Pubdate: Sun, 13 Nov 2005
Source: Daily Press, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 Daily Press (CN ON)
Contact:  http://www.timminspress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1001
Author: Trevor Terfloth
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

DRUG ABUSERS START FAR TOO YOUNG

Local Officers Say Problem Now Begins In Timmins Below The Grade 6
Level

Const. Ron Riley of the Timmins Police Service shakes his head with
bewilderment as he discusses a problem that is far too prevalent for
his liking.

While substance abuse is a universal issue across the board, the users
are now getting younger and younger - almost to an age when they
should be more concerned about homework and getting grounded.

"The drug scene now starts below the Grade 6 level," he said with a
sigh.

"We find we get so many kids with no self-esteem, no pride ... they're
so down and depressed."

However, through Timmins Community Policing's drug awareness week,
officers hope to hammer home the message that unlawful substances have
the potential to destroy a child's life and those of his or her loved
ones.

While the organization seeks to educate people of all ages on the
dangers of drug abuse, the main goal is to bring the knowledge to kids
and nip the issue in the bud.

"The drug problem today ... causes the crime rate to go up; the
suicide rate," said Riley. "Parents in general don't realize how bad
the problem is."

The officer displayed a drug identification board which is used by the
Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education (DARE) program in the Northeast
region.

In addition to the usual suspects - cocaine, heroin and cannabis - new
designer drugs are also shown.

Riley said young kids are drawn to these substances due to a dangerous
misconception that they won't cause any harm - just a simple buzz and
everything will be fine.

The fact many of the pills are colourful and look non menacing
probably doesn't help matters, he said.

"Kids think, 'It's not going to happen to me. I can try it'," he said.
"But the drug dealer gets rid of his drugs. (Whatever happens,) it's
fine by him."

Const. Rick Lemieux is also with Timmins Community Policing and works
as a DARE instructor.

He said it isn't just illegal narcotics which are harmful, but also
alcohol and tobacco - two substances which some young people think
helps make them look cool.

However, Lemieux said he's pleased with the statistics he sees.

"Eleven per cent of eighth graders smoke cigarettes," he said. "But
the important thing is 89 per cent don't, so what group are you going
to be cool to?"

Last year over 800 students graduated from the DARE program, with only
11 failing to make the grade.

However, Lemieux said he's had to take back three diplomas from kids
who were caught either smoking or drinking.

He even drove right up to their parents' houses to do the
task.

"The big message from DARE is consequences," said Lemieux.

"And it's not easy (for students) to get the diploma back."

Riley said the key is for adults to act as role models, since kids are
very perceptive right from an early age.

While the law has the ability to punish those convicted of drug
possession with jail time, he doesn't believe that measure does
anything to cure the habitual offender - who will often become even
more bitter sitting in a prison cell.

They have to be rehabilitated, said Riley, or preferably prevented
from becoming addicted in the first place.

This includes instilling in people respect for themselves, others and
authority.

"It's ongoing reminders," he said. "Education is the only way to stop
it."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin