Pubdate: Sat, 06 Aug 2005 Source: Nanaimo News Bulletin (CN BC) Copyright: 2005, BC Newspaper Group Contact: http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/948 Author: Beth Blackburn, RCMP Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) DRUGS, BOOZE A FACTOR IN RISKY BEHAVIOURS This week I thought I would answer some of those questions that readers frequently ask. Are alcohol and marijuana "gateway drugs"? The term "gateway" drug is a term coined by the media that has different meanings to different people and how they choose to interpret it. I don't like the term gateway because then it leads people to believe that everyone that uses alcohol or marijuana will then use or abuse other drugs such as cocaine, meth or heroin. In fact, we know that this is not true in every person. What we do know is that the earlier in life that a person makes the choice to engage in risky behavior and unhealthy choices the greater the chances are that they will become a user or abuser of substances. This is why prevention is so important and that we need to educate our children at a young age. If we can prolong the age of first alcohol or drugs use among youth then the chances of them misusing or abusing a substance greatly decreases. When a person is under the influence of an intoxicating substance we also know from research and experience that they engage in activities that they would not normally engage in. Also their judgment is clouded and they make decisions and choices that they would not normally make. As a police officer entering my 20th year of policing, I have heard clients make this statement over and over again: "I would not have done this or made that choice if I had not been intoxicated, impaired or drunk." Alcohol and drugs aren't necessarily gateway to other substance use but they are proven to be a contributing factor in risky behavior and unhealthy choices. What drug is the most widely abused drug in Nanaimo among youth? The answer to this question surprises most people when I respond to this question. Alcohol is the drug that is the most widely abused substance. Youth are exposed to alcohol at a very early age and when they see adults abusing or misusing this substance they feel that once they reach the age of 19, then it is a free-for-all to get drunk. Educating not only youth about the dangers of alcohol misuse is important but parents also need to remember that they are role models for their children and their behaviour is closely monitored by their children. Alcohol impairment is the leading factor for hospital emergency room visits among youth who have overdosed. In drug facilitated sexual assault, unwanted sexual activity and unprotected sex amongst teens - again alcohol tops the list of the substance most likely to have been abused. Feedback on the information in this column is important and if you have a question that I have not answered, please give me a call and I'll do my best to answer them. I continually receive feedback from Nanaimo residents on my column and I just want to say that I appreciate the positive feedback and support I receive on a daily basis. Together we can make a difference. - ----------- Const. Beth Blackburn is the drug awareness coordinator for central Vancouver Island. She can be reached at 755-3226 or by e-mail at --- MAP posted-by: Beth