WE NEED NEW TACTICS TO FIGHT YOUTH DRUG USE

Re: Young drug abusers need treatment, not threats, Dec. 13.

I agree somewhat with the letter by Harvey Davey, but there are
several aspects of drug use by youth that must be addressed from a
teenager's point of view.

If a parent simply tells a child that drugs are bad, the conversation
will go in one ear of the child and out the other. The constant
nagging and repetitive conversations do no good, and in fact will
thrust children into the culture of drug use.

Nor does it help that celebrities and athletes whom we idolize are
seen on television or in newspapers in handcuffs due to drug
allegations. It only makes it seem more acceptable in society and less
shameful.

In every term in office, some government official promises a decline
in drug use or a war on drugs. What governments have yet to figure out
is that the situation is more critical than first observed. Forget
students doing illegal drugs by Grade 12: Now it is rare to find a
student in Grade 10 who has not done drugs.

If you go to any party involving more than 20 teenagers, you are sure
to find drugs or under-age drinking. The fear of being caught barely
exists anymore as police are seen to be weak. Now we have two-bit drug
dealers roaming our streets trying to victimize youths.

So, what is left for us as a society to do? As a teenager, I am
stumped. It appears everything that could be done to stop the increase
in drug use without violating our civil liberties has been attempted.

It is now up to us as a country to unite to fight our biggest war in
history.

Abdirazak Abdi, 17,

Ottawa