Alcohol and drug use—rite of youth passage or dangerous game of roulette? The untimely loss of several young people in the past months due to drug related causes is a catastrophic tragedy for their families and friends, and also for the whole community. Losing a life due to drugs should wrench our collective community hearts and souls. This is more than a wake up call; it is a call to action.

Last summer our community was shaken by the revelation of heroin use among Northfield young people. There was fear and disbelief by many that this could be happening in our city. Several public gatherings sought answers and solutions to the issue. Ideas generated indicated deep concern and commitment to keeping our youth safe.

After the initial furor, the issue may have seemed “swept under the rug”, no longer a concern or that nothing is being done. Not so! Drugs such as heroin are cause for great concern. But the fact remains that tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and the increasing misuse of prescription drugs continue to be at the forefront of youth drug use. These mood altering chemicals can be the “gateway” to the use of other drugs such as heroin.

Primary prevention in the critical formative years must be the basis of community action—and in fact are what multiple sectors of our community have been, are, and will continue doing. If a youth is already involved in using drugs, intervention is crucial, and if indicated, treatment and aftercare need to be available. Families and parents have a key role and of course want their children to be safe. The tendency to deny a problem and to cover up alcohol and drug use may lead to lack of recognition. Education, support and open, honest dialogue are needed for parents, families, and for youth.

Among the many groups continuing to partner in their focus on youth and their protection from drugs and other risky behaviors:

• The Northfield Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Alcohol and Drug Use: a citizen group working on several action projects to foster a healthy community where youth can lead lives free of alcohol and drugs.
• The Northfield Union of Youth: a youth run organization providing positive activities for youth as well as leadership in addressing issues of youth chemical substance use.
• The Rice County Chemical Health Coalition: a broad based professional group invested in all aspects of alcohol and drug use by preventing youth access to alcohol, ensuring the availability of treatment and support services and educating parents and service providers about the issues. .

In addition, our schools, faith communities, and youth organizations have an ongoing commitment to education, positive youth development, and keeping our youth safe.

Alarming news about youth drug use may give the impression that all youth are using alcohol and drugs. Again—not so. Two ongoing surveys (the Healthy Community Initiative yearly survey of 6th, 8th,9th, and 11th graders and the on-going Minnesota Adolescent Student Survey give us reliable information about youth attitudes and behaviors. Indications are that the majority of youth in the Northfield area are not using alcohol and drugs.

We must continue to provide youth with the education, support and personal tools needed for making healthy choices. As individuals and as a community we have a responsibility to support our youth and their families. YOU are part of the solution and are invited to respond to this Call to Action.

Whether you are a parent, a friend or a caring adult, there are specific things you can do to help keep our youth safe. Watch for another article about suggestions for action.

This article was written by Joan Janusz on behalf of the Northfield Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Alcohol and Drug Use. Joan is a member of the Task Force.