Pubdate: Wed, 30 Aug 2000 Source: Florida Times-Union (FL) Copyright: The Florida Times-Union 2000 Contact: http://www.times-union.com/ Forum: http://cafe.jacksonville.com/cafesociety.html CHILDREN: FAMILY DYSFUNCTION Many drug prevention advocates urge parents to get involved with their children and to talk to them about drugs. Some parents are doing exactly that, but not with the results intended. In a recent survey of people in drug treatment programs, conducted by Phoenix House drug treatment centers in Florida and three other states, 20 percent said they had used illegal drugs with parents, usually before they turned 18. Seventy-six percent of those people had smoked marijuana with their parents, 19 percent had used crack with them and 16 had shared cocaine. What's more, 5 percent actually were introduced to drugs by their parents. As the Phoenix House president grimly put it, "Some parents today regard teenage drug use as no more than a youthful rite of passage. ... We have met the neighborhood drug pusher, and he is us." Perhaps that should be no surprise. Drug use has been widespread for over 30 years. Parents who grew up in a drug culture and who use drugs aren't known for responsible behavior. The day before this story broke, coincidentally, Reuters reported that studies show strong religious beliefs may stem substance abuse. In addition to getting themselves treatment, when needed, parents might be well advised to see that their children have some religious upbringing. The extended family -- grandparents, aunts and uncles -- needs to watch carefully and intervene when needed. A young person's potential should not be wasted, if it can be avoided. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D