Pubdate: Sat, 17 Dec 2011 Source: Summit Daily News (CO) Copyright: 2011 Summit Daily News Contact: http://apps.summitdaily.com/forms/letter/index.php Website: http://www.summitdaily.com/home.php Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/587 Author: Tara Kelley Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n709/a01.html Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n709/a03.html Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n709/a05.html Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n709/a06.html Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n711/a08.html Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n714/a04.html SUBSTANCE ABUSE A VALID TOPIC IN SUMMIT COUNTY Re: "Use vs. abuse" by Jeff McAbee, opinion, Dec. 9 Summit County is a great place, I am proud to be a Summit High School alum as well as a Summit County native. Unfortunately, being proud of my hometown doesn't mean everything is perfect. Mr. McAbee was absolutely right in talking about the drug and alcohol abuse taking place at the high school, and the importance of doing something. Shame on those of you who are upset with him. He was very clear in stating abuse is not happening with every student. He also made it very clear that there is a difference between abuse and use, and students need to know the difference. Yes, we live in Colorado's playground, and yes you might be offered a joint on the ski lift, or be invited to party with a bunch of resort employees. It doesn't mean you have to lose control or abuse substances. Summit County kids may be exposed to drugs and alcohol at an earlier age than most, but it doesn't mean we should abuse them. Just because Breckenridge legalized marijuana does not change the fact that its still against federal law. High schoolers you are still under 21, so if you are going to drink, be smart and don't abuse it. And yes "everyone's doing it," but remember if all your friends jumped off a cliff, would you jump too? If anyone should be talking about the abuse of drugs and alcohol in the schools, it should be those who see students five days a week. Tara Kelley Dillon - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.