TEENS AND DRUGS

Numerous Williamsburg and James City County citizens worry that too
many of our young people abuse illegal drugs and alcohol. As profiled
in past articles, in presentations recently offered in our high
schools, in data from professionals at Bacon Street, and in
conversations with many teenagers, the drug and alcohol problems
within our community only worsen. The harsh struggles caused by the
abuse of alcohol and drugs will not evaporate with our simple wishes.
Adults must be more comprehensive in our care and attention to this
urgent matter.

The writer who scripted the March 20 editorial "Scary thought" is
obviously ill-informed about the seriousness of illegal drug abuse and
underage drinking among our youth. The editorial said, "problems ...
must be addressed by parents, churches, courts, law enforcement,
communities and agencies that deal with youth and substance abuse."
Haven't parents, churches, courts, law enforcement, communities and
agencies already attempted to deal with this abuse? Our teenagers'
profound drug and alcohol challenges still exist.

Members of a local task force have invested much time, thought,
research and discussion into creating a well-constructed, criminally
and academically nonpunitive, legally permissible, treatment-oriented,
random drug testing program for the School Board to consider. Did the
Daily Press even investigate or inquire about the compassionate,
discreet, proactive and respectful recommendations offered within this
unique program?

"Where is the limit?" asked the editorial. I have a limit to suggest.
Our limit is to support, unconditionally love and compassionately
discipline our young people with all of our might and with all of our
ability until we know these teenagers are indeed OK. We must remain
creative, strong and respectful in our efforts as these young people
strive to become healthy, strong, happy, self-reliant and intelligent
assets to our community.

We have a problem in W-JC that is affecting the education and
wellbeing of our youth. We need answers. We need alternatives. We need
action.

Beverly Lancaster

Williamsburg