wfn.org | United Methodists identify solutions to substance abuse

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

June 14, 2001  News media contact: Linda Bloom·(212) 870-3803·New York
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By United Methodist News Service*

Better outreach to youth, increased prevention education and more treatment
centers are among the possible solutions to alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse
mentioned during an international gathering of United Methodists.

The consultation in Evenes, Norway, sponsored by the United Methodist
Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence, drew about 150
participants representing 26 countries in Africa and Europe. The youth and
adults at the May 28-June 4 event were chosen by their bishops because of an
interest or involvement in reducing substance abuse and addiction.

While acknowledging the problems of drug abuse, the participants focused
more on the damage caused by alcohol and tobacco.

For example, a pastor and social worker from Sweden reported that the
country of 9 million has about 27,000 drug addicts, but more than 800,000
with serious alcohol problems.

In his opening sermon, United Methodist Bishop Oystein Olsen of the Northern
Europe Area recalled how alcoholism and drug addiction led to divorce and
death in his own family and his wife's family. He credited a strong
relationship with Jesus Christ, caring mentors and church involvement with
saving him and others from that fate.

Delegates from Liberia and Sierra Leone said rebel soldiers used drugs to
entice abducted youth to fight in civil conflicts. A Russian delegate
reported that young Russian soldiers have been lured into drug and alcohol
abuse during years of war with Afghanistan and Chechnya.

Conference participants came away with possible solutions for use in their
countries. Those included:
·	Improving laws that curtail harmful advertising of alcohol and
increasing prevention education on substance abuse, including the use of
public service ads and special events to promote abstinence.
·	Establishing better youth outreach and working closely with youth
leaders inside and outside schools who can encourage abstinence and address
teen concerns.
·	Adding more treatment centers and involving more churches in
recovery programs and prison ministries.
·	Developing alternatives for those who depend economically on the
sale of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs.

More information on the Special Program on Substance Abuse and Violence is
available by sending an e-mail to mhdavis@gbgm-umc.org or calling Melissa
Davis at (202) 548-2712.

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*John Coleman, a communications consultant with the United Methodist Board
of Global Ministries, provided information for this story.

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United Methodist News Service
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