Pubdate: Thu, 17 Feb 2005
Source: Saugus Advertiser (Saugus, MA)
Copyright: 2005 CommunitysNewspapers Inc.
Contact:  http://www2.townonline.com/saugus/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3559
Author: Mike Gaffney

DELEGATION WEIGHS IN ON TOWN'S DRUG PROBLEM

State Sen. Thomas McGee, D-Lynn, knows the devastating effect drug use can
have on youngsters. He's witnessed how it can lead to parents burying their
children before they reach the age of 20.

So it's no surprise that out of all the questions asked at last week's
roundtable discussion with town officials, the one that drew his most
expressive response was what he believed can be done to address the problem
of drug abuse amongst youngsters.

McGee, along with fellow delegates state Rep. Mark Falzone, D-Saugus, and
state Rep. Kathi-Ann Reinstein, D-Revere, spoke passionately about the
importance of coming up with strategies to combat the growing trend of high
school and middle school student drug addiction.

McGee said there is no one answer to the drug epidemic sweeping the North
Shore, but stressed politicians must work closely with communities to
confront it. He bemoaned the fact that youngsters are becoming addicted to
drugs such as oxycontin and eventually getting hooked on heroin, which leads
to a staggeringly high number of overdoses.

"It's a social issue and it needs to be addressed," McGee stated
emphatically. "Good people from good families are being affected, and I
don't think many people realize how bad the situation really is."

In Reinstein's opinion, the key is to teach children about the dangers drugs
pose at an early age and to make sure police departments have enough
resources to find and prosecute the people distributing the drugs.

"It comes down to giving police officers the funding they need to make a
difference," she said.

Selectman Stephen Horlick said he is baffled why certain students get
depressed and decide to turn to drugs at such a young age. He shared
Reinstein's outlook that programs need to be put in place so the youth
understand drugs aren't the way to go.

School Committee Chairman John Serino agreed the most important factor in
cutting down on drug abuse is early intervention.

"Someone needs to take the time to intervene and make a difference in their
lives," he said.

Drugs are of particular concern in Saugus, because the School Department
received disturbing results last year from a youth risk survey completed by
high school and middle school students about their drug and alcohol use.

The figures showed that 26 percent of sixth graders, 39 percent of seventh
graders and 58 percent of eighth graders at Belmonte Middle School had tried
alcohol. At the high school, 25 percent of the ninth graders, 36 percent of
10th graders, 43 percent of 11th graders and 46 percent of 12th graders
reported having been drunk in the month before they took the survey.

Additionally the survey revealed the percentage of high school seniors who
tried marijuana and cocaine was well above the national average. According
to the survey, 58 percent of seniors tried marijuana - compared to 46
percent nationally - and 17 percent had used cocaine at some point, versus 8
percent nationally.

Other "hard" drugs known to be popular amongst students, such as oxycontin
and heroin, weren't included in the survey.

At a press conference last year, Superintendent of Schools Keith Ma nville
said the survey showed a "high level" of involvement with drugs and alcohol
at both the middle and high school levels.

In an effort to stem the tide of drug abuse, the town formed a committee
called Saugus Speaks Out last year. Through a four-part forum series that
will continue in April, the committee is aiming to spread awareness about
the growing drug problem in Saugus and provide resources to those who might
be a parent of an addict or an addict themselves.

Reinstein was quick to recognize the good work being accomplished by the
committee.

"I think Saugus Speaks Out is an excellent organization and a great addition
to the community," she said.

Reinstein added it will take the combined efforts of legislators, police
departments and progressive committees such as Saugus Speaks Out to make a
difference in the fight against drugs.

"The initial shock is over," she said. "Now we have to figure out what to
do."
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