SUBSTANCE ABUSE WAR MUST CONTINUE

Our View: Kids who turn their back on drugs need our support.

The drug-abuse prevention cause is far from won but there was encouraging
news this month.

Drug use is declining among Washington's teens and preteens. A biennial
survey conducted by the state indicates kids are hearing and responding to
the parents, schools, organizations and agencies laboring to curb substance
abuse.

However, while this progress is exciting, the raw numbers still suggest a
serious problem.

According to the survey participants -- nearly 18,000 of them -- sixth,
eighth and 10th graders are engaging in less binge drinking than before,
and while high school seniors apparently haven't reduced the activity, they
have at least leveled off.

Still, nearly one out of four 10th graders and one out of three seniors had
consumed five or more drinks in a sitting within the two weeks prior to
filling out the questionnaire. Progress or not, those numbers are alarming.

Marijuana and tobacco use may be trending downward, too, but remain a
significant problem.

Bottom line: We have problems with substance abuse but we're getting better
at correcting them. We need to sustain and expand programs that work.

What works, according to Linda J. Thompson, executive director of the
Greater Spokane Substance Council, is no one thing but an array of
strategies. Programs that offer youth positive, fun, drug-free activities
with their friends. Programs that unite families. Speakers' bureaus
featuring peer-group role models. Programs that recognize and reward good
choices. Programs that give young people incentives to steer clear of drugs.

Many of these efforts have price tags, of course. Sadly, the foundations
and government agencies who provide the seed money are notorious for
turning their back on effective strategies once they're up and running.

The funders would do society a favor by committing to successful projects
rather than chasing experimental alternatives.

But one of the strongest assets in the fight against teen substance abuse
doesn't cost a dime. It's just a matter of attitude.

Thompson used to be approached by parents wanting to send children out of
town for substance abuse treatment, rather than risk having their
children's problems known in the community.

According to Thompson, society is beginning to realize that seeking
treatment for a problem is not a shameful thing.

Giving moral support to those who make that difficult choice before it's
too late is an effective strategy. So is supporting those who resist unwise
choices from the outset.

Neither costs a dime of tax money.