Pubdate: Sat, 10 Aug 2002
Source: Leaside-Rosedale Town Crier (CN ON)
Copyright: 2002 Town Crier Media Inc.
Contact:  http://www.towncrieronline.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2362
Author: Jay Solomon

YOUTH WHO DRINK AND TAKE DRUGS ARE HURTING THEMSELVES AS WELL AS OTHERS

The more I talk with young people about their drinking and drug habits, the 
more I wonder WHY? Many would argue that I'm simply naive, but I truly 
don't get it. It seems like 'having fun' has become synonymous with getting 
drunk or getting high.

Let me clarify that I'm not referring to those people who go out with 
friends and have a social drink. (I have no problem with this behaviour, as 
long as the individuals are of legal age.) I do; however, have a problem 
with those who have multiple drinks; consume illegal drugs; and mix the two 
as a way of having fun.

Young adults are indulging in these dangerous activities on a regular 
basis, and it worries me to no end. But, what is worse is the fact that 
young children are doing it too. Adolescents are breaking into parents' 
liquor cabinets and experimenting with alcoholic substances. We have a problem!

So why do they do it? On a certain level, I understand that many young 
people engage in this type of activity because of peer pressure. That is 
the obvious, and rather standard answer to such a question. But, that 
doesn't account for those who set the trend' those who have the idea in the 
first place. Why do they do it?

Not really having an answer to my own question, I left this column, 
half-completed for quite some time. Now that summer is upon us, and the 
unofficial party season' is here, I felt the need to finish what I had started.

"People who drink and use drugs are cool in the eyes of others", said one 
young person I spoke to. So, I guess that's the answer. If you're drunk and 
high, your friends will think you're cool. Sad, isn't it?

Leaving alcohol aside for a moment, let's examine the drugs that far too 
many young people are experimenting with Ecstasy, GHB (the date rape drug), 
and LSD, just to name a few. These substances are dangerous enough when 
manufactured properly, but imagine what happens when other chemicals are 
mixed in. There is no quality control; thus young people are consuming 
little white pills' without even knowing what's in them! How can that 
possibly be perceived as cool?

Having fun shouldn't have to include an altered state. That being said, if 
it does happen, the individual must be responsible for his/her actions.

I'm reminded of the lady who got drunk at an office party, went to a bar on 
her way home, and then got into an accident. She sued her employers for 
letting her leave the party drunk and won. What kind of message does a 
verdict like that send to young people? Get drunk; get behind the wheel; 
get into an accident; sue; and win money. Talk about absurd.

As parents, ensure your children know the serious effects of drinking and 
taking drugs. We can't prevent young people from experimenting, but we can 
inform them of the risks and hope they make smart choices on their own.

Jay Solomon is a York Mills Collegiate alumnus now attending school at York 
University, where he just completed his first year. As a former advocate 
against school violence Jay writes on issues affecting today's youth.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens