Pubdate: Fri, 30 Dec 2005 Source: Similkameen Spotlight (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Similkameen Spotlight Contact: http://www.similkameenspotlight.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3484 Author: Robert Sharpe Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05.n1947.a12.html ALCOHOL STILL THE MOST DANGEROUS DRUG Editor: Regarding Nadine McEwen's article on the importance of parental involvement in reducing drug use, the point cannot be overstated. School-based extracurricular activities also have been shown to reduce use. They keep kids busy during the hours they're most likely to get into trouble. In order for drug prevention efforts to effectively reduce harm, they must be reality-based. The most popular drug and the one most closely associated with violent behavior is often overlooked by parents. That drug is alcohol, and it takes far more lives each year than all illegal drugs combined. Alcohol may be legal, but it's still the number one drug problem. Drug education programs must be reality-based or they may backfire when kids are inevitably exposed to drug use among their peers. Robert Sharpe Arlington, VA - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin