Students from Norwegian United Methodist-related Soltun Folk School attended several conference sessions. Soltun, a fine arts school for Norwegian and international young people, was the venue for the conference. Bygstad, suggested that if drug prevention educators focused on removing the myths related to drugs and alcohol, young people would be less inclined to overindulge in alcohol. The conference, sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, is part of the ongoing drug prevention work of the Northern European Conference Committee on Drugs and Alcohol. It was held to assist churches in developing an appropriate response to substance abuse among young people in their communities.
Experts believe that parents influence the future drinking habits of their children and youth.
Annegret Klaiber, a German doctor who treats substance abusers and is a member of the Committee on Drugs and Alcohol stressed that a breakdown in the family contributes to substance abuse among teens. Klaiber, also the wife of United Methodist Bishop Walter Klaiber, Frankfurt, Germany, insisted that children need to feel they are important and loved. If the family is dysfunctional, she said, a responsible family member must create a balanced and supportive environment to openly address the problem. The prevention of substance abuse for children and teens involves providing a supportive environment for children to be themselves and trust people, positive friends and a strong faith, the German doctor stated. For general questions about The United Methodist Church, please call InfoServ at 1.800.251.8140.