Alcohol, after all, is still the substance most commonly abused by teens. Martula said more parents should address drugs before a heavy drug problem develops. Teen-agers may not want to discuss their drug or alcohol problem with their parents, but may be willing to talk to someone else about it, Solomon said. She said the community must also respond to battle addiction. Other parents and teachers need to be involved, she said, and teens need places to hang out with their peers.
Adolescents have to be able to socialize.
A general malaise among adolescents and society as a whole prompts many to turn to drugs or alcohol, Solomon said. There's a feeling that they need something more or are missing something. Northampton Police Chief Russell Sienkiewicz urged parents and the community at large to stay engaged in children's lives. We give talks at the schools and no one shows up. Parents Care can be reached at 582-0213.