Youth hear the truth about drugs

“Young people should know about the dangers of drug and substance abuse at earlier ages due to the increased amount of drugs on Long Island,” said Nassau County Police Activity League [NCPAL] Commanding Officer Sergeant Doug Kenah. In response to that need youth at the P.A.L. summer basketball camp attended a series of programs on the dangers of drugs.

Steven Dodge, a recovering drug addict from Oceanside, related the emotional story of his journey battling drug and alcohol addiction at an early age and eventual sobriety. He then held a question and answer session about his efforts to stay away from drugs and alcohol. Dodge, founder of the nonprofit S.L.A.T.E. [Saving Lives from Addiction through Treatment and Education] project spoke with four different groups of about 70 campers each. 

“I’m another young person who has been exactly where they are at this point in their lives. The biggest thing is identification, they can see themselves in me,” the 25-year old Dodge said. “This form of prevention and early intervention is key to preventing the early onset of substance abuse.”

Campers saw a power point presentation, and took part in a discussion with Detective Pamela Stark about the warning signs and effects of long term substance abuse.