LETTERS: GRANDPARENTS AND DRUGS

To the editor:

Sunday, Sept. 10, is National Grandparents Day. It is a day set aside to honor grandparents, giving them an opportunity to show love for their children's children. This letter is dedicated to the children of Missouri to help them become aware of the strength, information and guidance a grandparent can offer.

Children have a very special relationship with Grandpa and Grandma. That is why grandparents can be such powerful allies in helping keep a kid off drugs and out of trouble. Grandparents are cool and relaxed. They aren't on the firing line every day. Some days a kid hates his folks. He never hates his grandparents. Grandparents ask direct, point-blank, embarrassing questions parents are too nervous to ask:

"Who's the girl?"

"How come you're doing poorly in history?"

"Why are your eyes always red?"

"Did you go to the doctor? What did he or she say?"

The same kid who cons his parents is ashamed to lie to Grandpa or Grandma. Without betraying their trust, a loving, understanding grandparent can discuss the danger of alcohol and other drugs openly with the child he or she adores. And should, because:

-- The average age of first-time illegal drug use among Missouri teens is 13. Some kinds start at 9.

-- One of five kids between 9 and 12 is offered illegal drugs. Thirty percent of these kids receive the offer from a friend. And 12 percent named a family member as their source.

-- Of Missouri's seventh graders, 75 percent said alcohol is easy to get. Thirty-five percent said marijuana is easy to get. Fourteen percent said LSD is easy to get.

-- Of our high school seniors, 4 percent used inhalants in the previous month (nearly one and a half percentage points higher than the national average). Three percent used LSD in the previous month (a percentage point higher than the national average). Nearly half reported binge drinking (five or more alcoholic drinks in a row) within the previous two weeks (20 percentage points higher than the national average).

-- Illegal drugs are a direct link to increased violence in many communities, to AIDS, to birth defects, drug-related crime and homelessness.

-- Violence and injury, often related to substance abuse, are responsible for 75 percent of adolescent deaths. More teen-age males die of automobile accidents and gunshot wounds that of all natural causes.

Grandparents hold a special place in the hearts and minds of grandchildren. They can share their knowledge, love and faith in them. They can use their power as an influencer to steer grandchildren away from alcohol and other drugs.

If grandparents don't have the words, get them. Missouri's Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse will send more information on how to talk to grandchildren about alcohol and other drugs. Call 314-751-4942 and ask for a free copy of "A Parent's Guide to Prevention."

DAVID H. ARNS, Director

Partnership for a Drug-Free Missouri

Maryland Heights