halula, executive
director of the Ozaukee Council.

"It just stresses how much more important this is," Halula said.
"These are teachable moments."

Cedarburg Police Detective Scott Yanke, the department's schools
liaison, said hectic family schedules and parents who both work
outside the home can make it difficult for parents to find time to
talk about drug and alcohol use. Nonetheless, open and frequent
communication is vital to preventing youths from experimenting.

"There is much parents can do on a daily basis," Yanke said. "Kids
are street smart. Even if their kid isn't involved (with alcohol or
drugs), they often know who is."

Drug and alcohol prevention experts all say that parent involvement
in their children's lives is one of the best tools for preventing
substance abuse among teens. Below are several important tips for
parents to get involved:

* Eat meals together as often as you can: Studies show that kids
whose families eat together at lease five times a week are less
likely to be involved with drugs or alcohol.

* Involve your teen in supervised activities: Teens involved in
after-school activities or programs were less likely to have used
cigarettes, alcohol or illicit drugs in the past month than youths
who did not participate in supervised activities.

* Check in with your teen after school: The danger zone for drug use
is between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Parents who can arrange flex time at
work should try to be home during those hours.

* Watch for a decline in your teen's school performance: Students
with a D average were five times were likely to have used illicit
drugs in the past month than students with an A average.

* Know the warning signs of drug use: Be alerted to changes such as
your teen acting distant from family and friends, hanging out with a
different crowd, changes in moods or attitudes, lack of interest in
personal appearance, changes in clothing and dramatic changes in
eating or sleeping habits.

* Be a better listener: Ask questions and encourage your teen to ask
questions of you. Paraphrase what your child says to you. Ask for
their input about family decisions.

* Stay involved in your teen's life: Help your teen with homework
assignments and projects. Limit time spent watching TV and using the
Internet. Limit the amount of time spent with friends on school nights.