DRUG USE INCREASING

Drug use is increasing everywhere. Why should we be surprised that
more are being found in our high schools?

We are all exposed to drug use at an early age. When we are young and
don't feel well many times our mother, who we love, gives us a drug
and we feel better.

Eventually in our younger years, the drugs given at home become
ineffective and our parents take us to a physician, who is a person of
good standing in our community and respected by our parents.

The physician gives us a drug and we feel better. This pattern
continues throughout our formative years.

Then in school, a person doesn't feel well, or they fail a test, or
can't understand a lesson, or get rejected, or get cut from the team.

Their friend, who they love, or a person they respect at school offers
them a drug.

The drug makes them feel better. In fact, it makes them feel better
than anything they could get at home or from a pharmacy.

Why would they take the drug? Why not?

We have a cultural attachment to drug use.

There is a saying; "give me a child until he is seven and he is mine
for life".

Many of us are taught and learn that drug use is necessary and even
required for survival.

Our experiences at home, on TV, in the print media, and in social
situations reinforce this.

I think we should be shocked at the increase use of drugs in local
high schools but not surprised.

I would be surprised if these findings aren't the same or greater in
the general population.

Dr. M.C. Mitchell,

Cambridge