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This issue is certainly not a new experience for Rhode Island. Many will remember the era of Nixon's War on Drugs and it's effects on many states, including ours. And although the rate of use of drugs like heroin and meth have lowered since then, new drugs and substances are on the rise.

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In all, this was a great experience. From my studies with NIDA, to shadowing Mr. Houghtaling, I have gotten great insight into this issue. Rhode Island could use more people like Mr. Houghtaling, but it doesn't take much to be like him, just a heart to care and hands to help.

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He told me that he was in Middle School when he was perscriped anti-depressants, and it didn't take long for his dosage to become addictive. By the time he was in High School he was drinking, and using multiple illicit drugs. It was with Bob's help that years later he's finally become clean, and taken control of his life again.

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On my second Friday at the Teen Center, Bob introduced me to a young man whom he encouraged me to interview. The man had dealt with drug addiction, and he told me his story. It was more than any organization online could give me statistics about. It was raw truth, and it gave me much insight on the issue.

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I had completed research in data and specifics related to this topic, but for my Volunteer work, I shadowed Bob in his routine at the Teen Center for two Friday nights. It was an interesting experience, that gave me insight on the issue, and even assisted a young man working on a similar project to mine who was there as well.

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Mr. Houghtaling has helped many, and is both respected and adored by many youth across the school system in EG. Many of the volunteers of his Teen Center were previous addicts and "bad" kids who he helped, and he is still helping more.

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Most importantly, Bob Houghtaling runs a Teen Center, and has been for over twenty years (I met a volunteer there who started going fifteen years ago, when HE was a kid), acting as a safe-space for kids in need of help, and a friendly community welcoming any youth of EG

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Bob Houghtaling is a true Renaissance Man, from acting as a social worker at the High School, to giving lectures about Peer Pressure and Social Issues at the elementary schools, even having close ties with the police force and government of the town of East Greenwich.

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In my work, I needed a partner. Someone or something to help me along the way and give me information in this subject. Which is where Bob Houghtaling came in.

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This is Donovan Driscoll, I've been spending the past few months researching the uprising issue of Teenage Drug Abuse in Rhode Island, and nationwide, and the message has been clear. Something needs to be done.

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We cannot stop teenagers from doing drugs. It will always happen. We cannot help teens who do not want to be helped. What we can do is inform teenagers of the effects, the consequences they will be dealing with, and make sure they are educated on the issue. (Just saying 'don't' doesn't help) as well as offer help to those who do want it, and give them the proper care they need

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The NIDA are an organization focused on informing individuals on addiction, it's causes, and it's effects. The Teen Center strives (under the leadership of Mr. Houghtaling to help teens dealing with these effects as well as offer a community to those in EG

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Consulting with Mr. Houghtaling on the subject, an interview with an individual who dealt with addiction branched from perscription drugs, assisting a young adult with his own project by interviewing EGHS students on what needs to change at that school

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Research through the NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) website, as well as their sites made specifically for teens on the many surveys done related to the collection of drugs by teenagers, the use of drugs by teenagers, how teens get addicted, and what the consequences of addiction are

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Meeting with Robert at East Greenwich High School, and two nights helping him at his Teen Center program at Eldredge Elementary School

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Bob Houghtaling, director of the East Greenwich Drug Program