Pubdate: Mon, 24 May 2004 Source: Daily Press (VA) Copyright: 2004 The Daily Press Contact: http://www.dailypress.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/585 Author: Mark E.T. Piotrowski HELP YOUTH OVERCOME DRUGS, VICES This last school year, I discovered that there was a high tendency for over indulgence in alcohol and marijuana on and off campus. It appears that our students use these illicit substances as scapegoats in order to ease the dramatic events going on in their lives. Peer pressure for academic acceptance has been a major factor, but the real reasons may even go deeper. Overbearing parents, divorce, heightened sexual activity or simple lack of self-esteem can contribute to them. Unfortunately, these young people's unhampered acts just could lead them to full dismissal, rape, aggravated assault or possible suicide. We, as concerned citizens, don't realize what is truly going on within these students' minds. We've often turned a blind eye and deaf ear to their anguished cries that want a good shoulder to cry on. Before we know it, their cries have stopped due to an easy problem solver - alcohol and marijuana. We all know that these vices will create more problems for their general well-being, education and relationships. Generous acts of compassion will outweigh the inner torments they are going through. Open your hearts to their miserable darkened lives with reassuring hope for a better future, and we shall see positive results. Mark E.T. Piotrowski Williamsburg - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin