KIDS AND DRUGS

THE Partnership for a Drug-Free America recently ran an ad in the Mercury
News (Page 7A, Nov. 18). The ad depicts what appears to be a young person
struggling with the issue of drug use. I took exception to the wording in
the ad detailing the young person's thoughts: "... I'm really demonstrating
what a therapist would call 'asserting my identity,' so I can grow up to be
a well-adjusted individual.''

The meaning that came across to me was that therapists are likely to
minimize the significance of drug use by children and teens. I agree with
the ad's general message that kids need strong parents who can provide
guidance.

When families turn to a therapist for help with a kid's drug problem, one
of the major goals of therapy is to help parents develop the kind of
strength recommended in the ad. But the ad seems to suggest that they are
not going to get that kind of help, and that instead a therapist is likely
to see the kid's behavior as simply phase-related.

The wording of the ad is irresponsible and a disservice to parents who need
to be aware of all of the community resources that can offer help with this
problem.

Robert Scott

Licensed clinical social worker

Menlo Park