State’s attorney announces program which addresses underage drinking

Union County State's Attorney Tyler R. Edmonds is participating in a new program which is designed to reduce underage drinking.

Beginning immediately, the state's attorney's office will require everyone who is cited for underage drinking to attend an Alcohol, Drugs and Me, ADAM, course.

The course is offered through the Assessment and Evaluation Services Department of the First Judicial Circuit in Southern Illinois.

The ADAM course provides education and information about topics such as alcoholism, peer pressure, the legal and social ramifications of substance abuse, and myths and facts regarding alcohol and drug use.

"The ADAM course will provide first-time offenders with the information to make positive choices and avoid substance abuse problems that can often begin early in life," Edmonds said.

"ADAM has been very successful in other Southern Illinois counties and I am excited that we can implement the program here in Union County," the state's attorney said.

The course will be offered on a regular basis at the Union County Courthouse in Jonesboro.

Edmonds said the course is being offered at no additional cost to taxpayers.