drugs

DRUGS
Start Prevention at Home

by Nissim Itzhaki, Yaron Oskar, Hila Mordehay, Liz Vax, Michael Nowgowker
Amal Aleph Comprehensive School, Ramleh

There is a very serious drug problem in Israeli society. Today, teenagers are exposed to this phenomenon more than teenagers in the past. The result is that teenagers have become over-aware of this environment.

There are many reasons that teenagers might use drugs; curiosity, need for excitement, environmental pressure, rebellion against adults, search for freedom and independence, not finding solutions to problems and others.

Adolescence is a very difficult time. Sometimes teendagers cannot get along with their parents and they suffer from different problems at school. When this is the case, if they are in a situation that somebody, even a friend, offers them a drug, the curiousity and the pressure can be so strong that they might try it.

There are signs that can help parents notice drug use: sudden changes in mood, sadness, loss of appetite, loss of interest, weakness.

However, some of these signs are identical to the normal signs of adolescence. Therefore, parents should not jump to conclusions. Haya Kashti, Amal guidance counselor, shares some advice with students and parents: "Kids and parents whould try and keep communication lines open. Kids should feel that they can tell their parents things and that their parents will be there for them."

Today, there are professional ways of dealing with this problem. Once a case is reported to Kashti, she investigates the situation in an in-depth fashion. "I may recommend that she go for help at one of the organizations that aid young people in trouble. We, at the school will provide what ever support we can - with his studies, helping his friends support him, etc..."

If a parent is afraid that his child is using drugs, he should not think twice! There is a place to turn to. Parents who understand and care about their children can find a way out. (See hotline information below.)

Simona Fadila, a tenth grade student, who works as a volunteer on a drug hotine, tell sof a 14 year old student, who became a drug addict. This boy's father was growing Hashish in his yar. "Drugs, for this boy, were part of his reality - nothing unusual," said Simona. He called the hotline and asked for help, and he got it. He received counseling at home, and he was sent to a school with rehabilitation treatment. A special program was created for him. He admits that that is what saved his life.

According to Kashti, 20% of the Ramla-Lod population use some form of illegal substance. According to a survey of 10th grade Amal students, 70% of the students sampled know about the hotline number. It is good to know that is someone has a problem, they know where to turn.

Hotline Information:
The Unit for Drug Treatment and Counseling, Tel: 08-9221178 or 9230524
The Station for Advising Youth, Tel: 08-9241128

This article previously appeared in The Amal Sun - The Student Newspaper of Amal Aleph Ramleh, Spring 1998.

Amal Aleph Ramla school site