Pubdate: Sat, 02 Apr 2005 Source: Daily Press (Newport News,VA) Copyright: 2005 The Daily Press Contact: http://www.dailypress.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/585 Author: Beverly Lancaster Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05.n502.a03.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) TEENS AND DRUGS Numerous Williamsburg and James City County citizens worry that too many of our young people abuse illegal drugs and alcohol. As profiled in past articles, in presentations recently offered in our high schools, in data from professionals at Bacon Street, and in conversations with many teenagers, the drug and alcohol problems within our community only worsen. The harsh struggles caused by the abuse of alcohol and drugs will not evaporate with our simple wishes. Adults must be more comprehensive in our care and attention to this urgent matter. The writer who scripted the March 20 editorial "Scary thought" is obviously ill-informed about the seriousness of illegal drug abuse and underage drinking among our youth. The editorial said, "problems ... must be addressed by parents, churches, courts, law enforcement, communities and agencies that deal with youth and substance abuse." Haven't parents, churches, courts, law enforcement, communities and agencies already attempted to deal with this abuse? Our teenagers' profound drug and alcohol challenges still exist. Members of a local task force have invested much time, thought, research and discussion into creating a well-constructed, criminally and academically nonpunitive, legally permissible, treatment-oriented, random drug testing program for the School Board to consider. Did the Daily Press even investigate or inquire about the compassionate, discreet, proactive and respectful recommendations offered within this unique program? "Where is the limit?" asked the editorial. I have a limit to suggest. Our limit is to support, unconditionally love and compassionately discipline our young people with all of our might and with all of our ability until we know these teenagers are indeed OK. We must remain creative, strong and respectful in our efforts as these young people strive to become healthy, strong, happy, self-reliant and intelligent assets to our community. We have a problem in W-JC that is affecting the education and wellbeing of our youth. We need answers. We need alternatives. We need action. Beverly Lancaster Williamsburg - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin