Helping Boone County Youngsters Avoid Drugs

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Posted: 9:40 PM Aug 28, 2008
Last Updated: 9:42 PM Aug 28, 2008
Reporter: Amanda Barren
Email Address: amanda.barren@wsaz.com

13 comments

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BOONE COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Parents of teens and even those "tweens" know peer pressure is everywhere.

When it comes to talking to kids about drugs and alcohol, you just have to hope your message is loud and clear.

Eric Price plays center for Scott High School's football team, so there is pressure to play well. But the pressures that he and other teens feel daily are likely greater than those on the gridiron.

Now, Boone County middle and high schools have drug-testing kits -- all a parent has to do is ask. There is also a saliva-based alcohol test available. The tests are approved by the FDA and similar to what some people might have at their workplaces.

The project is available at no cost to taxpayers. It is being funded with drug-forfeiture money, as well as with funds from the concealed weapons fund and private donations.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Al on Sep 2, 2008 at 11:20 PM
I agree with Cheri's comments. I believe the Sheriff and Board of Ed. are leading the way and "starting to bring good things to Boone Co."

Posted by: Cheri on Sep 2, 2008 at 08:10 PM
Congratulations to the Board of Ed and the Sheriff for their efforts to stop a systemic problem. If only the parents would start Drug Ed at home and care enough to snoop. Seems to me, as a lifelone Boone Countian, most citizenry don't want to get involved, but are very quick to blame the sheriff and his deputies. More shame to the County Commissioners for failing to fund law enforcement realistically as well as other important projects. Kids in our county do not have nearly enough positive activities to choose from and so the lure of drugs is somewhat understandable. ABA 2010

Posted by: J on Aug 30, 2008 at 06:05 PM
If drugs stop in Boone county, how will the local economy survive?

Posted by: Phil on Aug 30, 2008 at 10:46 AM
To Anonymous on 8-29, where would you suggest that a person move to that would not have drugs in their area. That's a foolish attempt to make a wisecrack about Boone County, that's not very wise. As far as drugs, Boone has it's problems, as does everywhere, but is a lot better off than most places. Instead of bashing on them, try looking in your own back yard. Good job sheriff and schools, keep up the good work. Sounds like most of the kids are up for this too.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 29, 2008 at 05:26 PM
Helping Boone County youngsters avoid drugs? Move out of Boone County.

Posted by: Jess on Aug 29, 2008 at 01:40 PM
The fact of the matter is there are always gonna be dealers as long as there is demand for them stop the kids from doing the drugs then the dealers will leave.

Posted by: AL on Aug 29, 2008 at 01:40 PM
At least the School Board and Sheriff Dept are trying to do something the Boone County Commission pretty much does nothing at all for kids.

Posted by: sharon on Aug 29, 2008 at 09:54 AM
what boone county schools are doing is wonderful.....I wish ALL schools would consider this. i would like to know more on this.

Posted by: Daryl on Aug 29, 2008 at 09:12 AM
I all ways thought that if you wanted to stop the druds from flowing into your conty was to arrest the dealers. If the supply of drugs is no longer there than the county wins the battle over the dealers.

Posted by: Ben on Aug 28, 2008 at 11:37 PM
Looks like a good plan to me and it sounds like those folks in Boone Co. are getting together to do something good working with parents, instead of trying to cram something down their throats, like the mandatory testing other places are suggesting for students. Parents are more likely to do this in the privacy of their home, rather than the results being known by everybody. The Sheriff and schools need commended for developing such a plan. I hope others follow.

Posted by: Anita on Aug 28, 2008 at 11:25 PM
I think the school should also pull radom drug test to, these kids can really fake you outby using eye drops among other thing to throw you off so you will never have any idea that they are doing drug, if you love your kid you'll doing any thing you can to save there life and to let you know they use myspace to make thire plans on how to get out of the house to party with thire friends as they call them. GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE PARENTS and MY GOOD BLESS YOU and YOUR FAMILY.

Posted by: Sereneone on Aug 28, 2008 at 11:15 PM
I lived in Boone county most of my life and was addicted to alcohol and drugs from age 13. I have been clean & sober & living in Charleston for 6 years now. I had a very hard life and went through more than most people can even imagine in their worst nightmares. I really wish this had been available for my parents. My life could have took a dramatic turn!!! I beg the parents--test them, if they don't want to be tested, there is probably something to hide! It only takes one time to become an alcoholic/addict and that is not easy to get out of!!! Please, test your kids. I certainly hope Kanawha county starts this soon!!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 28, 2008 at 10:26 PM
I hope this helps ...the amount of teens on drugs in Madison and Danville would shock you. Its not jus a certain group either its jocks popular kids band members doing pills and methadone and crystal meth parents please test your kids who cares if they get mad or feel untrusted make sure they are safe you are their parents not a friend...the two teenagers that died n my step sons class did not look or act like druggies and their parents were shocked they had no idea.

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