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| 3 April 2001 East County High School Journalists Learn About Latest Deadly Mix: Alcohol and Club Drugs Pass Message to Peers Through School Newspapers Lakeside, CA – Proms and Graduations should be a time for celebration, but all too often the festivities are cut short by accidents involving alcohol or drugs. Over 60 high school journalists from all over East County are doing something to reduce the number of tragedies, by promoting Safe and Sober Proms and Graduations. They’re particularly concerned about a potentially deadly potionalcohol and club drugs. The good news is that underage drinking is happening less frequently. The bad new is the use of so-called “club drugs” like Ecstasy, GHB and Ketamine is on the rise. “When young people are celebrating a milestone in their lives, the best thing they can do for themselves is to preserve their chance of building a promising future,” says Euna Ra, advisor for STAAND, Students Together Against Alcohol ’n Drugs. STAAND is the youth component of Communities Against Substance Abuse, a non-profit agency in East County that helps prevent substance abuse through research, education, advocacy, and service. A panel of community leaders, law enforcement and business leaders talked to student journalists about limousine and hotel policies on alcohol, state laws on underage drinking and zero tolerance laws. The yearly forum is sponsored by the East County Hospitality Resource Panel (HRP). According to the 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 drugs, particularly “ecstasy”, among young people-especially high-school studentsis rising. Club drugs are dangerous, illicit substances used at dance clubs, rave and circuit parties, and even the homes and the schools. The most popular club drugs in the San Diego area include ecstasy, GHB, ketamine, and rohypnol. 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. 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,” said panelist Mike Newell, a prevention specialist with Communities Against Substance Abuse. “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 do 36 hours of community service. The fine for adults who purchase alcohol beverages for minors is a maximum of $1,000 and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service. Minors in possession of alcohol can receive a fine of up to $500 and/or 24-48 hours of community service, and if you’re under 21 and drink and drive, you can lose your license for one year. The East County Hospitality Resource Panel 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. |
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