WHEATON DRUG FORUM THIS WEEK

Nearly everyone knows of someone who has a drug or alcohol addiction. Most
parents think it will never happen to their own children. And teenagers
often believe they are indestructible.

That isn't the case.

"When you have teenage children you have to be vigilant and aware," said
Trudy Rigney, guidance director at St. Francis High School in Wheaton.

St. Francis is hosting a panel discussion at 7:30 p.m. Thursday on the use
of drugs and alcohol by adolescents. Parents, students and interested
members of the public from throughout the area are invited to attend the
program in St. Francis' Kuhn Cultural Arts Center, 2130 W. Roosevelt Road.

Participants will include former St. Francis students Tom Carnevale and
Courtney Barkei, who will share their own struggles with drug addiction.

Madeleine Doubek, Daily Herald project editor for the newspaper's series
"The Hidden Scourge, How Heroin and Club Drugs Have Taken Root in the
Suburbs" and Lea Minalga of the support group Hearts of Hope also will be
on the panel, as well as addictions counselor Jennifer Mehochko and
psychologist Andrew Shack.

Topics for discussion will include warning signs of alcohol and drug use;
prevention strategies for parents; guidelines for giving and attending
parties; and information on marijuana, heroin, cocaine and club drugs.

"We like to try and do educational things for our parents," Rigney said.

The panel discussion is one of several activities St. Francis is
undertaking this week to help students make wiser, more informed choices
when pressured to try drugs, alcohol or cigarettes.

On Wednesday, St. Francis students will see "For Real," a play performed by
the theater troupe "Healthworks." The play was written by local high school
students and focuses on the choices teens make in relationships and the use
of drugs and alcohol.

A parent's guide for the prevention of substance abuse was mailed to all
St. Francis parents. It covers a variety of topics, including prevention
and the legal consequences for minors caught using drugs or alcohol.

"You just can't have enough information out there," Rigney said.

Anyone wanting more information about the forum can call Rigney at (630)
668-5800, Ext. 15.