'Bay Matters' invites all adults to forum on preventing adolescent substance abuse

Attention all adults: Based on national studies, parents have the greatest influence on their child’s decision as to whether or not they experiment with chemical substances. Studies also indicate that parent drug education has a direct impact on lowering the percentages of teen alcohol and other drug use, especially in the middle school years.

Since there is a direct correlation between parent drug education and lowering the drug rates of teen use, doesn’t it make sense for parents to do all they can to learn about it? Here’s your chance!

Led by a panel of our own community leaders, a community-wide forum on Wednesday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. in the Bay High School auditorium will provide you the latest information about youth chemical substance experimentation, abuse and addiction, how this issue affects us all, and what each of us can do as concerned citizens to help our kids stay drug free.

In addition, you will hear a personal story from a parent who experienced the heartbreak and fear of having to cope with her daughter’s struggles, from experimentation to daily use to addiction, and from a young person who struggled with her own drug use battles, and how they both triumphed and found recovery.  

Attending this forum should be the first step in becoming informed and aware of the issues. The next step should be to become more educated on the details of adolescent alcohol and other substance abuse. Take advantage of the programs that are offered at Bay Middle School or in area communities.

Last spring, parents attended a similar forum offered at Bay Middle School. Here are the following comments and feedback from the program:

• “Wow, I’m shocked at the prevalence of drugs in our community – I was clueless.”
• “I never realized this can happen to 'good kids' too.”
• “I’ve heard a lot about Spice and want to learn more.”
• “We should all talk to our family members who have had problems to see if family history/genetics can influence our kids.”
• “It’s clear – safety triumphs privacy.”
• “I never knew this was a disease and that it can happen to anyone.”

So don’t find yourself caught off-guard. Get informed now to keep our children safe!

We encourage all adults, including teachers, coaches, youth leaders and neighbors, to learn how they can help and show a united front by attending this forum on Nov. 7, 7 p.m., at Bay High School, 29230 Wolf Rd.