MANY AMERICANS ARE IN DENIAL ABOUT DRUG USE AMONG TEENS

Up To 25% Of This Years Senior Classes Across America Can't Pass A Urinalysis

"Denial" isn't a river in Egypt.

Up to 25% of this years senior classes across America can't pass a urinalysis.

In addition to the human tragedy involved drug abuse is expensive. Eighty
to 85 percent of those in prison are here on drug related changes. Think of
the costs of providing those prisons and supporting the inmates. There are
126 countries that don't have as many in prison as 126 of the Georgia counties.

The hospital cost for a normal weight baby in most hospitals is about
$3,750. Costs for a drug addicted baby is near $100,000.

A Congressional finding revealed that drug abuse has more than doubled
since 1996. The most dramatic increase occurred among 13 and 14 year olds.

Substance abuse is at the core of a number of other problems, such as,
rising numbers of violent teens, growth of gang crime, increased health
costs, HIV infections, teenage pregnancy, high school dropouts, and lower
economic productivity.

Yet, many people are in denial regarding of how serious the problem really is.

To help one person to avoid the devastating result of drug abuse or to
rescue one from its grip is a lifesaving experience.

It is estimated that if parents helped avoid abuse talk with youth, it
would result in a 30 percent decline in abuse. Build family ties.

Out of concern I have identified with two primary movements in this arena.
As a preventive the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has a highly effective
program called "One Way to Play, Drug Free." I am Chairman of the
International Board of this body headquartered in Kansas City. Check the
web site: FCA.org and look under "One Way to Play..." Additionally,
encourage youth to check "Hang Time" on this site for helpful encouragement.

A recent study by the Templeton Foundation found "One Way to Play..." to be
one of the most highly successful programs offered in the area of
prevention. Every school should have it. Across America thousands do. It
has done much to reverse the softening of peer norms against abuse.

You will see the logo on the back of Gainey Transport trucks. Harvey Gainey
is on the FCA Board.

I have also partnered with the Georgia Baptist Children's Home to provide
the Nelson Price Drug Rehabilitation Center located at 729 Lawrence Street
in Marietta. This 29 bed in and out patient treatment center will be
dedicated May 14, at 1:30 p.m. Come by and visit. A shuttle will run from
Roswell Street Baptist Church. I would like for the community to know of
this facility and use it to the advantage of persons needing help. I also
want the community to know so no one will think it is where I went to get
rehabilitated like Betty Ford. For the serious minded that part is not
true, it's a joke. OK!

There is no denying there is a major problem needing our collective
efforts. Find a place along the battle line and get involved.

(For more information check: nelsonprice.com)