DRUGS, LAWS AND KIDS' FUTURES

The 2002 Monitoring the Future study delivered an early holiday gift with
its encouraging news about the reduction of drug use by teens ("Teen drug
use on decline, study says: U-M researchers say 9/11 has a sobering effect,"
Dec. 17). However, it is important to remember that drug use among teens
remains unacceptably high. We can't let up in our efforts to reduce drug use
among kids.

Attitudes about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs are changing, and when they
do, behavior changes. These changes in attitude can be attributed in part to
collaborative community efforts to educate, involve and inform young people.
The reality of substance abuse continues to resonate with teens.

This is no time for anyone who cares about kids to turn their focus away
from the drug issue. In the early 1990s, after making remarkable progress in
reducing drug use, the nation chose to focus on other matters. Shortly
thereafter, teen drug use began to rise. We cannot make the same mistake
again.

Parents, media, law enforcement, schools, business, faith communities and
local leaders all have a role in helping kids. Much, however, remains to be
done. Only with the sustained involvement of our communities and families
can we continue to reduce the demand for drugs.

Susan L. Hiltz, Executive Director

Prevention Coalition of Southeast Michigan (PREVCO)

Southfield