Politics & Government

Student Substance Abuse Concerns Focus of Town Hall Meeting

Ela Coalition Against Youth Substance Abuse reveals survey results.

Results of the Ela Coalition Against Youth Substance Abuse recent survey was the focus of its Town Hall meeting on Wednesday night. More than 75 people attended the meeting, held at the Ela Area Public Library.

The meeting was organized to bring to light Lake Zurich middle and high school students substance abuse issues.

The coalition is appealing to the community at large for their thoughts and ideas on how to address substance abuse among young people.

Find out what's happening in Lake Zurichwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“It’s a community problem that needs community solutions,” said Liz Nelson, community health specialist at the Lake County Health Department.

Out of the 3,613 students attending both Lake Zurich middle schools and the high school, 1,420 students in grades six, eight, 10 and 12 took the Illinois Youth Survey in early 2010.

Find out what's happening in Lake Zurichwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The survey aims at understanding students’ perceptions about gateway drugs such as cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana and inhalants, as well as reported use of the substances.  

“As we might expect, use increased as children got older, alcohol use increased significantly as students moved up in grade levels,” said Susan Kostner, Ela Township social worker, who lead the event.

Survey questions asked if students had consumed alcohol or marijuana in the last month, and if they had been drunk or high at school over the last year.

Two-percent of eighth graders, 12 percent of tenth graders and 17 percent of high school seniors stated they had been under the influence of either alcohol or marijuana while attending school, according to survey results.

More than half of the twelfth graders who took the survey reported they had at least one alcoholic drink in the month prior, and more than a third of tenth graders reported the same.

Ten percent of eighth grade students and 5 percent of sixth graders also said they had consumed alcohol in the 30 days before taking the survey.

Those results came as somewhat of a shock to a number of parents who attended the meeting.

“I am surprised with some of the statistics I’ve learned about tonight; I have safety talks with my son, but after being here I realize I have to rethink my conversations with him,” said Mike Tursi, Lake Zurich resident and father of a sixth grade student.

Police Chief Patrick Finlon also attended the meeting and stated juvenile drug related offenses were on the decline in 2010, but it is unclear if those numbers are due to circumstances such as the economy.

“In 2010, we saw a reduction; one year is not a trend, but it is a positive step,” said Finlon.  

The Lake Zurich police department’s resource officer, which is based at the high school, cited nine students in 2010 for using alcohol, marijuana or prescription drugs. One student was reported for possession of drug paraphernalia.

“We are not unlike any other suburban community, but the key is if we want to address youth substance abuse, no one person can do it, it has to be a community effort,” said Michael Egan, District 95 superintendent.

Parents with students attending District 95 schools also were surveyed about perceptions of their child’s use, or lack thereof, of substances.  

Survey results of parents and students were within percentage points of one another about the use of alcohol and marijuana.  

“That is a good thing, because if parents and kids are on the same page, they can start the conversation,” said Nelson.

Other parents who attended the meeting expressed concerns and a desire for answers on how to address issues stemming from youth substance abuse.

“That this isn’t a packed house here tonight is part of the problem; how do we educate our kids, what do we do if we hear from our children that there are other students who are abusing substances?” Lisa Warren asked. 

Warren is the PTO president of Middle School South and a parent to three children attending District 95 schools.

“Parents need to be part of the solution,” Warren added.

“I am encouraged, but we have a lot of work to do to deal with what could be a crisis if something isn’t done,” said Tony Pietro, Deer Park resident and father to three children attending District 95 schools.

“I believe more strongly in drug testing in the schools, and to provide education for students,” added Pietro, who is also a District 95 school board member.

At the end of the meeting, those in attendance were asked to break off into small groups and write down thoughts, concerns and any ideas they had that would help to address youth substance abuse.  

“What are the priorities, where are the major gaps; we want feedback from you,” said Nelson.

The results were then discussed at the meeting, and Kostner said they will be incorporated into the next planning phase for the coalition.

That will include refining the mission and vision at their next meeting and then moving to strategic planning and choosing prevention strategies.

“This meeting gives us the opportunity to get all the resources together; as they say, it does take a village, and we need to focus on the issues to make headway regarding youth substance abuse,” said Egan.

The Ela Coalition Against Youth Substance Abuse includes Ela Township, the Lake Zurich Police Department, Parent/PTO youth organizations, the faith community and individuals and organizations who provide counseling and treatment for substance abuse.

The next meeting will be held from 10 a.m.,-11 a.m.,  Monday, March 21, at Ela Town Hall on the lower level.

If you would like to get involved, call Ela Township for more information at 847-438-7823.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Lake Zurich