Pomona and Drugs: Are we too scared to say anything?

Most American teenagers have experimented with drugs. There have been studies made from the National Institute on Drug Abuse showing about 50% of teens will try drugs. It has continued through Pomona by teens using them almost everywhere they socialize; such as school, parties, or even in their own house. Some just try drugs to try a drug once, but many have "peer pressure" to continue the experiment to "join the party." Is peer pressure a true cause for teens trying to use drugs of is just a simply excuse? Drugs have became a typical life style for most teens either by using them or seeing others use it.

Drugs have rapidly spread throughout the whole world, if statistics are also true towards Pomona, then 50% of teens will try drugs. It has been seen that teens used drugs everywhere in school, parites, and streets, anywhere basically. Signs have been shown that teens who do use drugs have some problems, some even relating to the loss of interest in education or has just become complete addicts. Teens growing up with drugs soon become complete addicts. Teens growing up with drugs soon become adults who have continued to have a problem. Drugs, in many cases, are the causes of being homeless. Most beggars by the streets are usually begging for money. This money is for drugs rather than food, clothing, or shelter. Drugs have created problems in the Pomona community.

There was an incident with a fellow friend who had to experience a shocking truth in our scoiety. She and a couple of friends were going towards the 99¢ Store by Holt Ave. and was approached by a man. This man harassed them to give them money or so what they call "spare change." A police officer nearby noticed this incident and approached the teens and my friend stated what had happened. The officer replied not to worry and approached the man. Later my friend stated she was too afraid to leave the store since the guy was mad from the "insult," but why should he be offended. My fellow friend stated "He was looking at us evil and was mad dogging us and I was too afraid to go outside and leave the store." These teens knew what the man was going to spend the money on since they were in the area where drugs are constantly sold. There has been many problems in Pomona due to drugs, such as drug dealers down a street and near a store some beggar asking for money to buy from the drug dealers.

There should be more control over drugs. Although it would be impossible to stop it completely, but where does the problem usually start? This is the first thing to do to stop the issue of drug deals. Should the city of Pomona focus on this topic of drugs? Of course it should since it is allowing some people to be scared of their own surroundings. Since they are not able to go to stores or any other place without feeling harassed. Many homeless in Pomona you see down the street of Holt Ave. are usually addicted to drugs and should be helped. Drugs are well known in this society, even targeting children. There should be a solution.

Nohemi De Los Santos