Pubdate: Mon, 04 Apr 2005
Source: Pacific Daily News (US GU)
Copyright: 2005 Pacific Daily News
Contact: http://www.guampdn.com/customerservice/contactus.html
Website: http://www.guampdn.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1122
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

PREVENT

Get Involved in Effort to Keep Teens Away From Drugs

One of the biggest concerns of any community, and Guam is no
exception, is teenage drug abuse.

According to the U.S. Justice Department's National Drug Intelligence
Center, both marijuana and crystal methamphetamine, or "ice," are
serious drug threats here, with users as young as age 12. Local health
officials also say that the use of tobacco and alcohol by Guam's teens
remain causes of concern.

That's one of the reasons that the Pacific Daily News, along with
Mobil Oil Guam, launched "Cool ... Just as I Am," a community project
that aims to keep island's teenagers from using drugs.

The yearlong project will include a weekly dedicated page in the
Pacific Daily News, beginning April 11, which will provide drug abuse
prevention information and resources, as well as some of the many
"anti-drug" alternatives that are available to Guam's teens.

In addition, there will be monthly events, with a different theme
every month, held in the community. The events will feature
information to help educate teens about the dangers of abusing drug,
including the health and social consequences, as well as activities to
show teens that there are many other alternatives to drugs. Saturday's
event, for example, featured a fashion show, talent show, a hip hop
performance and martial arts demonstration.

Involvement is key to succeeding in drug abuse prevention, from the
family level to the bigger, community-wide level. We encourage
everyone in our community, particularly our teens and other youths,
and especially their families, to attend "Cool ... Just as I Am" events.

Learn More

Those who are interested in participating in this community outreach
project can contact Edna Nery of the Pacific Daily News at 477-9711,
ext. 106.

For more information about teenage drug abuse, visit the National
Institute of Health's National Institute on Drug Abuse Web site at
www.nida.nih.gov. 
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