Pubdate: Sun, 27 Feb 2005
Source: Charlotte Sun Herald (FL)
Copyright: 2005 Sun Coast Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.sun-herald.com/newsch.htm
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1708
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

TEENS' DRUG REPORT IMPROVES; STILL ALARMING

When is good news bad news? The answer to that riddle would accurately 
describe the 2004 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey results for 
Charlotte County.

Charlotte County no longer ranks as the worst in the state for teenage 
drug, tobacco and alcohol use, and that is good news. However, the numbers 
are still startling and much too high for anyone to accept.

For two years, Charlotte County teenagers responded to the survey by saying 
they, and their peers, used drugs and alcohol more frequently than teens in 
any other Florida county. In 2004, the rate of substance abuse declined in 
almost every category, pushing Charlotte County down the list three notches 
- -- but ahead of 63 other counties in the rate of abuse.

The subtle changes can be linked to the creation of the Charlotte Alliance 
for a Safe and Drug Free Community -- an organization made possible through 
Charlotte County Schools and Peace Lutheran Church and funds provided by 
Gov. Jeb Bush and Director of the Florida Office of Drug Control Jim 
McDonough. Amity Chandler, director of the alliance, has worked diligently 
to create programs that make kids more aware of the dangers of substance abuse.

Still, Charlotte County ranks above state averages for teen substance 
abuse. Consider these survey results:

* 39.5 percent of Charlotte teens used alcohol in the past 30 days compared 
to a 32.3 percent state average.

* 15.9 percent of local teens used tobacco in the past 30 days compared to 
a state average of 11.4 percent.

* 14.7 percent of county teens used marijuana (down from 21.8 percent) in 
the past month while 11.5 percent of state youths did so.

* Just under 1 percent of Charlotte youths used crack cocaine -- a number 
that is up from .6 percent -- in the past 30 days.

* Heroin use is up to .5 percent, from .3 percent, among local youths.

* 4.3 percent of Charlotte County students report they took a gun to school 
in the past 30 days -- up from 4 percent last year.

* 7.6 percent of Charlotte County students have sold drugs in the past 30 days.

* 16.8 percent of our students admit they went to school drunk or high in 
the past 30 days.

Recently, we wrote that the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office and the 
school system should reconsider rules pertaining to taking drug- sniffing 
dogs into the schools. We believe Charlotte County should adopt the same 
policy used by some other school districts that have students leave 
classrooms while the dogs sniff backpacks and belongings. Too often 
students outsmart police by knowing dogs cannot sniff on them personally.

More support for the alliance and the good work Chandler is doing -- 
through donations or volunteering to work -- is another positive step we 
could take.

Most of all -- just as the TV ads say -- parents should talk to their kids. 
A survey taken by Partnership for a Drug-Free America indicated only 85 
percent of parents talked with their children about drugs at least one time 
last year. Ask your children if they have experimented with drugs. You may 
not get a straight answer, but you are sending a message you care.

The battle against substance abuse -- for teens and adults -- never ends. 
All of us should consider it our job to participate in that fight for the 
good and the future of our children.
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MAP posted-by: Beth