Drinking, drugs and teenagers

Press, 4 March 1978, Page 13

Drinking, drugs and teenagers

South Pacific Television has a topical American documentary screening tonight entitled “Teenage Turn-on: Drinking and Drugs.”

An hour-long exam” ination of the widespread problem of teenagers who are addicted to alcohol and othe. drugs, the documentary captures the intense anguish of young people trying to overcome their addictions at an adolescent drug treatment centre, and later at a halfway house.

“During one sequence, I had to leave the room, I was getting so emotionally involved,” relates Tom Bywaters, the producer. “It was extraordinary; they were so open arid trusting in allowing us into their lives.” “A.8.C., We Love You” was emblazoned on top of a large cake which the teenagers put together from scratch — “And I had to blow out the candles, and I was deeply touched,” Bywaters said. “They had paid for it

with money from their very small allowances, and gave moments from their limited free time. “The day we left the halfway house, New Connections in St Paul, everyone gave a card to every member of the crew, each with a personal inscription such as ‘You’re a great guy.’ or ‘We hope to see you soon’.” “ ‘Teenage Tur mon: Drinking and Drugs’ is told through an emotional experience that the viewer develops with the kids, rather than having some

expert — although we’ve talked to a lot of experts — sitting up their telling you the facts,” Bywaters explained. “One comes away with more caring and concern, more so than with a strictly didactic or intellectual approach. “These kids are not a bunch of little winos or public drunks that pop out of a mould for stereotypes. They’re very beautiful children who happen to be addicted to alcohol and other drugs.”