Pubdate: Wed, 05 May 2004 Source: Taber Times, The (CN AB) Copyright: 2004 The Taber Times Contact: http://www.mysouthernalberta.com/ttimes/home/index.php Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2262 DRUG USE A COMMUNITY PROBLEM Last Tuesday's drug presentation at St. Mary's school may have been alarming to some Taberites in attendance. But for the approximately 150 people in attendance, it was information they needed to hear. Taber has a drug problem plain and simple. Many other communities are dealing with the same issues, and to put our collective heads in the sand and think there is not a problem here serves no useful purpose. The fact only 150 Taberites attended, compared to only 30 who took in the police department's last drug presentation, shows there is a growing commitment among locals to learn more about the problem and face it head on. It also shows there is a growing concern about drugs in our community. The turnout to last week's presentation should be seen as a positive, but it is how the community handles the issue from here which will be key. Drugs ruin individual lives, create stress within families, schools, peer groups and ultimately, the community as a whole. It is not right to assume drugs will only create problems only for the demographic involved in drug use and trafficking. Drugs are a systematic cause of social ills, health problems and an increase in crime rates, particularly when you are talking about drugs such as cocaine. As usual, prevention is the best medicine. Making sure you child, your student or player on your team make the right choices is the responsibility of everyone in the community. Taberites need to be vigilant in fighting the battle against drug use in town. It's certainty a battle worth fighting. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin