Drugs and alcohol are recurring themes in the daily operations of the courts in Butler County. In the seven district judges' courtrooms, cases are heard daily which either are the direct result of someone's use of drugs or alcohol or the indirect result of someone's bad judgment where drugs and alcohol are

concerned.

In the courthouse, in juvenile court, in domestic relations, in family court and civil court, there are many examples of the pain and tragedy these substances cause for countless parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors. Such cases show the need to have a Drug Task

Force and programs to fight alcohol abuse. Here is what these groups do:

Detective Patrick Cannon coordinates the Butler County District Attorney's Drug Task Force. Officers from all departments participate in the task force and are working to eliminate drugs and drug dealers from our community.Joint investigations with the state Attorney General's office and the state police Troop D vice unit are ongoing.The task force maintains a confidential drug tip line at 866-363-3784 for anyone to call and anonymously leave information for investigators to pursue.So far this year, the task force has made 90 arrests.The Drug Task Force has been in its current form since June 2006. It is made up of two teams, one in the northern area of the county and one in the southern area. It is made up of officers from most of the municipalities in the county. The majority of the task force's arrests have been felonies.In 2003, there were 72 arrests; in 2004, 111 arrests; in 2005, 97 arrests; 2006, 97 arrests; 2007, 111 arrests.; and in 2008, 135 arrests.The No, 1 drug of choice in the county after alcohol is heroin. Cocaine and crack cocaine run a close second.The task force continues to battle those and other drugs in the county.

The Grace Youth and Family Foundation's Underage Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Program provides county youths and young adults with 12 hours of instruction about underage consumption of alcohol and drug use.Nearly all participants are referred to the program by district judges, a county judge and the Department of Community Corrections for juveniles and adults. Other referrals come from public and private school districts. However, anyone under the age of 21 can enroll.Each program consists of a three-hour class one night a week for four consecutive weeks.In the first week, students take a pretest and learn the laws and consequences of underage drinking and drug use. The next two weeks, they learn about alcohol and other drugs and abuse and addiction. In the fourth week, students take a post-test and learn about goals and decision making.In Butler, classes are from 5:30 to 8:30p.m. Wednesdays at the Net Outreach, 100Center Ave. In Slippery Rock, classes are from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the district judge court, 520 Kelly Blvd.About 400 people completed the program in 2008.Additional drug and alcohol education is available through the Adolescent Intervention,Education and Support program.It provides a two-hour program of education and prevention support including but not limited to social activities and fellowship. The program, which is open to nineth through 12th grade high school age youth, includes a structured program with continuously monitored attendance.Youth may be referred by calling 724- 282-0507.