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PACK 3 • PLAINPEALER • WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBERS, 1W3 CHEMICAL USE-ABUSE McHenry is a "border com­ munity," bordering Wisconsin where the drinking age is lower than in Illinois, alcohol problems are the biggest con­ cern of this area. He pointed out that in the last two weeks, three children have lost their lives in alcohol-related accidents. "Kids are killing them­ selves," he observed. Another problem, one which- perhaps contributes to the downswing in drug abuse, is the increase of look-alike drugs. Kids are buying what they think are drugs and are getting substitutes that do nothing.. , A second panel member, Dr. Jim Mowery, an internist with McHenry Hospital, indicated that the kids he sees with drug and alcohol problems, those who come to the emergency room for treatment, are just the "tip of the iceberg." what is needed now is to get to the "water un­ derneath,' to the kids who have the drug and alcohol problems but who are lucky enough (or perhaps unlucky enough) not to get hurt while nigh or drunk. Dave Miars, an outpatient counselor with the Drug and Alcohol Services, said he would like to "see more family in­ volvement" in dealing with these problems. Also on hand was Barb Slater, parent of a teenager, who said simply, "Parenting of a teenager is out-and-out not easv. She tries to draw on her own background when it comes to dealing with problems her teen faces, but when it comes to drug problems, there is nothing she has to draw on. Ms. Slater feels the best approach is to deal with it openly, to talk to the teen directly. In order to do this, it is important that the parent be knowledgeable. He or she should read anything that can be found, attend programs, just absorb everything possible. Maureen Dorgan, a counselor for the Family Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse, said that dealing with these problems found he was able to get whatever drugs he needed at the high school. Sarah Lambourn and Kathy Stelmack, both seniors at McHenry High School who are associated with Operation Snowball, spoke on how widespread drug and alcohol abuse and availability are at the high school. Kids are getting 'stoned' everywhere at school, they pointed out. Many times, marijuana is being smoked at the bus stops while waiting for the bus. Alcohol is put in everything-thermos bottles, Capri Sun cartons, even in cartons of milk. Students will ask to get a drink of water and will go pop a pill. Drugs and alcohol are very common in the locker room, they said, during canoeing class, in the library, classrooms, halls and bathrooms. Drug deals take place in lunch line. On the social scene, drinking takes place in cars because kids consider this to be the safest place to drink, i.e. where they are least likely to get caught. At parties, drugs and alcohol abound. The students said they gather usually at homes where parents are out. Sometimes there will be a cover charge to get into the party. This is to cover the cost of the alcohol or drugs. At area outdoor teen concerts, it is accepted that drinking and drug use will be there. They spoke of favorite gathering places in McHenry where marijuana is smoked and kids drink beer and otherliquor. They said many students come to school activities either drunk or high. On the ski trips to Wisconsin many students drink because the drinking age is lower. The problems are there •ver y frightening for families to ex- go is a perience through. The Reverend Rick Schneider, pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church of McHenry, indicated he was concerned in a sense that the issues of drug and alcohol abuse are not considered serious. Also, he is concerned about McHenry's . close proximity to Wisconsin and the problems that accompany that. Steve, a recovering alcoholic who is a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, brought home the reality of these problems by relating his own history. He started drinking at age 8. By age 12 he was a heavy drinker, but it was condoned as long as he "did it at home." After spending two and a half years as a freshman, he realized that everyone who had been behind him in school was now ahead of him, so he dropped out and joined the Army. Because drugs and alcohol were in abundance there, his problem increased. Eight years later when he got out and returned to the McHenry area, he was very addicted but IQUOR MARTI WINES Carlo RossillMartini & Rossi] 4 LITER Ml Vermouth M 750 ML 8 $498 BEER Pabst 12-12 OZ. CANS 1$ | »9 p$32< PRICES EFFECTIVE NOV. 9 THRU NOV- 15 ST Jsher's Green Stripe $399 1.75 LITER Fleischmann's Gin $J99 1.75 LITER Fleischmann's Vodka 1.75 LITER Ancient Age Bourbon $JJ49 1.75 LITER J. Bavet Brandy $£49 SALEBEERNOI 7 Up, Crush, Like or Dr. Pepper BUOZ.BOTT. $ 1 2 9 PLUS DEP. Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi Free or Sugar Free Pepsi Free 2 LITER BOTT. problems are not as bad as seven or eight years ago, Detective Wigman stated that the community is more aware and more organized in terms of treating kias and even in buy the bear or will smoke with the kids. Jacie Smith, a high school counselor, who was moderator of the panel, then opened the floor for questions with the following comment: "None of us on the panel are experts on this subject. We are all here because we care." Detective Wigman was asked what happens to a kid who is caught. He replied that each case is dealt with on an in­ dividual basis. There are many factors considered-age, how many times the child has been caught, etc. Often cases are referred to the McHenry County those who reject treatment. Schools are doing more in the way of educating students on the problem. The economy u a factor, kids can't afford to use drugs or alcohol as much. Kids today are more educated and sharper than before, and parents are more involved. Law changes nave helped. The real key is awareness, he explained. One person asked if parents should not allow the kids to go to parties. Dave Miars reply was "Be aware of the party. Make sure it's supervised. Contact the other parents." Often, he said, parents are not even aware that a party is being held in the home. Detective Wigman added that many times parties are not supervised, perhaps due to the economy forcing many parents to work night* Maureen Dorgan also in­ dicated that parental attitudes need to be examined. Many times a child will be referred to her with a drinking problem, and the parents' reaction is, "Thank God it's not a drug problem." This is a wrong at­ titude. A drinking problem is just as serious as a drug problem, perhaps even more so. How widespread is the problem? Kathy Stelmack replied that while drug use has decreased somewhat, alcohol use is on the upswing. from page 1 One audience member pointed out that alcohol would not pass any of the tests required by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) if such tests were given before alcohol was packaged and sold. Ms. Dorgan further indicated that no difference is made nor should one be made when dealing with addiction, be it alcohol or drug. "Once addicted, always ad­ dicted to the mood-altering effect," she concluded. Steve added that emotional maturity stops at the age when addiction starts. He has had to grow emotionally since he stopped drinking and using drugs. Even though he is 29 now, he has the emotional maturity of a teenaeer. Jacie Smith summed up with the comment that "things are ting better in some respects, we do have a problem every day with drug and alcohol abuse." Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 8 p.m., the second part of the WTTW program will be viewed, again in the auditorium of the East Campus. Members of the McHenry community are en­ couraged to attend and par­ ticipate in the panel discussion that will follow. Real and practical solutions to these problems will be discussed, and a task force of community members will be formed to further deal with solutions to these very real problems of drug and alcohol abuse among the youth of McHenry. News and Views RAISE from page 1 Ra^ Smith (3rd). "I agree with Aid. Gary Snell (4th) supported the Bolger-Smith faction, adding that the city could make these outside roads a low priority, i.e. making only two passes to clear roads instead of four as in the city. While Aid. Frank McClatchey supported continuing the service, he advocated doubling the charge. "Right now we're giving it away," McClatchey said. "Maybe we could surcharge and make sure that the city comes first." "We can't be doing favors. These people have flatly refused annexation. Why should we provide the service when they've refused?" Datz asked Aldermen Cecilia Serritella (4th) and Smith took exception to the 100 percent increase in the cost and suggested a more moderate increase would be in order. Last year, Feger's subdivision was charged a flat rate of $400 and Country Club Drive was charged $200 with a proviso for a surcharge if there was an "excessive" amount of time involved. Aid. Smith made a motion to <* continue the service at a rate 40 Ejrcent higher than last year. e withdrew the motion when Bolger tried to amend it to 10 percent. Aid. William Busse (2nd) commented, "I don't feel the city should be in the snowplowing business. We would be depriving the private sector We shouldn't be in it at all, but if we are going to do it, it should be at an hourly rate. Flat fees are irrelevent." Smith seconded the 10 percent motion and the vote was called. Voting in favor were Aldermen Serritella, Snell. Smith and Bolger. Voting against were Aldermen McClatchey, Datz, Busse and Nolan. Mayor Stanek broke the tie and defeated the motion with a "no" vote. Aid. McClatchey made a motion to provide the service at a 40 percent higher cost. It was seconded by Smith. Voting in,• favor were Aldermen Serritella, Snell, Smith, McClatchey and Bolger. Voting against were Aldermen Datz, Busse and Nolan. Service Bureau. The biggest thing is that the parents need to get involved. He stated "We'll do whatever you want," but it is up to the parents to become involved. A concerned parent in the audience asked Detective Wigman what a person should do when he sees or thinks he sees a drug deal. Det. Wigman replied that observation is the best plan. Do not attempt to confront those involved in the deal. Get a license plate num­ ber, a physical description of the person and-or car. Then call the police, even anonymously. The important thing to remember, though, is to report the in­ formation immediately. When asked why he felt the SENIOR CITIZEN NIGHT EVERY MONDAY NIGHT FOR SENIORS ^ BUY ANY MEAL SECOND ONE OPEN 24 e hours n 1/2 PRICE •Wag's. 4 2 2 8 W . I I m M c H e n r y 6 6 0 6 N . W . H w y C r y s t a l L a k e SUNTANNING WE TAMED THE SUN... AND MADE IT COMFORTABLE McHenry Nautilus HEALTH & FITNESS CLUB • FIRST VISIT FREE 804 Mill St. McHenry, II. CALL 344-2302 FOR APPT. 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