Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Drug Addiction – Cause of Depression

According to a recent government survey, 65% of students are on drugs. The information showed that 54% of high school seniors have experimented with illegal drugs. Add to this the fact that 87% of high school seniors have used alcohol, and you can see we have a big problem. Despite the fact that the legal drinking age in most areas is 21, approximately 2/3 of teenagers who drink report that they can buy their own alcoholic beverages.

The Drug Policy Alliance (a non-profit group) has the wrong attitude about the drinking problem; following is a direct quote from their web site:"Critical to reducing harm is reality-based drug education. In theory teenagers aren't allowed to drink alcohol, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be taught to always use designated drivers when attending parties where alcohol is consumed. Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies that reduce negative consequences of drug use, incorporating a spectrum of strategies from safer use, to managed use to abstinence. Harm reduction strategies meet drug users 'where they're at,' addressing conditions of use along with the use itself." - Drug Policy Alliance

This goes along the same lines alcohol companies follow, which is to "Drink Responsibly". In other words, if we agree with the Drug Policy Alliance we admit that there is no solution; and if so, let's at least teach them to drink "safely." This group is sending the wrong message to the youth of today, one of hopelessness, however, addiction can be overcome”, said Margret Shaw, national president of
www.DrugAddictionHelpline.com