COLLEGE-AGE DRINKING ISN'T A MINOR OFFENSE

I agree with your editorial that Noelle Bush's problems with drugs should
not be fodder for cheap political shots. However, I am concerned that you
may have missed the warning signs in your statements about the underage
drinking arrests of Barbara and Jenna Bush. You said, "But these are
relatively minor offenses, probably reflective more of two normal,
high-spirited college students than of anything else. Noelle's problems are
obviously more serious."

Many parents make the mistake of saying, "Thank God it's not drugs," when
they learn that their teen-agers are using alcohol. More than 67 percent of
individuals who start drinking before the age of 15 end up using an illicit
drug, while fewer than 25 percent of those who delay drinking until 17 or
older progress to other drugs. Only 4 percent of those who never drink end
up using other drugs.

Alcohol is a drug, and it is illegal for anyone under 21. There are good
reasons for making sure your children don't begin drinking early. Earlier
use of alcohol leads to a lifetime of problems from alcohol for the addict,
families and society. More than 40 percent of respondents to a major
national survey who began drinking before age 15 developed a dependence on
alcohol, often referred to as alcoholism.

Parents need support because it is too easy to ignore the warning signs
until they smack your children in the face. It's not too early - or late -
to talk about alcohol and other drugs.

Pat Bukowski

Monessen