Teens take substance abuse message to school classes

COURTESY OF THE FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT Peer leaders at the Barkalow Middle School, Freehold Township, and a similar group at the township's Eisenhower Middle School, work with their fellow pupils and help them to make smart decisions about avoiding substance abuse. FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - At the Barkalow and Eisenhower middle schools in Freehold Township, eighth-graders are setting positive examples for their younger schoolmates.

These specially chosen teens are group leaders in Peer-to-Peer, a program of the Freehold Community Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.

Eva Carella, alliance coordinator of the statewide program, said the program is an important part of the alliance's efforts to prevent an ever-increasing problem among children and teenagers.

"It's a lot of commitment, a lot of hard work, and they (group leaders) do a lot of great stuff," Carella said.

The peer leaders meet weekly with teachers and come up with a program as part of their outreach to lower grades. The 22 peer leaders from Barkalow and the 14 peer leaders from Eisenhower have all been through a selection process in which teachers read applications and interview each applicant.

According to Carella, many students apply to become group leaders.

"It's very popular," she said.

Carella assists the group leaders with technical help, information and she also provides grant money to help pay for supplies and materials.

The peer leaders go into classrooms on a regular basis and spread their message through special presentations and skits. They also make presentations to faculty members and Board of Education members.

"It's basically prevention education," Carella said. "The kids think it's pretty cool and they look up to (the peer leaders). We just know that prevention works, even if you just reach one student."

According to Carella, the average age in New Jersey that children begin using tobacco is 9, with alcohol consumption beginning at 11. In addition to tobacco and alcohol abuse, there is also the increasing threat of inhalants, when children inhale substances that produce drug-like induced effects. The average age children begin inhaling is about 12 to 13 years old.

Carella said alcohol abuse in the most prevalent form of substance abuse among youngsters because of its accessibility and relatively cheap cost.

"Alcohol and tobacco are considered gateway drugs to marijuana," Carella said.

At the conclusion of the school year, the peer-to-peer leaders are rewarded for their hard work with certificates of recognition and an end-of-year celebration.

The Freehold Community Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, 30 Jackson Mills Road, may be reached at (732) 409-6260.