DENNISVILLE – The ongoing efforts to bring youth alcohol and drug abuse education to the local community reached out to township seniors on Nov. 6, with a program presented by Cape Assist. Over a delicious luncheon, Cape Assist Program Coordinator Joe Faldetta discussed current trends among young people regarding alcohol and drug abuse.
Faldetta, 37, a county native who has worked with Cape Assist for seven years, expressed particular concern about some of what he called “new risks” young people face in communities like Dennis Township. But if young people are at risk, why tell a room full of senior citizens about it?
Faldetta’s message is that every concerned citizen and group in a community can play a role in dealing with this growing societal problem. “For example, there’s a growing problem with proper disposal of prescription medications,” he said. “There’s a high rate of abuse among young people using prescription medications improperly.”
Faldetta described what he called “medicine cabinet parties” at which partiers fill a bowl with a potpourri of pills pilfered from home medicine cabinets. Reduced access effectively reduces the potential for abuse. He did however caution against flushing or tossing away those unneeded medications.
Lower and Middle Township police have ongoing programs to help people dispose of old medications properly. In addition, the federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) conducts Operation Medicine Cabinet twice a year.
Locally, DEA works through organizations like Cape Assist to coordinate this program through local Municipal Alliances that disseminate the relevant information to the communities they serve.
“Prescription drugs are obviously only one area of concern,” Faldetta said. “Alcohol abuse is perhaps the most pervasive problem communities face in dealing with this youth issue. Alcohol is where it (substance abuse) starts.”
Kids these days have more discretionary cash to spend on booze, with the result that, according to Faldetta, the dangers are “ten times what they used to be (for addiction). A young person is five times more likely to develop substance abuse issues if they begin drinking under age,” he noted.
Developing brains are hard-wired to alcohol, he says. And to compound the problem, the alcohol industry has recognized and is tapping a large market among younger drinkers, as evidenced by the variety of alcohol laced lemonades, iced teas and other sugary, fruity drinks.
Cape Assist’s function is to educate all segments of the population on these dangers. It especially focuses on younger people. To accomplish this, Cape Assist has established the Healthy Community Coalition that utilizes all members of the community to encourage an alcohol and drug free environment.
Located at 3819 New Jersey Ave., Wildwood, Cape Assist offers educational programs in life skills, senior wellness, bullying prevention as well as counseling services for families and individuals.
To contact Ray Rebmann, email rrebmann@cmcherald.com.
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