Pubdate: Mon, 20 May 2002
Source: Sun Herald (MS)
Copyright: 2002, The Sun Herald
Contact:  http://www.sunherald.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/432
Author: Margaret Baker
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)

DRUG FORUM SCHEDULED

Vancleave Meeting To Address Teen-Agers' Use Of Substances

VANCLEAVE - The fight against drug use is on in this rural community, with 
two residents planning a meeting Tuesday night to discuss drug use and its 
effects on those who use them.

Residents Sue Bennett and Melanie Sanderson said recent talks with some 
graduating seniors about ongoing drug use among teens prompted them to 
schedule the meeting.

"We have lived here all our life and we have seen what is going on around 
us," Sanderson said. "I don't think these kids are aware of the 
consequences and how easy it is to get hooked on the drugs."

The women said they've heard that a lot of teens are using the highly 
addictive painkiller Oxycontin and other drugs, such as Ecstasy, marijuana, 
alcohol and crystal methamphetamines. Many users, they said, aren't aware 
of how easy it is to get hooked or worse.

"They could take half an Oxycontin pill and drink alcohol and die," 
Sanderson said. "We don't want that to happen."

Tuesday's meeting will include presentations from officials at the Jackson 
County Sheriff's Department, the District Attorney's Office, the 
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and a recovering drug addict.

"We want to open people's eyes and let them know there is a drug problem 
here," Sanderson said. "This is a first step. We want to find what the 
signs are, where to go for help and who to call if you know someone who is 
making drugs or selling them."

Graduating seniors in the community told the women there are a lot of 
students using the prescription painkillers and methamphetamines along with 
alcohol and marijuana.

Sanderson is particularly concerned, she said, because she has two children 
growing up in the small community. "We don't want to see anybody hurt 
themselves," she said. "That's why we're trying to get the education we need."

Parents and teens are urged to attend the meeting. The women are expecting 
a large turnout because they've already started spreading the word.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom