South End of Boston Joins U.N. Fight Against Drug Abuse

BOSTON -- Businesses throughout the Washington Street area of Boston's historic South End, put up fliers in their windows to support the United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse ands Illicit Trafficking that is held June 26th each year.

"The support and interest from this great community neighborhood was wonderful," said Jessica Riendeau of the Boston Church of Scientology whose Volunteer Ministry put the fliers together.

The flier states that, "Just saying “no” to drugs does little more than just raise a child’s curiosity and interest in drugs which has been a major problem with some anti-drug programs. It also recommends visiting www.drugfreeworld.org for more complete information.

"One drug that is falsely promoted as safe is marijuana, said Riendeau. "Users and dealers would have you and your children believe that you are merely inhaling a mild herb but that is the furthest thing from the truth. This allegedly safe drug contains over 400 known toxins and cancer-causing chemicals, disrupts nerve cells in the brain harming one’s memory, damages the immune system and stores in fat cells as well as body organs such as the sex glands, liver and brain."

Along with a booklet on marijuana entitled, “The Truth About Joints,” the Church has made available booklets on LSD, ecstasy, crystal meth, crack, heroin, cocaine, painkillers and “kiddie cocaine” (Attention Deficit Disorder stimulants). The information is free online or available at the Church's Volunteer Ministry that is located at 1783 Washington St.

"I am very happy with the response of neighboring small businesses that are working hard to protect children and further improve this great neighborhood," said Riedeau.

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