YOUTH WHO DRINK AND TAKE DRUGS ARE HURTING THEMSELVES AS WELL AS OTHERS

The more I talk with young people about their drinking and drug habits, the
more I wonder WHY? Many would argue that I'm simply naive, but I truly
don't get it. It seems like 'having fun' has become synonymous with getting
drunk or getting high.

Let me clarify that I'm not referring to those people who go out with
friends and have a social drink. (I have no problem with this behaviour, as
long as the individuals are of legal age.) I do; however, have a problem
with those who have multiple drinks; consume illegal drugs; and mix the two
as a way of having fun.

Young adults are indulging in these dangerous activities on a regular
basis, and it worries me to no end. But, what is worse is the fact that
young children are doing it too. Adolescents are breaking into parents'
liquor cabinets and experimenting with alcoholic substances. We have a problem!

So why do they do it? On a certain level, I understand that many young
people engage in this type of activity because of peer pressure. That is
the obvious, and rather standard answer to such a question. But, that
doesn't account for those who set the trend' those who have the idea in the
first place. Why do they do it?

Not really having an answer to my own question, I left this column,
half-completed for quite some time. Now that summer is upon us, and the
unofficial party season' is here, I felt the need to finish what I had started.

"People who drink and use drugs are cool in the eyes of others", said one
young person I spoke to. So, I guess that's the answer. If you're drunk and
high, your friends will think you're cool. Sad, isn't it?

Leaving alcohol aside for a moment, let's examine the drugs that far too
many young people are experimenting with Ecstasy, GHB (the date rape drug),
and LSD, just to name a few. These substances are dangerous enough when
manufactured properly, but imagine what happens when other chemicals are
mixed in. There is no quality control; thus young people are consuming
little white pills' without even knowing what's in them! How can that
possibly be perceived as cool?

Having fun shouldn't have to include an altered state. That being said, if
it does happen, the individual must be responsible for his/her actions.

I'm reminded of the lady who got drunk at an office party, went to a bar on
her way home, and then got into an accident. She sued her employers for
letting her leave the party drunk and won. What kind of message does a
verdict like that send to young people? Get drunk; get behind the wheel;
get into an accident; sue; and win money. Talk about absurd.

As parents, ensure your children know the serious effects of drinking and
taking drugs. We can't prevent young people from experimenting, but we can
inform them of the risks and hope they make smart choices on their own.

Jay Solomon is a York Mills Collegiate alumnus now attending school at York
University, where he just completed his first year. As a former advocate
against school violence Jay writes on issues affecting today's youth.