Pubdate: Thu, 12 Apr 2001
Source: Bettendorf News
Contact:  www.qctimes.com/bettnews
Address: PO Box 460, Bettendorf, IA 52722
Phone: (563) 355-2644
Author: Monica Brown, Bettendorf News

PARENTS LEARN ABOUT LOCAL DRUG USE

Students may be exposed to alcohol and drug products at a younger age, but 
many parents are trying to stay a step ahead.

The Quad-City Drug Task Force presented a session for more than 100 parents 
Monday night at Pleasant Valley High School in Bettendorf. There was a 
question-and-answer session, and information offered on the dangers and 
frequency of drug use among teenagers in the community.

Dan Roach, Director of the Metropolitan Enforcement Group (MEG), presented 
a lecture and slide show. The event was the result of joint planning from 
students, parents and teachers at Pleasant Valley High School.

"About two years ago, we formed a community-based committee with the help 
of parents, schools and area law enforcement," said Gail Jackson, a parent 
organizer. "This is the first meeting of this type."

In addition to parental support, students in the community are getting 
involved as well. As a part of the Drug Free Youth In Touch program (DFYIT) 
high school students are taking the responsibility to remain drug-free.

According to Jackson, "the students make a pledge to be drug-free and are 
rewarded for their efforts."

Drugs Not The Same

Roach urged parents to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs.

"The biggest myth today is that parents think that the drugs that were 
around in the 70's are the same drugs around today. That's not true. The 
drugs of today are more powerful, more addictive. It's a different ballgame 
today," Roach said.

A 14-year veteran narcotics agent of Illinois, Roach speaks at various 
events in the Quad-Cities educating the community on the dangers and 
repercussions of drug use. Since its beginning in 1974, the Metropolitan 
Enforcement Group (MEG), a bi-state multi-jurisdiction task force, has 
worked with the Drug Enforcement Agency to combat the war on drugs through 
education.

Roach said while drug use in the Quad-Cities is not at an epidemic level, 
it is serious enough that parents need to know what is going on in their 
community.

"Drugs are around regardless of where you are," says Roach. "Right now, the 
most popular drugs in the Quad-City area are marijuana, crack/cocaine and 
alcohol."

Roach informed parents about the new drugs that teenagers are experimenting 
with such as Ecstasy, frequently referred to as a "club drug," and 
methamphetamine, which he said is one the most powerful and destructive 
drugs accessible to teenagers today.

Great Idea

"I think that this is a wonderful thing to have for parents. We moved to 
Bettendorf thinking that we were escaping the problems of the inner-city, 
but I now know that it doesn't matter where you live, we as parents have to 
be involved so that we can protect our children," said Margaret Neason, a 
parent of two teenagers.

"Talk to your kids and be aware of their behaviors and habits," Roach said. 
"That is how you help them."
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