Pubdate: Fri, 19 Jul 2002 Source: Decatur Daily (AL) Copyright: 2002 The Decatur Daily Contact: http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/index.shtml Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/696 GOOD NEWS ON DRUG USE RESULT OF PEOPLE CARING The Morgan County Substance Abuse Network is expanding Project I.D. program this year to reward more middle school youngsters who voluntarily get drug tested. Students, with parental permission, volunteer for random testing and get a Project I.D. card that gives them discounts and bonuses from local businesses. After a successful first year in Decatur's middle schools, the local Mental Health Association is offering the program in county schools when classes begin next month. The program is an example of the many ways different groups attempt to reach students early in life, hoping to steer them away from illegal drugs. Results of this year's Pride Survey, in which 101,882 students in 21 states volunteered to participate, show youths are indeed heeding the messages to stay away from drugs. The survey shows that drug, alcohol and cigarette use among sixth- to-12th-graders are the lowest in years. The survey suggests substance use is down because of more adult involvement in getting youngsters engaged in other activities. All the results are not good. The survey registered no drop in sixth- through eighth-graders' use of cocaine, downers and heroin. Twelfth-graders use of cocaine, heroin and steroids remained the same. Still, the survey found evidence that youngsters listen to grown-ups who tell them the bad side of smoking, drinking and taking drugs. That alone is encouragement to keep talking to them about the dangers of these substances. - --- MAP posted-by: Ariel