Pubdate: Tue, 10 Oct 2006 Source: Rensselaer Republican, The (IN) Copyright: 2006 The Rensselaer Republican Contact: http://www.rensselaerrepublican.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4309 PREVENTION IS EVERYONE'S BUSINESS The 12-year old sitting next to your son may be the 1 of 10 middle schoolers who already has tried alcohol. By 10th grade, half of 15-year-olds have experimented with alcohol and may be encouraging your child to use it, too. Our roads are unsafe, with an estimated 3 million youths aged 12 to 20 driving under the influence of alcohol each year. Drugs are another problem. Of the adults who used marijuana for several years, a few said they started before turning 12, and more than half report using marijuana for the first time between the ages of 12 to 17, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the lead Federal agency for improving the quality and availability of substance abuse prevention, addiction treatment, and mental health services in the Unites States. "These numbers from SAMHSA prove we must do a better job preventing underage drinking and drug use for both our own kids and for other young people. For sure, we know that before age 12, kids need to know how to refuse alcohol and drugs," says the Partners for Drug Free Jasper County. "Effective prevention is the same-whether the focus in cancer, diabetes, or kids using alcohol. They all require education to change attitudes and behavior. Prevention works. We can start protecting kids better by making our community safer." This includes protecting children from violence on streets and playground, preventing bullying, or prohibiting alcohol and drugs at school. Safety also includes offering a variety of supervised youth activities that help young people stay busy while building skills and self-confidence. In addition, volunteer activities can help young people feel pride in "giving back" to their community. Communication is important-youth who don't use alcohol say their parents are a major factor in that decision. Young people benefit when parents talk with them about many things, including family rules for alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. You are important. You are invited to join Partners for Drug Free Jasper County. The organization sponsors many activities in the county including the Pioneers Clubs at each high school. This club encourages kids to stay drug free. For more information about Partners for Drug Free Jasper County call 9887-4225. SAMHSA, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has a variety of free materials that can be ordered from its National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information. Call 1-800-729-6686 or 1-800-487-4889, or visit www.samhsa.gov. Specific publications include Building Blocks for a Healthy Future for 3-6-year-olds and their parents and McGruff the Crime Dog's Surprise Party for 7- to 9-year-olds and their parents. Several Tips for Teens on individual drugs and booklets on marijuana and ecstasy provide information for family and group discussion. Too Smart to Start is written for parents of 9- to 13-year-olds. Both the book Keeping Youth Drug Free and the Web site A Family Guide to Keeping Youth Mentally and Drug Free are for all parents. The Family Guide is located at www.samhsa.family.gov. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman