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. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens