Pubdate: Wed, 12 Dec 2007
Source: Tribune-Democrat, The (PA)
Copyright: 2007 The Tribune-Democrat
Contact:  http://www.tribune-democrat.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4063
Author: Kecia Bal

ANTI-DRUG EFFORTS PAYING OFF, SOMERSET OFFICIALS SAY

SOMERSET -- While more than 17 percent of surveyed  Somerset County
students had engaged in binge drinking  in a 30-day period -- a
significantly higher percentage  than elsewhere in the state -- county
officials said  newly released results show notable signs of
improvement.

The study, which tracks drug abuse and abuse factors  among students
in sixth, eighth, 10th and 12th grades  countywide, also was conducted
in 2003 and 2005, using  a federal Drug Free Communities grant.

"In my opinion, there is good news in Somerset County,"  said Rick
Esterly of Esterly Consulting Associates in  the Reading area.

"If you look at 2002 and 2007, there have been some  very important
improvements almost across the board,"  he added.

The results suggest a statistically significant  five-year trend of
decreased experimental use of  cigarettes, marijuana, heroin,
methamphetamine and  ecstasy. The stats also show a significant
five-year  trend of lowered use of alcohol, marijuana and heroin  in a
month, a measure seen as an indicator of habitual  use.

Esterly said local efforts -- many fueled by the  five-year, $500,000
federal grant -- are paying off.

The grant also allows for the county's Drug Free  Communities
Initiative, which involves efforts such as  a coalition to fight drug
abuse. The coalition has  coordinated efforts to reduce alcohol access
to minors  with public service ads.

But leaders say the work is far from over.

The 2007 survey showed an increase in experimental or  occasional use
of alcohol and a slight increase in the  use of hallucinogens.
Habitual binge drinking and the  use of smokeless tobacco, cigarettes,
inhalants and  heroin remain significantly higher than elsewhere in
the state.

Mary Ann Boman, director of the Drug Free Communities  Initiative,
said the coalition of teens and adults  always can use more
volunteers. Those interested in  volunteering may call 445-6460 or
visit  www.drugfreesomersetcounty.org for more information.
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MAP posted-by: Steve Heath