http://www.tampabays10.com/news/local/a ... ryid=41299Scientology takes on "Kiddie Cocaine"
By: Dave Bohman
Clearwater, Florida ? Pat Harney is the spokeswoman for the Church of Scientology's World Spiritual Headquarters in Clearwater.
She is showing off a packet of pamphlets that draw all eyes to drugs that are known for their abuse on the streets, like Crystal Meth, LSD, cocaine, and marijuana.
Pat Harney, Church of Scientology Spokeswoman:
?45-percent of kids take marijuana in a one-month period.?
But the blitz also includes a warning against a drug prescribed to children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, as Harney holds up a red pamphlet.
Pat Harney, Church of Scientology Spokeswoman:
?This is kiddie cocaine, which is the street name for Ritalin.?
Scientology members and supporters believe Ritalin is over-prescribed, to where pills leave the medicine cabinet and end up at teen parties, where the side effects of the drug can come into play.
Pat Harney, Church of Scientology Spokeswoman:
?Visual hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, aggressive and violent behavior. These are serious consequences. And what we're saying is, you have to know this parents?.and kids.?
A decade ago this effort might have met with widespread criticism because the Church of Scientology is spearheading it.
We asked grandparents, and parents, if it mattered that Scientology is driving the effort.
Tina Dyer, Concerned parent:
?As long as it's accurate information, I think it's fantastic. And I wish more churches would do that.?
Sharon Corely, Concerned grandparent:
?I know they're very strong against drugs, that's probably a good thing. As far as their religious aspects, I'll stay out of that.?
Pat Harney, Church of Scientology Spokeswoman:
?But, If you had a fire, and the fireman was a Scientologist, a Catholic, a Jewish person or a Muslim, would you care if he came in to put out the fire.?
In a video, supplied to us by the Church, you can see Scientologists handing out pamphlets on Clearwater Beach, and at the University of South Florida.
Scientology is also providing anti-drug speakers to an inner-city Christian Churches in Tampa.
Pat Harney, Church of Scientology Spokeswoman:
?The important thing is that we get the message out.?
Scientology hopes groups from social clubs to neighborhood watches will help distribute the anti-drug pamphlets.
They say it's not a recruiting tool, but a means to a more drug-free society.