APCOM

The brand new anti-drug kit is now available for free in every pharmacy in Milano. Sponsored by the city Council, this kit allows parents to detect their children's drug misuse. This initiative is part of an information and prevention campaign adopted by Health and Social Policies Councillors. Milano's Municipality sent 5.000 anti-drug tests to pharmacies, paying it 16.000 euros.

"Our goal - said Health Councillor Giampaolo Landi - is to help parents communicate with teenagers". "I don't want parents to became policemen, but I'd like them to keep on talking about drugs inside the family". Landy also said that "in Milan drug consumption between teenagers is very high. It seems to be a fashionable thing among young people. They use it to be popular, to became part of a group". But the central government is not happy about this new Milanese initiative. "I don't think this is an useful things for our families", said Paolo Ferrero, Social Solidarity Minister. "The most important thing to do is understanding the reasons why young people use drugs", commented Ferrero. "We need to break the link between drugs and the idea of coolness standing behind it".

Massimo Barra, president of Italian Red Cross and founder of rehabilitation community of Vulla Maraini is however sceptical. Expert about fighting against drug addictions, he thinks that the kit "is only for wise parents, but we all know that the world is full of paranoiac ones". "Parents are supposed to be able understanding if their son is drug addicted - said Barra - without using instruments such as this kit".

Giampaolo Landi, answering all critics, said, "certainly the kit is not a unique solution to fight drug consumption among young people, but it is an important deterrent. It also can stimulate dialogue and I hope that boys and girls in Milano will go and take it in pharmacies".