SAFE TEEN DRUG USE NOT A VIABLE SOLUTION

Re "Teaching Young People Safe X Beats Just Saying No," commentary,
April 10

I was appalled when I read Julie Holland's suggestion regarding safe
drug use. That she is a parent and a psychiatrist is an even more
horrifying thought.

I would be the first to agree with her that our children don't always
do what we want them do. However, to advocate educated drug use is
unconscionable, dangerous and irresponsible.

It is ridiculous to believe that a teen under the influence of any
drug is going to have the presence of mind to drink a pint of water
every hour, or to have the judgment to avoid alcohol while he or she
is intoxicated by another drug.

It is utterly naive to think that an inebriated teen is going to have
the knowledge or sense to "test the contents" of any drug.

She also suggests that our teens' sex and driving "should be deferred
until sober."

Even adults under the influence of these drugs (including alcohol)
make poor judgments about sex and driving, so how can we expect our
teens to make better judgments.

As the parent of a teen who suffered severe brain damage from an
accidental drug overdose, I resent Holland's suggestions.

If she wants to prevent teen death from drug use, she should recruit
people like my daughter to teach other teens the dangers of drugs. My
daughter has spoken to The Times, NBC, Teen, Elle Magazine, MTV,
Channel One and 20"20, in her attempt to prevent other teens from
suffering the devastating effects of drug use. She has spoken to
hundreds of teens, and they are listening and learning. Ms. Holland's
article is more than naive. It is a disservice to teens and their
parents, and I regret that The Times printed it.

Maryanne Rose, Laguna Niguel