Schuylerville to Tackle Substance Use

Published April 18, 2009
The Saratogian

SCHUYLERVILLE — Alcohol and marijuana use threaten the safe and healthy development of more young people in Schuylerville than any other substances — even more than tobacco and other illicit drugs, according to the county Prevention Council. That’s why several area organizations are coming together to raise awareness about the issues of underage drinking and drug use at a community awareness night.

Parents, high school and middle school youths and other interested community members are invited to attend the meeting to be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in the courtroom at Town Hall.

The Schuylerville Area Neighborhood Watch and the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Council of Saratoga County are being joined by the Schuylerville Area Chamber of Commerce, the town of Saratoga and the village of Schuylerville in sponsoring this event. With prom and graduation season approaching and the usual increase in outdoor parties that accompany warm weather, it is important to discuss the risks that adolescent alcohol and drug use pose and strategies parents and communities can implement to reduce and prevent use.

The meeting will help to address the “So what?” factor held by some youths and parents. Parents who drank as teens may conclude that “kids will be kids” and alcohol and marijuana are “no big deal.” New findings on adolescent brain development and scans that show the actual physical effects, however, reveal significant risks, the Prevention Council said. The association between alcohol use and other risky behavior — speeding, high-risk sexual activity, binge drinking — will be discussed as well.

Practical ways that parents can help their own teen avoid drug and alcohol use; legal concerns associated with allowing underage parties; and strategies communities can implement to reduce and prevent underage drinking will be included in the night’s discussions.