"Most families in our community are in denial," said Linda Caroli, co-chair of CCSAP (Concerned Citizens for Substance Abuse Prevention) a local organization founded about 1-1/2 years ago by Linda Caroli and Lisa McLoughlin, co-chair. She referred to the fact that families do not want to face the reality that their children are, or might be, afflicted with substance abuse.

CCSAP was founded after a survey disclosed that the Locust Valley School District has a higher than national rate of substance abuse among its children. As a result of this sobering survey result, the current chairpersons, Linda Caroli and Lisa McLoughlin, contacted community and government representatives, members of the clergy, public and private school officials, youth organizations and concerned parents to meet on a regular basis. CCSAP works in cooperation with, but is not beholden to, the Locust Valley School District. A board of directors has been elected, by-laws have been approved, a bank account has been established and filing for 501c3 status has been done.

The most recent meetings took place on Oct. 20 at the Bayville Community Center. It was attended by social workers, representatives of youth organizations, LICADD (L.I. Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence Inc.), school representatives for the district and a few concerned parents.

A social worker disclosed that from 50 to 80 percent of children afflicted with ADD or ADHD (attention deficit disorders) turn to substance abuse. Low self-esteem makes them easy prey to peer pressure. Drugs make them "feel good." As a result, academic performance drops, leading to further frustration and serious behavior problems. A social worker, whose two children have ADHD, said that 90 percent of the kids who start with marijuana, which does relatively little damage, are being lured into trying cocaine, which affects the brain. She stressed the importance of early treatment of ADHD and ADD. "Medication is important, but some children don't take their medicine, with bad results," she said. She explained that parents play a crucial role. They have to work closely with teachers and guidance counselors. Schools can't handle the problem without parental cooperation.

Since substance abuse is so widespread, she said, there is no stigma attached to having to deal with this disease. "If a parent does not face the problem and denies its existence, the child is in serious danger," observed the social worker. "There is much denial in this community." Time and again one hears the comment: "but they are such a nice, happy family, how could this happen to their child?" Well, it does happen to all kinds of families, regardless of social standing, educational background, race or income, to well-adjusted and dysfunctional families. "No one is safe from this virus," she said.

The discussions at that meeting centered on how to attract and involve more parents in the battle against substance abuse. It was suggested that student representatives should become members of the committee, since they could offer fresh ideas. Mr. Vogenberger (director of Special Education for LV School District) explained that a three-year projection of activities for CCSAP, a mission statement and annual reports are a requirement for obtaining grants, such as a Smithers Foundation grant.

A large number of local and national organizations and treatment centers are ready to assist children and parents of children, with substance abuse problems. The best way for parents to start is by contacting Linda Caroli (tel. 628-2560) and to join CCSAP (membership fee $5). Early recognition and treatment of the problem is the surest road to success.

Both the Bayville and Locust Valley Middle Schools have a mentoring program under the auspices of LICADD. The school principal selects the children most in need of mentoring and, with their parents' permission, provides a mentor.

CCSAP is fighting an important battle for the children. They deserve far greater involvement by parents and community members than they are presently receiving.