Teens Take Action Against Drug Abuse

KETTERING, OH (WDTN) -
Parents know teens and drinking don't mix. But, apparently many local students don't. According to a recent survey of area 12th graders more than half admitted getting drunk. Here's what you need to know about an unlikely group trying to bring down those numbers.

Teens representing eight area school districts are putting rivalry and competition aside in hopes of getting rid of drug and alcohol use in their schools. They all agree, it's a dangerous problem among their peers. "There's a party to go to every weekend. And there's a lot of drunk driving and that's a major issue. And people don't take it serious enough." says Katie Lane.

But they should. According to a 2008 Dayton Area Drug Survey, nearly half the12th graders said they had ridden in a car when they believed the driver had been drinking. And one in three said the had gotten behind the wheel after drinking. And that's not the only danger. Pediatric doctor David Roer says, "We've found out that brain development takes until 25 years of age to actually work. It's the frontal lobe, that's the main part that takes that long to develop and alcohol use and drug use affects the specific area. It affects judgment, working ability, thinking ability so we know it has long term ramifications".

The students are part of the South Suburban Coalition. It includes parents and business and community leaders. The teens hope by bringing awareness, their peers will make better choices. Jamie Schnarr is a student at Fairmont High School, "It is not helpful for academics or extra-cirriculars. When people make destructive decisions, they are unable to perform their best in academics or extra-cirriculars and life in general."

"I think it's one of the biggest problems we have in school today. I think a lot of kids are involved in it and something we need to address." says Jimmy Staley a Centerville student.

A couple ways they're doing that is by holding awareness events at their schools Friday. And they're hoping you'll get involved on Saturday to help raise awareness and money for their cause. The students have put together The Run above Influence 5K. It's Saturday April 17th at the Great Miami Recreational Trail in West Carrollton. The run begins at nine.