IT'S NOT YOUR FATHER'S 'JOINT'

Think of drug abuse, and you think of the growing pres-ence of meth labs,
the occasional bust in the news.

Nobody wants their child experimenting with methamphetamines, but marijuana
is the drug of choice for the most critical segment of our population,
elementary and high school students. Its danger to the future of these
children isn't as widely appreciated.

In the 2001 "Kitsap Kids" survey, 80 percent of adults and 75 percent of
teens agreed with the statement, "I believe marijuana use is harmful." But
marijuana use among Washington students in grades 8-12 has more than
doubled since 1992 (Washington State Survey of Adolescent Health Behaviors
2001). Fifty-five percent of 12th graders report having used marijuana.

Alcohol was the previous "drug of choice" for this age group. In 1993, the
ratio of adolescents receiving treatment for alcohol versus marijuana abuse
was 3:1.

Four years later, these substances reversed order. What happened?

According to Sheila Walters, guidance counselor at North Kitsap High
School, and Beth Mosley, intervention specialist for North Kitsap and
Spectrum, the attitude toward marijuana use by students and parents alike
demonstrated a notable shift.

"Students are more willing to come in and talk about use, it's more
accepted among their peers, there's less discussion now about a friend
using, and many parents are less concerned than they used to be," said Walters.

"Parents used to say, 'It's only beer,' and now I hear, 'It's only pot.'"

Mosley has encountered this outlook among parents of student users, too: "A
parent will tell me, I need you to know that I smoke pot, and I see nothing
wrong with it." she said.

The generation that experimented freely with marijuana. in the '60s and
'70s, is now the parent generation.

But marijuana today is definitely "not your father's joint." Levels of THC,
the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, are significantly higher and
more potent than in the past.

Whereas in 1974 THC content averaged less than 1 percent, today's marijuana
THC concentration ranges from 8 to 28 percent.

This higher concentration of a mind-altering substance results in more
dramatic effects on the user, and in the case of students, on the academic
performance, as well as overall health.

In the September 2000 study, "Impact of Peer Substance Use on Middle School
Performance in Washington State", even low levels of alcohol and drug use
were linked to lower individual Washington Assessment of Student learning
(WASL) test scores for middle school students. Students whose peers had
near-zero Involvement with drinking and drugs scored on average 18 points
higher on the state reading test, and 45 points higher in math, than
students whose peers had a moderate level of use.

Educators aren't ignoring these statistics. Education programs are at the
heart of tackling both alcohol and drug abuse in the schools, and
availability of counseling and treatment is increasing. Mosley now works as
an interventionist directly for the school district, as opposed to covering
the entire county

The tone of substance abuse education has taken a turn. "Just say no," is
out, and education on values and informed decision making is in.

"If I say 'don't do it, it's bad,' kids aren't going to buy that, not when
they see their parents using alcohol and living successfully. But if I give
them all the information and lead them, to make their own decisions, if the
student looks at their actions and the results and decides that not using
is the smart thing to do, that's when we have success," said Walters.

Substance abuse education now includes detailed information on the affects
of alcohol or marijuana on the brain, on the ability to make decisions, and
the consequences of those decisions.

Students who approach a counselor for help, or questions, receive
confidential assistance in examining their behavior, and referral for
treatment or additional education.

While peer influence is the leading factor in whether or not students will
experiment with illegal substances, the No. 1 factor in a student's choice
to not use remains repeated, stated parental disapproval.

'Talking with their kids, calling a party to see if there's an adult there,
and not supporting use, that's the most important thing parents can do,"
said Walters.

"Unfortunately there are parties where parents are there, and they're
providing. They think that makes it safe, but it's illegal. Call it what it
is: you're contributing to the delinquency of a minor when you provide them
alcohol."

The health of our children is the health of our future -- it's not a
short-term venture. Play your role by taking a stand on making the right
decision, and choosing not to abuse. Our kids are watching your choices.