A�study conducted by the National Institutes of Health found that 79 percent of the currency tested bore minute traces of cocaine.

This does not imply that the majority of our currency has been directly handled by drug dealers or users, however. Cocaine is a very fine powder that is easily transferred from one bill to another, and can spread through ATMs and money-counting machines.

It does, however give us pause for thought on just how much cocaine is in this country? Drug trafficking is a huge industry that has only shown signs of growth in the past several years despite many awareness programs and education efforts.

We�are naive if we believe this epidemic has passed us by. We need to protect and educate ourselves and our families even more,�as the drug culture has spread into our high and middle schools. What do your kids know about drugs and alcohol? Better yet, what do you know?

Ignorance is never an excuse. Take the time to educate yourself! If you are a CR leader, have you approached your ministry or youth leaders regarding lessons or classes you can teach. The scripture tells us to be prepared "in season and out". The drug season is upon us and is not going anywhere for the foreseeable future.

Someone wants to teach your kids... make sure it's you!

If you find yourself on your hands and knees putting sheetrock in a pipe and smoking it � you might be an addict.

If you find that you have problems finishing what you start � you might be an addict.

If you find yourself broke the day after payday � you might be an addict.

If you find yourself walking home barefoot but you still feel you got a good deal � you might be an addict.

If you can remember entering the bar but not leaving � you might be an addict.

It's difficult to know if the changes you're seeing in your�child are related to drug use or depression, or are part of the identification crisis that's typical of many adolescents.

You probably fear that if you confront�them with your concerns, they'll bolt out of the house and run away, and cut all ties to home. If you say nothing, taking on the "don't ask, don't tell" approach, you take the�chance that they'll slip further from the goals and dreams you hold for them and the ones you thought they held for themselves. By being patient and allowing them to move thorough this period, they could snap out of it. Do you want to leave it to chance?

Here are 10 things you can do to increase the chances of raising a teenager who just says "no".
By Laura Broadwell

1. Be a good role model. Your child sees your own habits and attitudes about tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. These make make a big impression on your child. Do not take the mindset of "Do as I say - not as I do"

2. Be prepared to discuss sensitive subjects. There is all kinds of information being passed around in your childs world. Some o=is good, but much of it is misleading. Your children need to know that you are there for them and they can rely on you for accurate information.

3. Practice the art of listening. If our children do not feel that they are listened to, they are less likely to come to talk the next time. Their friends at school will listen to them. How much more should we as parents? Make sure your child feels comfortable bringing problems or questions to you.

I am an addict that has been in recovery for almost two years. Recently I invited a friend and his wife over for dinner with my girlfriend and I. In the course of inviting them, they suggested that they bring drinks. When they arrived at the house, the drinks they had brought was a six pack of beer. Thankfully I had soda on hand that I could drink. After the couple left, I notced there was still a beer left in the refrigerator. I quickly threw it out in the trash. I don't feel that this was handled�with the greatest of wisdom. What could I have done differently?

I am studying the Bible with someone who is heavily involved with AA and NA. They feel that they are clean and sober yet they smoke on a daily basis. Should I have them come to CR and what is the best approach here?

I am in the CR ministry and have an alcoholic background. I just graduated from the CR program after about a year of going to it every Saturday morning. I also went through treatment in an inpatient program for two years. This is where I was taught the Big Book of AA and the 12 steps. I believe these steps are essential to a contented sobriety. I also think that it works to bring athiests and agnostics closer to God and a spiritual plan of action. My question is how does the CR ministry view AA and its freedom relating to spiritual practices? How do I convey my convictions about Christ in an appropriate way without sounding like dogma? Also what should I do next since I graduated from CR - sponsor another disciple?

I am a recovering addict who likes to eat out on occasion. Sometimes the dishes I�would like to order�contain�alcohol. Since these dishes tend to be cooked, the alcohol is no longer there. Should I be concerned about eating this or serving it to someone else with a recovery background?

I am interested in starting a Chemical Recovery group in my sector. I have been through a few recovery programs before I became a disciple and was always impressed by the structure in these programs. I understand that CR must also have a structure, but I am at a loss to know what rules can be enforced at the group. How can I tell if a person is really working the program or is just a tourist?

I became a disciple a few years ago. I like to have a drink but I do not feel that I have a problem. I want to make sure that I am being my best for God and if CR can help me then I want the help. How would I know if I needed to attend a group for myself?