Pubdate: Mon, 03 Dec 2001
Source: The Express-Times (PA)
Copyright: 2001 The Express-Times
Contact:  http://www.pennlive.com/expresstimes/today/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1489
Author: Bill Bray
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

TEEN'S OVERDOSE INSPIRES FAMILY TO HELP OTHERS

Ames Memorial Fund Helps Teens, Their Families Pay For Drug Rehabilitation

ALLAMUCHY TWP. - When Paul Ames died of a drug overdose in 1998, his 
parents wanted to do something so his name would live on.

Richard and Mary Ames decided they also wanted to help other teens 
entangled in a web of drugs and addiction. They created the Paul R. 
Ames Memorial Fund. The fund provides financial assistance for drug 
rehabilitation for teens. Over the past four years, the fund has 
helped a dozen Warren County teens pay for treatment that can average 
$200 a day.

"If we help one kid that's great," Richard Ames said.

Typically treatment can last up to 30 days. The fund provides money 
to help offset the cost of rehab that can total more than $6,000, 
Ames said. Often drug rehab counselors at Hackettstown Community 
Hospital refer families in need of assistance.

"The biggest question is does the person want to get well," Ames said.

If so, they provide money to help, he said. Ames said several of the 
teens they've helped are still drug-free today.

Every year Ames organizes a charity golf tournament to raise money 
for the fund. He said Paul was an avid golfer and captain of Blair 
Academy's golf team during his freshman year. In the past four years, 
the annual tournament has raised $45,000 for the fund. Work has 
already begun on the next tournament, scheduled for Sept. 16.

"It has an Irish flavor to it," Ames said.

Bagpipers provide entertainment and winners receive Waterford crystal 
as prizes, he said. Usually the tournament is a sell out. Ames said 
he takes up to 100 golfers that pay $250 each to play.

Ames said he is still working through the loss of his son.

"There isn't a day that goes by probably that I don't think about 
him," Ames said.

He said his son was exposed to drugs while a student at Blair Academy 
in Blairstown Township. He warned parents not to think of drugs as a 
phase their kids will go through.

"They think experimentation is a rite of passage. What they don't 
know is, it can kill you," Ames said.

He said he first realized his son had a drug problem when he 
discovered Paul was inhaling household chemicals to get high. After 
taking him to a hospital to get tested for drugs, he discovered it 
was worse - heroin. Ames said Paul only tried the opiate twice.

"The second time it killed him," Ames said.

He said parents should expect to work hard to help their children if 
they have a drug problem. He recommends staying close to your 
children, have them tested if you suspect they're using drugs and 
seek counseling or rehabilitation as soon as possible.

Anyone seeking information about the fund, the tournament or 
assistance can contact Ames at 908-850-6000.
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