Welcome to the first edition of Take 5, Interviews with Local Leaders - 5 questions with 5 answers.
The Deer Creek School Community does not have a local town government but we do have county, state and local entities that effect us. The following series of interviews are with people who touch our community.

Pat Nichols, of Nichols Travel is the past executive director of Parents Helping Parents which is a support group for parents with children that have drug and alcohol problems.

1. With graduation and proms just around the corner what should parents be thinking about in regards to Drugs and Alcohol?
   Regardless of where they celebrate graduation there will be alcohol and other drugs available. This is a time when parents must make clear what their expectations are of their child. It's important to establish your boundaries before there is an issue.
    
2. Some Parents think that they should have parties at their house so they can monitor the kids while they drink. What would you say to the parents who do this?
   I would say that this sounds logical on the surface but research confirms it is a destructive decision. First, it is illegal to drink if you are under the age of twenty-one. To allow drinking by minors sends the message that's it's "OK" to break the law. This, in turn, creates a mind set that will follow the child throughout their lives and result in destructive decisions. Second, the parent's open themselves up for all sorts of legal liabilities. No parent can guarantee the welfare of any child under the influence of mind altering chemicals.
    
3. How does economic factors weigh in on whether or not kids are susceptible to drugs and alcohol?
   Research indicates that the more money an adolescent has the more likely they are to use alcohol and other drugs.
    
4. You played a role in getting Edmond’s Social Ordinance passed. What is it and what has been the effect of the ordinance so far?
   This ordinance increased the consequences for any adult who provides alcohol to a minor. The law was researched thoroughly and the evidence clearly indicated that our children would be safer with this ordinance in place. Other cities shown significant reductions in illegal behavior and physical injuries to the youth under the age of twenty-one.
    
5. If there was one thing you could tell every parent about drugs and alcohol what would it be?
   At the very first sign that your child may be using alcohol or other drugs take immediate and appropriate actions. I would consult with a licensed drug and alcohol counselor. The longer a parent waits the more damage is done and it becomes more and more difficult to alter the destructive behavior. A child can become addicted within six months of heavy abuse of alcohol or other drugs. Addiction is a primary disease, a brain disease.