Pubdate: Mon, 06 Nov 2000 Source: Star, The (Malaysia) Copyright: 2000 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd. Contact: 13 Jalan 13/6, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia Website: http://www.thestar.com.my PEER PRESSURE 'CAUSE OF DRUG ADDICTION' KUCHING: Of 255 drug dependents identified in Sarawak up to the end of August this year, 95% were first timers. Disclosing this, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said most of them said they turned to drugs because of peer pressure. The majority of drug dependents were aged between 20 and 29 and they were mainly hooked on amphetamines, he told a teachers' forum regarding a drug-free generation here yesterday. The event was organised by the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) youth wing, which has launched a campaign to curb drug abuse, like the use of Ecstasy pills. Dr Chan, the SUPP president, said educating children about the risks associated with drugs and alcohol was an important part of prevention. However, he added, research had shown that anti-drug programmes in schools had a limited impact unless these were backed by change in the environment where the young people lived. - --- MAP posted-by: Andrew