Pubdate: Fri, 03 Jan 2003 Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON) Copyright: 2003 The Ottawa Citizen Contact: http://www.canada.com/ottawa/ottawacitizen/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326 Author: Abdirazak Abdi Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n2271/a12.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) WE NEED NEW TACTICS TO FIGHT YOUTH DRUG USE Re: Young drug abusers need treatment, not threats, Dec. 13. I agree somewhat with the letter by Harvey Davey, but there are several aspects of drug use by youth that must be addressed from a teenager's point of view. If a parent simply tells a child that drugs are bad, the conversation will go in one ear of the child and out the other. The constant nagging and repetitive conversations do no good, and in fact will thrust children into the culture of drug use. Nor does it help that celebrities and athletes whom we idolize are seen on television or in newspapers in handcuffs due to drug allegations. It only makes it seem more acceptable in society and less shameful. In every term in office, some government official promises a decline in drug use or a war on drugs. What governments have yet to figure out is that the situation is more critical than first observed. Forget students doing illegal drugs by Grade 12: Now it is rare to find a student in Grade 10 who has not done drugs. If you go to any party involving more than 20 teenagers, you are sure to find drugs or under-age drinking. The fear of being caught barely exists anymore as police are seen to be weak. Now we have two-bit drug dealers roaming our streets trying to victimize youths. So, what is left for us as a society to do? As a teenager, I am stumped. It appears everything that could be done to stop the increase in drug use without violating our civil liberties has been attempted. It is now up to us as a country to unite to fight our biggest war in history. Abdirazak Abdi, 17, Ottawa - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake