Pubdate: Mon, 01 Jan 2007 Source: Herald (India) Copyright: 2007 Herald Publications Pvt Ltd. Contact: http://oheraldo.in/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4388 YOUTH ROLE IN COMBATING DRUG MENACE EMPHASISED PANJIM - Senior Advisor on Substance Abuse Policy, USA, Beverly Davis, addressed address the students of St Xavier's College on "Substance Abuse" as a special guest recently. Beverly Davis provided a very elaborate view on substance abuse and enlightened the gathering on recent research conducted by the center, along with statistics, in a very illustrative way, and revealed that only a very small percentage of young Americans do not take drugs. She highlighted that India today stands where America was many years ago and emphasized the role of youngsters in combating this menace. She further delved into the consequences of drug abuse such as absenteeism, crime rate, accident rate and so on. Davis drew the attention of the audience to the genetic predisposition to addiction which makes it all the more imperative that youngsters stay away from drugs and alcohol. She particularly stressed that alcohol consumption before the age of 21 years impairs the growth of brain cells and also that alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to foetal alcohol syndrome in the neonate, and could also be one of the causes of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). The talk was followed by an interactive session wherein various queries from the members of the audience were satisfactorily dealt with. The session ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Shradha Deshpande. Lorraine Pereira compered the function. In his welcome address, the Principal, Professor Newman Fernandes voiced his concern on drug abuse and its impact on youngsters. Ajmal Palakal of the American Center, Mumbai, introduced the guest speaker. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek