CURBING DRUG USE BY TEENS

The fight to protect teen-agers from the dangers of alcohol and drug use
seems to have had some good results, according to a national survey
recently released.

We hope the decrease in use is reflected among our local teen population.

But we know that no matter how much statistics show less use, the fight is
endless. Just in the past month, three people - two 21-year- old men and a
woman, 23 - died in automobile crashes that authorities said were alcohol
related.

Nationally, Pride Surveys found that the number of students who used
alcohol - 65 percent - in the previous year was the lowest in the 15- year
history of its studies. The group also reported that 37 percent of
12th-graders used an illicit drug in the past year; for the five previous
years, the rate was a constant 41 percent.

The study - based on questionnaires given to more than 100,000 anonymously
high school students in 21 states - showed that teen-agers who participate
in after-school activities, go to a house of worship and communicate with
teachers are less likely to use drugs and alcohol. Pride officials
attribute the declining numbers partially to the focus on family that
happened after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

After-school activities, religious and teacher involvement can support
healthy behaviors among teen-agers, said Betty Currier, executive director
of LEAF Council on Alcohol and Addictions in Cooperstown. But numbers will
remain down only if emphasis on family continues, she said.

"Things tend to happen, and people address the issue, and say, 'We've
addressed something, we've made a change,'" she said. "But then the old
ways come back again, and the cycle begins."

Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free, a coalition of governors'
spouses, federal agencies and public and private organizations, aims to
prevent use of alcohol by children ages 9 to 15. The group says successful
alcohol-prevention programs include one or more of three approaches:
Reducing the availability of alcohol; improving the effectiveness of law
enforcement; and changing social norms to reinforce the message that
alcohol use by young people is unacceptable.

In Delaware County, the Under the Influence Coalition is trying some shock
treatment to get across the impact of alcohol abuse. The group recently
staged a death scene where a girl appeared to have a heart attack from
alcohol poisoning.

Andy Lombardi, owner of Lombardi's Family Tavern in Hamden, near the site
of the mock event, said the performance might have a positive impact.

"If it affects one kid, I think it's worth it," Lombardi said. "Maybe it
will make some of them think twice."

We must maintain the positive factors, such as family, sports and other
activities, that reduce teen-age alcohol and drug use. And we also must
find innovative and creative ways to get the message across.