PARENTS CAN SURVIVE LIVING WITH TEENS

Forum Presents Information To Local Parents On Adolescent Drug And Alcohol
Abuse

LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE -- Morgan Fisher is from South Pasadena, where things
like drug use and hard crime aren't supposed to happen.

That didn't stop him from trying alcohol for the first time when he was 12,
an experiment that quickly turned to addiction.

The former South Pasadena High School student spoke Thursday at a forum
sponsored by the Community Prevention Council.

Now 17, Morgan and his mother, Susan Callahan, shared their experiences of
his addiction to alcohol and drugs and as a dealer to an audience of about
50 residents, city and school board officials.

"Cocaine is the one I fell in love with," Morgan said, adding he was glad
he found the drug because it beat him up so much it made him want to change.

His lifestyle eventually got him arrested and put in a rehabilitation
center. Morgan is now clean, and said he wishes he could change his past
actions.

He also said drugs and alcohol are readily available to teens and preteens
anywhere, a point Community Prevention Council members were hoping to drive
home with the forum, called "Healthy Families/Healthy Community: How To
Survive Living With a Teenager."

"This community has traditionally been a community of ostriches," council
Chairman Will Moffitt said. "We have a lot of kids that feel unplugged,
with not a lot for them to do."

Drug counselors from surrounding areas presented information on what leads
to addiction, symptoms of addiction, and what parents can do to prevent
drug abuse and help teens who are using.

Janice DaVolio is a parent of a preteen, and attended Thursday's forum to
get information to prepare her for the teenage years.

She was surprised, as were others, at the low turnout.

"They're here for the PTA coffee, but not here for the children," she said.
"This was a great opportunity to get the tools they need to help children."

The forum kicked off the Healthy Families/Healthy Communities campaign,
which organizers hope will grow to include an outreach worker available to
La Canada Flintridge schools and a 24-hour information program on help
lines, movies and concerts for teens.