Questions about drugs and alcohol? Nativity to host a presentation April 19

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
April 6, 2006

Just as with decades past, the issue of alcohol and drug abuse by teenagers remains a concern for parents today.

With that in mind, the youth minister of the To Heaven's End youth group in Sioux City has organized a presentation by the Iowa Highway Patrol that will address this concern. The presentation on spotting and helping to prevent the abuse of drugs and alcohol will be held at 7 p.m. on April 19 in the Nativity Parish Center.

It is open to anyone that is interested in this topic - parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and teachers. Even the teens are welcome to attend.

Mary Sam Hacker, director of youth minister for Nativity and Immaculate Conception Parishes in Sioux City, said this should be a very informational session for anyone who has children no matter what age they may be.

Hacker anticipates that they will discuss the impact of alcohol - what it can do to them, how it affects the students' lives if they are picked up and the impact of a continuous alcohol problem. The state patrol most likely will bring special goggles that would allow someone to get a feel for what it is like to be "over the limit."

"They will talk about methamphetamines - what parents, grandparents and other people who are around kids should look for in their home," she said. "Methamphetamine can be made at home, so they will offer some tips on what to be aware of."

While there may or may not be many of the youth using this type of drug, Hacker said it has been established that meth is a problem in Northwest Iowa.

"We wanted to give parents a chance to learn and listen. They will be able to ask questions about drugs or alcohol," explained the youth minister.

The state patrol will bring items that are used to make methamphetamine - that way parents know what to look or youth know what to look for if they are worried about their friends.

She noted that they had offered this presentation about four years ago and some parents requested that it be presented once again.

"They want to get a little refresher on what is going on out in the world," said Hacker. "We want to keep the parents informed and be one step ahead of the game."

She anticipates for the state patrol to offer some tips to the adults on how to talk to youth.

"Everyone is welcome to attend. It is open to anyone who is learning more about alcohol and drugs," said the youth minister.

If people have questions about the presentation, they can call Hacker at (712) 276-4919.