Pubdate: Tue, 26 Jun 2012
Source: Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL)
Copyright: 2012 The Daily Herald Company
Contact:  http://www.dailyherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/107

NEW APPROACH, NEW HOPE IN HEROIN FIGHT

Despite the best efforts of community leaders and government agencies
across the suburbs to battle heroin, it has proved to be a resilient
and dangerous opponent. But now comes a promising strategy from a new
quarter.

For many years, the addictive drug has weathered the traditional
anti-drug messages, campaigns and community forums aimed at exposing
the dangers it poses. What we've labeled in our ongoing coverage as
the Hidden Scourge continues to kill in growing numbers across the
region, and we've shared the frustration of police, parents and
teachers. Now, a new breed of anti-drug crusader organizing in the
suburbs offers unique hope.

Sunday, we reported about a growing number of groups of young adults,
including some former addicts, who have a message and the tools to
deliver it in a way that can persuade their peers to listen. Staff
writer Melissa Silverberg wrote about those who have lost family or
friends to heroin and decided to do something about it.

They organize local awareness events and raise money to fund the
fight. They use Facebook, YouTube videos and film documentaries as
new-age weapons to target teens and young adults with their message.

One group has made videos documenting the heroin struggles of some of
its members. It contains honest talk about how individuals started
doing the drug, what they lost through addiction and their path to
getting clean.

Another filmed more than 20 former and current drug addicts for a
documentary about the growing drug problem in their high school.

That's powerful stuff.

Many of these efforts have started in recent months, so it's too soon
to tell definitively if this will be an effective antidote. But there
are indications the message is being heard.

The YouTube videos have more than 6,000 views so far. More than 200
people attended the first screening of the documentary last month, and
DVDs will go on sale in July.

"When you watch those other anti-drug movies in health class, it's
always moms or teachers or doctors telling you not to do drugs," said
Kelly McCutcheon, 18, of Naperville, who was involved in the
documentary. "Since it's coming from high school kids, other people
will find it easier to relate to."

Experts agree the message about drugs needs to be clearer and more
specific about heroin. Telling kids to "Just say no" because drugs are
bad isn't enough with heroin.

Today's heroin is more potent, more addictive, more prevalent and
cheaper to buy than ever before.

These young adults say they want to use personal messages to start a
conversation about the problem with their peers. That's a productive
place to begin and may strengthen the anti-heroin effort with a new
level of credibility.

We'll watch closely, help where we can and encourage others to join
the fight.
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MAP posted-by: Matt