|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| 18 May 2000 Students, and Community Groups Unite Before Graduation to Combat Alcohol, and Club Drugs The Latest Deadly Mix What: News conference for student journalists to call for prevention of underage drinking and drug use at prom and grad time. (Professional news media invited) When: Thursday, May 18, 2000, 11:30 AM to 2 PM Where: El Cajon Community Center 195 East Douglas, El Cajon, CA (lunch served) EL CAJON, CA (May 11, 2000) – More than 30 East County Student journalists from some 10 high schools are expected to close their textbooks and attend a real life news conference aimed at preventing a real life-and-death problem: underage drinking. The group will grapple with the latest potentially deadly party potion–alcohol and club drugs. The news conference is taking place during prom and graduation season, the biggest party time of the year for teenagers celebrating new milestones in their lives. "The best graduation present teenagers can receive is a promising future," says Jim Crittenden, moderator, and Youth Development coordinator for Communities Against Substance Abuse - a nonprofit prevention organization. "And the best way to preserve that future is to remain safe and sober during this season of celebration," says Crittenden. A panel of community, law enforcement and business leaders will provide information to student journalists about limousine and hotel policies on alcohol beverages, state laws on underage alcohol beverage purchase and possession, and zero tolerance laws. Community advocate Darin Dale will share his personal story. According to the recent Monitoring the Future Survey, conducted at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research, 51 percent of high school seniors reported using alcohol within the month. To compound the problem of underage drinking, the use of the club drug "ecstasy" among youth–especially among seniors–is rising. Club drugs are dangerous, illicit substances used at dance clubs and all-night parties, such as raves. The most popular club drugs in the San Diego area include ecstasy, GHB, ketamine, rohypnol and methamphetamine. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in Bethesda, Maryland, club drugs can cause serious health problems and even death. "Used in combination with alcohol, these drugs can be even more dangerous," says NIDA Director Dr. Alan Leshner. Use of alcohol and other drugs is associated with the leading causes of death and injury among teenagers and young adults, according to the National Centers for Disease Control. "A 16-year old is more likely to die of alcohol-related causes than any other," says Crittenden. "Teenagers don't need alcohol or drugs to have a good time. It's illegal, dangerous and stupid. That's why we encourage safe and sober celebrations." According to California law, anyone under the age of 21 who attempts to purchase alcohol can be fined $100 to $250 and/or be required to spend 36 hours in community service. The fine for adults who purchase alcohol beverages for minors is a minimum of $1,000 and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service. Minors in possession of alcohol can receive a fine of $1,000 and/or six months in jail, and if you're under 21 and drink and drive, you can lose your license for one year. High schools invited to participate in the news conference include Grossmont, Mount Miguel, El Capitan, Granite Hills, Monte Vista, Santana, Helix, and West Hills. The East County Hospitality Resource Panel (HRP) is dedicated to fostering responsible principles and practices in the sale and service of alcohol beverages through collaborative efforts between the food and beverage industry, government, education, and prevention groups to promote a safe community. |
||
|
