Pubdate: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 Source: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (TX) Copyright: 2002 The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Contact: http://www.lubbockonline.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/841 AVAILABLE DRUGS MOST TEEN-AGERS, even if they do not intend to smoke marijuana, either know where to buy it or know someone who can find it for them. In fact, a recent survey by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse indicated that buying marijuana is easier for teens than buying cigarettes or beer. If that doesn't startle the daylights out of parents, it should. Teen-agers talk often about drugs, alcohol and sex. The problem is that most of such conversations are with other teens rather than with their parents, who are the people with whom they should be discussing the subjects. Parental involvement is the best defense teen-agers can have against the many temptations that they have to face. Calm, non-judgmental talks between parents and children about drugs, sex and alcohol can be a powerful weapon against such things as peer pressure. In a world where teen-agers receive messages from movies, musical artists and other popular culture that drug use is glamorous and where too many of their peers talk positively about drugs, young people need re-affirmation from their parents that drug use would be harmful for them. It is a difficult world to grow up in, and teen-agers have to make many difficult choices. Parents can help them to develop fortitude against making bad choices simply by talking things over with them. It is time that will be well spent for parents and teens. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth