|
Drugs, like fashion, go in and out of style. Much of what
determines which drugs are most popular concerns their relative
accessibility and price. Additionally, community outreach
efforts to teens, parents, and caregivers that educate them
on the harmful and often devastating effects of drugs can
aid in significantly reducing usage of targeted drugs. For
example, ecstasy, along with other such “club drugs”
as GHB, ketamine and LSD, were particularly popular among
teenagers and young adults at dance clubs and all-night
dance parties (often called “raves”) during
the mid nineteen-ninety’s. Thanks to a concerted effort
among substance abuse prevention and education organizations,
drug enforcement agencies, and a heightened awareness due
to increased efforts to inform the community about this
dangerous drug, ecstasy usage has dropped over 50%. The
panel of experts discusses the components that make a successful
drug education and outreach effort. Further, the panel considers
what new popular drugs are lurking on the horizon and what
can be done to eradicate it before it reaches epic proportions.
Tape Piece - Produced by Paula M. Levine,
this mini-documentary profiles former teen ecstasy user Sara
who was in recovery at Daytop NJ and also features Raymond
Ricciardi who is a counselor associate at Daytop NJ. |
Gerard McAleer |
Diane Litterer |
Gene Bowen |
Lucky |
Marion Fritsch |
Guests
Gerard McAleer – Special Agent in charge
of the New Jersey division of the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Diane Litterer – Executive Director
of Prevention Links a private non-for profit focusing on
the prevention of substance abuse.
Gene Bowen – A former drug user and founder
of Road Recovery, a treatment program helping young substance
abusers recover through music.
Lucky – who is in recovery for drug
and alcohol use.
Marion Fritsch – Executive Director of
the National Council on Alcoholism Drug Dependence, Hudson
County. Marion is also a longtime Caucus Educational Corporation board member.
|
