Source: Orange County Register (CA) Contact: http://www.ocregister.com/ Copyright: 1998 The Orange County Register Author: Kevin Gregg, Laguna Niguel Pubdate: Tue, 27 Oct 1998 STOPPING TEEN DRUG USE I don't think the students aren't buying Red Ribbon Week in local schools;It's more that they aren't willing to change their minds ["Anti-Drug Week: Kids buying it?," Metro, Oct. 25]. The school's intentions are honorable, but there is no possible way to follow through after Red Ribbon Week. One week cannot influence very many people. They are targeting adolescents who are trying to find their place in society. More than one week is needed to permanently change the mind of curious teenagers. I am a sophomore at Dana Hills and feel I have first-hand knowledge. I have seen many friends turn to drugs in recent years. After anti-drug presentations, they are not affected and laugh at the efforts made for their benefit. Everybody has the "that stuff can never happen to me" attitude that prevents them from being influenced by Red Ribbon Week. All the groups that the schools are trying to reach are the ones who are close-minded about it and not willing to listen. Their mind simply will not be changed by a week of red ribbons. When time comes to make a decision, many teen-agers will forget about their red ribbon and give in to peer pressure. It is simply a natural part of the high school and teen-age years. - --- Checked-by: Don Beck