ANTI-DRUG EFFORTS PAYING OFF, SOMERSET OFFICIALS SAY

SOMERSET -- While more than 17 percent of surveyed Somerset County
students had engaged in binge drinking in a 30-day period -- a
significantly higher percentage than elsewhere in the state -- county
officials said newly released results show notable signs of
improvement.

The study, which tracks drug abuse and abuse factors among students
in sixth, eighth, 10th and 12th grades countywide, also was conducted
in 2003 and 2005, using a federal Drug Free Communities grant.

"In my opinion, there is good news in Somerset County," said Rick
Esterly of Esterly Consulting Associates in the Reading area.

"If you look at 2002 and 2007, there have been some very important
improvements almost across the board," he added.

The results suggest a statistically significant five-year trend of
decreased experimental use of cigarettes, marijuana, heroin,
methamphetamine and ecstasy. The stats also show a significant
five-year trend of lowered use of alcohol, marijuana and heroin in a
month, a measure seen as an indicator of habitual use.

Esterly said local efforts -- many fueled by the five-year, $500,000
federal grant -- are paying off.

The grant also allows for the county's Drug Free Communities
Initiative, which involves efforts such as a coalition to fight drug
abuse. The coalition has coordinated efforts to reduce alcohol access
to minors with public service ads.

But leaders say the work is far from over.

The 2007 survey showed an increase in experimental or occasional use
of alcohol and a slight increase in the use of hallucinogens.
Habitual binge drinking and the use of smokeless tobacco, cigarettes,
inhalants and heroin remain significantly higher than elsewhere in
the state.

Mary Ann Boman, director of the Drug Free Communities Initiative,
said the coalition of teens and adults always can use more
volunteers. Those interested in volunteering may call 445-6460 or
visit www.drugfreesomersetcounty.org for more information.