By Denis Brosnan
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 7/17/03)

Faith communities have partnered with the National Drug Control Policy in the war against drugs.

At a press conference last week, John P. Walters, director of the National Drug Control Policy, said that a child’s faith plays an important role in his or her decision to experiment with drugs. "With a solid spiritual background, a child’s faith can enable them to make better decisions regarding the use of drugs and alcohol," said Walters.

Flanked by leaders of various religious denominations, Walters stressed the need for teen substance abuse prevention programs in religious communities. "Very few faith institutions have programs that can help counsel kids on the dangers of drugs and alcohol," he said.

According to Jim Towey, director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, many religious institutions are handcuffed when it comes to counseling children on matters of drugs and alcohol. "Many churches don’t address the issues of drug abuse because of social pressure and internal pressure," said Towey. He added that many churches feel it is not their place to counsel children on drug abuse.

Speaking for the Muslim community, Dr. Sayyid Muhammad Syeed, secretary general of the Islamic Society of North America, said drug abuse among children is poisoning the United States. "Islam strictly forbids the use of drugs and alcohol because of its destructive nature. We are on a jihad against drugs in North America," he said.

According to a recent study published by the American Psychological Association, teens who value religion and consider it important in their lives, are half as likely to use marijuana, as opposed to teens who don’t view religion as important. In addition, teens who do not consider religion important are almost three times more likely to drink, binge drink and smoke, and seven times more likely to use illegal drugs.

Brenda Girton-Mitchell, director of the Washington Office of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States, says the strategy of talking to teens about drugs has changed over time. "The days are past when we can tell our children: ‘Do as I say not as I do.’ We must lead by example," said Girton-Mitchell. "We want kids to know they can lead drug-free lives and still have friends and lead a happy life."

For kids who are already addicted to drugs and alcohol, Walters stressed that a renewed spiritual life is the only way to overcome it. "Spiritual recovery of an addict is absolutely essential in order to beat the disease," he said. "The miracle of recovery is an example of the changes we can make for those who are suffering."

Above all else, Walters said parents must face the issue of drug abuse head-on. "Looking the other way is deadly — it spreads the disease."

To download the brochure Four Ways to Include Drug Prevention in Your Religious Programs, visit the Web site www.TheAntiDrug.com/Faith or call 1-800-788-2800.