Teens and drugs

The statistics of drug use among high school-age teenagers in our area show some alarming trends: More teens are using drugs, and the drugs they are using are far more addictive and dangerous than just a few years ago.

Those are some of the findings of drugs tests among juvenile offenders in the 32nd Judicial Circuit consisting of Cape Girardeau, Bollinger and Perry counties.

A few years ago, tests showed experimentation among youths with marijuana. More recent tests are positive for cocaine and methamphetamine.

More prescription drugs, taken from the family's medicine cabinet, are being used by teens.

When underage drinkers test positive for alcohol, Missouri law allows for them to be cited for "possession by consumption." But under current state law, juveniles who test positive for drugs cannot be cited for possession by consumption of drugs.

Authorities who work with young offenders say being able to cite juveniles for possession would make more rehabilitation options available, include drug courts that stress frequent testing and long-term counseling.

Officials also stress that drug use by teenagers is not just a school problem.

Schools, the community and parents need to work with each other to address the problem, advises Jackson High School principal Rick McClard.

Together, everyone interested in the welfare of teenagers and the statistical evidence that too many of them are using drugs should look for ways -- including legislative remedies -- that will produce a new trend for the future.