According to a recently released survey, 22 percent of Decatur High’s sophomore class and 42 percent of its seniors reported having consumed alcohol in the 30 days prior. Further, 15 percent of sophomores and 23 percent of seniors reported binge drinking in the previous 30 days.
First-year Decatur High Principal Noel Maloof said awareness of and tackling teenaged drug and alcohol addiction is a critical part of his job. “It’s not just a problem at this school,” he said, “it’s a nationwide problem. What I think is different from even a few years ago is the advent of cell phones. It’s easier for kids to get access to drugs and alcohol.”
Maloof said he plans to consistently offer programs like last Thursday’s forum at the school conducted by the Decatur Prevention Initiative.
“We’re now seeing much less tolerance [for abuse],” he added. “If you’re under aged and you get in a car even after one drink, you will get a DUI.”
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