Nick Lampson: “nothing is more heartbreaking than when a young person turns to drugs. Although the use of drugs by American youth began…”

“nothing is more heartbreaking than when a young person turns to drugs. Although the use of drugs by American youth began to level off in 1997, drug-use rates are almost twice as high as they were in 1992. Research indicates that young people who avoid illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco before the age of 18 are likely to avoid chemical dependency problems during the remainder of their lives. This is why it is so important that we all pull together to discourage the distribution, sale, and use of illegal drugs by our Nation's youth. The real desire is to stop juvenile drug use before it starts by teaching children about the dangers of drugs and demonstrating strong values and giving them opportunities. That is why I am such a strong believer and supporter in the Department of Education's safe and drug- free school initiative. Through this program, funds are made available to individual school districts to meet their special needs in educating and protecting their students. These funds can pay for additional school security personnel and equipment or increased antidrug education. These funds can also be used to provide supervised after-school activities. The need for these programs is highlighted by the fact that half of all youth crimes are committed during the unsupervised hours between school and dinner time. Positive parental involvement reduces the likelihood of drug use among children.”