Pubdate: 27 Jan 1999 Source: Associated Press Copyright: 1999 Associated Press Author: SVENSKA DAGBLADET, Stockholm, Sweden [TRANSLATED] DRUG CENTER WEAPON AGAINST ADDICTION Against the background of yesterday's article about the drug habits of Stockholm's ninth grade pupils, Kristina Axen Olin, Member of the City Council's Social Affairs Board, tells SvD that there are plans to establish a drug center that, among other matters, shall create public opinion, educate teachers and distribute material to be used in the battle against alcohol and narcotic addiction. "The rapid developments in this area are unbelievable. New drugs all the time. You hardly know their names, leave alone what they look like. Not even our lawmakers can handle it." The study of 15-year olds is deeply disturbing, she says. Many drink habitually great quantities of beer, wine or alcohol. A new drug center can help turning this tendency, she hopes, and she will shortly discuss her suggestion with members of the other political parties. The center shall serve both curious teen-agers as well as teachers and parents, according to Kristina Axen Olin. "There is a lot of ignorance and many questions among adults and they have no idea where to find answers." We can help with information through a drug center staffed with specialists." To provide an alternative to the Internet's narco propaganda will be an added task." That's really necessary. If you search "Smart Drugs" you get over 2,000 hits. "There's a flood of liberal drug sites", she says. The drug center will not necessarily be run by the local government but, quite possibly, a volunteer organization could be appointed to handle it. As SvD recounted yesterday, 15 year old pupils from socially stabile homes in the Stockholm area, drink considerably more alcohol than students from less homogenous areas. "In the 'better-to-do' areas, where both parents work long hours outside the home, they see their children on an average of five minutes a day. They have no controls or supervision. It's TV and Video and buddies. Ninth grade students from the less stabile areas have more contacts with other generations", theorizes Kristina Axen Olin. "And here is alcohol not as common of religious reasons." "To offer your teen a glass of wine with dinner has it's risks" she observes. "Obviously, wine is not the only beverage their children are drinking." The results of addiction habits should cause concern among both parents and school officials," she says. "Why not threaten the local shop keeper that sold it?" - --- MAP posted-by: Rich O'Grady