Drug and Alcohol Night

Sponsored by the Walter Johnson PTSA

Thursday January 31, 2013

7:00 p.m.

Cafeteria

"Most disconcerting was the disconnect between what parents think their kids are doing and what kids say they are doing.”    Gabriele McCormick, author of Bethesda magazine's recent article on underage drinking.

The Health and Safety Committee of Walter Johnson High School is organizing an informative evening for parents and students to learn more about the risks involved with the use of drugs and alcohol, which remain at alarming levels among teens.  This year, we are pleased to present three brand new speakers.

More than 4 in 10 people who begin drinking before age 15 eventually become alcoholics.

Teenagers are using marijuana at alarming rates and perceive smoking marijuana as less dangerous. Data released in December reveals that 17 percent of 10th graders used marijuana in the past month use and 28 percent used it in the past year. 

Teens perception of marijuana's harmfulness is down, which can signal future increases in use. Only 20.6 percent of 12th graders see occasional use as harmful (the lowest since 1983), and 44.1 percent see regular use as harmful, the lowest since 1979.

           Come to this event to learn about drug and alcohol use in our community, including the problem of parents hosting parties where alcohol use by teens is permitted.  Find out what you can do about teen drinking, the legalities involved in a citation or arrest and ways parents can deal with this ever growing problem.  Our great speakers include:

Gabriele McCormick: Author of Bethesda Magazine’s “Wasted Youth”, (September/October 2012).   Click here to read the article  http://www.bethesdamagazine.com/Bethesda-Magazine/September-October-2012/Wasted-Youth/.  Copies also will be available at the event.

Dr. Larissa May: Dr. May will focus on teen alcohol use and binge drinking, which she finds to be major issues.  She will discuss drugs that are making a comeback, such as marijuana, LSD and spice.  Dr. May will also point out some warning signs of possible drug and alcohol abuse.  Dr. May is a board certified emergency physician and Associate Director of clinical research in emergency medicine at the George Washington University.  Dr. May practices emergency medicine at GW and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda.  

Marc Emden: Mr. Emden, PA is a local attorney who specializes in criminal, personal injury, traffic and identity theft law. Mr. Emden will go over the legal consequences related to underage drinking.  Also to be discussed are the many legal problems that can arise when parents allow parties in their homes.

For any questions, please contact healthandsafety@walterjohnson.org