DRUG FORUM SCHEDULED

Vancleave Meeting To Address Teen-Agers' Use Of Substances

VANCLEAVE - The fight against drug use is on in this rural community, with
two residents planning a meeting Tuesday night to discuss drug use and its
effects on those who use them.

Residents Sue Bennett and Melanie Sanderson said recent talks with some
graduating seniors about ongoing drug use among teens prompted them to
schedule the meeting.

"We have lived here all our life and we have seen what is going on around
us," Sanderson said. "I don't think these kids are aware of the
consequences and how easy it is to get hooked on the drugs."

The women said they've heard that a lot of teens are using the highly
addictive painkiller Oxycontin and other drugs, such as Ecstasy, marijuana,
alcohol and crystal methamphetamines. Many users, they said, aren't aware
of how easy it is to get hooked or worse.

"They could take half an Oxycontin pill and drink alcohol and die,"
Sanderson said. "We don't want that to happen."

Tuesday's meeting will include presentations from officials at the Jackson
County Sheriff's Department, the District Attorney's Office, the
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and a recovering drug addict.

"We want to open people's eyes and let them know there is a drug problem
here," Sanderson said. "This is a first step. We want to find what the
signs are, where to go for help and who to call if you know someone who is
making drugs or selling them."

Graduating seniors in the community told the women there are a lot of
students using the prescription painkillers and methamphetamines along with
alcohol and marijuana.

Sanderson is particularly concerned, she said, because she has two children
growing up in the small community. "We don't want to see anybody hurt
themselves," she said. "That's why we're trying to get the education we need."

Parents and teens are urged to attend the meeting. The women are expecting
a large turnout because they've already started spreading the word.