Pubdate: Tue, 07 Mar 2006 Source: Daily Press (Newport News,VA) Copyright: 2006 The Daily Press Contact: http://www.dailypress.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/585 Author: Eric M. Stone EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE I am writing to express my deep support for the random student drug testing policy that has been submitted by the Williamsburg-James City County school Superintendent Gary Mathews. During my many years of helping the school system and its students, I have seen a trend of younger students using and becoming addicted to more powerful and addictive manufactured drugs. A great number of students and parents have been working together for almost two years to come up with a better way to help prevent substance abuse. Although the proposed policy may not be the total answer, it will have a positive impact in helping students avoid substance abuse or get help if they are falling through the cracks. As an active parent in the life of my daughter (a freshman at Lafayette High School), I am pleased that this program is aimed at helping students and families. I am a battalion chief with the Williamsburg Fire Department and have seen fatal car crashes, violent crimes, sexual assaults, suicides and many other tragedies that were related to behaviors related to substance abuse. My hope is that if we can reduce the substance abuse at an early age, we can help reduce other deviant behaviors that cause our community bigger and more costly problems. ERIC M. STONE James City County