Pubdate: Tue, 13 Jan 2004 Source: Penticton Western (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 Penticton Western Contact: http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1310 Author: Robin Thorneycroft DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAM MEETS NEED FOR INFORMATION Summerland parents have a new tool to help their children stay off drugs. A six-week workshop called How to Drug Proof your Kids, begins in February in conjunction with the Summerland Substance Abuse Task Force. "I deal with kids who are 20 years old and their livers are wrecked from alcohol abuse," said workshop facilitator Randy Wheeler. "I see the destruction drugs and alcohol can cause. I also see parents struggling to help their kids." While working at a Summerland drop-in centre for young people, he sees local substance abuse issues everyday - an issue that is often ignored. The program comes on the heels a community forum last year, where people spoke out on the need for Summerland to acknowledge and address drug use in the community, said Kristen Parker, program coordinator of the Summerland Boys and Girls Club. "We wanted to set up a program to address the needs of parents - to give them tools to talk to their kids," she said. The six-week workshop - beginning Feb. 5 - will provide information on the risks associated with drug use, including intervention and local support options. The program was created by Focus on the Family in Australia and to date, more than 20,000 people have gone through it, said Wheeler. "The topics are realistic," said Wheeler. "Like, if children are on drugs they likely won't kick the habit the first time - don't give up." Parents will leave with practical skills like knowing the signs and symptoms of drug abuse and ways to help children never get involved with substance abuse. For two hours every Thursday, the workshop will use small group work, discussions and presentations from the facilitators - Wheeler and John Rousso. "It's a chance for parents to connect and support each other," said Wheeler. The How to Drug Proof Your Kids six-week workshop will run Thursdays at the Summerland Boys and Girls Club from 7-9 p.m. The program costs $40 a person or $75 a couple including a work book. There may be sponsorship available for families who can afford the program, said Parker. Register by calling Kristen at (250) 404-0440 or Michelle at 494-2205. "Parents can make a significant difference," said Wheeler. "This is about more than drugs it is about developing good communication between parents and kids." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman