As a faith and educational leader, you are well aware of the many challenges that youth face growing up in America today. Illicit drug use, including underage use of alcohol and tobacco products, continues at high levels among teenagers, and in some communities the illegal drugs have drawn youth into a deadly world of addiction and crime. Drug use affects everyone - communities, families and individuals - and instilling strong values, rooted for many in religious faith, is an effective protective factor for preventing many high risk behaviors.

Despite the problems that drugs present, your leadership provides a source of hope for the many individuals, families and communities affected by drug use and other related health and social issues. Research shows that youth who participate in a religious community are less likely to use drugs. In a 1999 Gallup Poll, more than half of teens said that religion helps them deal with problems related to drugs and alcohol.

In many ways, your existing youth programs - retreats, summer programs and other supervised activities - are effective forms of substance abuse prevention. Youth turn to their faith communities to seek spiritual guidance about issues such as peer pressure, relationships and drugs. Likewise, parents and other adult caregivers turn to faith communities for help in communicating their values and keeping young people safe. As faith leaders, you can ensure that youth and adults have the facts, and moral and spiritual values to resist drugs.

Traditionally and collectively, the faith community has been on the forefront of responding to the immediate social service needs of individuals and communities. You provide food and clothing for the needy. You shelter the homeless. You offer drug treatment, referral services and support groups for members struggling to keep the faith. When it comes to preventing substance use, you can also play an important role.

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