AVAILABLE DRUGS

MOST TEEN-AGERS, even if they do not intend to smoke marijuana, either know
where to buy it or know someone who can find it for them.

In fact, a recent survey by the National Center on Addiction and Substance
Abuse indicated that buying marijuana is easier for teens than buying
cigarettes or beer.

If that doesn't startle the daylights out of parents, it should.

Teen-agers talk often about drugs, alcohol and sex. The problem is that
most of such conversations are with other teens rather than with their
parents, who are the people with whom they should be discussing the subjects.

Parental involvement is the best defense teen-agers can have against the
many temptations that they have to face.

Calm, non-judgmental talks between parents and children about drugs, sex
and alcohol can be a powerful weapon against such things as peer pressure.

In a world where teen-agers receive messages from movies, musical artists
and other popular culture that drug use is glamorous and where too many of
their peers talk positively about drugs, young people need re-affirmation
from their parents that drug use would be harmful for them.

It is a difficult world to grow up in, and teen-agers have to make many
difficult choices. Parents can help them to develop fortitude against
making bad choices simply by talking things over with them. It is time that
will be well spent for parents and teens.