Helpful resources are plentiful

When preparing to write this editorial on the theme of drug and alcohol awareness, it was pleasing to learn of the numerous organizations and resources on this topic, accessible via the Internet.

Two websites in particular stood out: (1) At health.org, the US Department of Health and Human Services provides publications and materials to links for the family, youth, community, schools, and the workplace. This site is a national clearinghouse for alcohol and drug information awareness and is most comprehensive. (2) The second site provides information for teachers of grades 7-12. This page for teachers provides numerous links to information on curriculum guides, campaigns for ''tobacco-free kids", Mothers-Against-Drunk-Driving, and the Partnership for Drug-Free America.

Finally, when I was a graduate student at Arizona State University, I had the privilege of taking a class with an internationally recognized sports psychologist, Daniel Landers. He has written extensively on the topic of how exercise affects mental health. This information provides solid evidence for teachers, coaches, and parents, on how and why exercise positively benefits psychological health. It seems clear that if young people engage in exercise on a regular basis they will be less likely to suffer from depression or anxiety, conditions that lead to alcohol and drug abuse. Further, for those youngsters that are suffering from some type of mental illness, using exercise as a treatment modality has proven to be effective in some cases.

Darren Dale
Health & Fitness Section Editor

Make 'exercise' the drug of choice for young people.

Many young people suffering from anxiety or depression turn to the alcohol or other drugs as a means of coping. The consequences of these actions in response to psychological problems of anxiety, stress or depression can range from serious (school work suffering, personal relationships coming undone, engaging in criminal behavior) to tragic (serious illness, addiction, or death).

However, exercise has been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression (increasing body temperature, elevating serotonin levels, and providing for a 'time-out' or 'distraction' from stressful events). More information on the link between exercise and depression can be found in an article published in The Physician and Sports Medicine.

The National Mental Health Association site informs readers that May 4th is 'Child Depression Awareness Day'. As stated above, the abuse of alcohol and drugs by young people is often a result of the inability to cope with stressful life events.

The NMHA site lists 'Signs of Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Use'. These include:

• Lying about alcohol or other drug use
• Avoiding others to get drunk or high
• Giving up activities once enjoyed to drink or use drugs
• Planning drinking in advance, hiding alcohol or drinking or using drugs alone
• Having to drink more to get the same high
• Drinking and driving
• Believing that to have fun, drinking or drug use are necessary
• Experiencing frequent hangovers
• Blacking out
• Pressuring others to drink or use drugs
• Taking risks, including sexual risks
• Becoming victims to perpetrators of violence

Other signs and symptoms are listed and the 'Behavioral and physical changes and life consequences associated with drug and alcohol use' are also identified.

For teens, there are many reasons not too drink: some they know, others they don't

Teenagers understand logical arguments why they should not drink alcohol. Among these reasons: under-age drinking is against the law; drinking-and-driving can have tragic consequences; and abusive, violent, or risky behavior may result.

Yet many young people continue to drink, and alcohol consumption such as binge drinking is disturbingly high among college students and high school students. Can educators provide a stronger message to youth on the importance of not drinking, a message that might resonate stronger than the ones just mentioned?

Yes. This message could focus on two things: (1) Alcoholic drinks contain a high number of calories. Many teenagers are conscious of what they look like and want to avoid putting on excess weight. In this instance, alcohol is not a good choice. A 12 fl oz glass of beer contains approximately 150 calories. It seems important to stress to young people the fact that drinking alcohol is not conducive to a body composition goal of low body fat. (2) Alcohol may harm sports performance. Many youth who drink are involved in competitive sports. Behaviors that may detrimentally affect sports performance - such as drinking - may be thought about twice, if a strong case can be made by coaches and educators.