Pubdate: Thu, 27 Jan 2005 Source: Lethbridge Herald (CN AB) Copyright: 2005 The Lethbridge Herald Contact: http://www.mysouthernalberta.com/leth/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/239 Author: Stacy O'Brien PARENTS TOLD TO LOOK FOR SIGNS OF DRUG USE Ice, speed, crank and crystal are just a few of the names given to methamphetamine, a drug that has swept through certain parts of B.C. and northern Alberta. The powdery white stimulant is highly addictive. It was just one of the drugs Const. Mark Waage talked about during a meeting at Catholic Central high school Wednesday night for parents to learn about drugs. "It's not a school problem. It's a community problem," said Waage, who has been a resource officer in schools for the past five years. Waage said crystal meth, marijuana and ecstasy are among the drugs officers have found in Lethbridge. The meeting drew about 30 parents and some off-duty Lethbridge police resource officers. Chris Windle, with AADAC who also spoke to parents, said the majority of youth today aren't using drugs but a small percentage get involved at different stages from smoking and drinking to using marijuana and harder drugs. Windle said if parents notice their child has had an overall change in behaviour and attitude from what they used to be like, there could be a problem. Some of the big signs she points to are that the child is having trouble at school, skipping classes, hanging out with people known to use drugs, being dishonest, disregarding family rules, sneaking out at night and stealing things. "You can't just look at one sign. You have to look at a combination of the changes together," Windle said. She explained it's important parents keep the lines of communication open with their children so they can recognize a problem if there is one. Waage said the information session was set up to let parents know what to look for. Among the things Waage pointed to as signs a child might be using drugs were needles, knives burnt at the end which are used for hash or rolling papers used for marijuana. He said physically a child might have trouble sleeping, show signs of fatigue, be extra thirsty or sweat more than usual. Many of the drugs mentioned weren't as expensive as one might expect. Waage said a marijuana joint goes for $5, ecstasy for as little as $20 a pill and magic mushrooms for $10 a gram. For more information go to: www.aadac.com. - --- MAP posted-by: SHeath(DPFFLorida)