Pubdate: Tue, 10 Jan 2006
Source: Camrose Booster, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 The Camrose Booster
Contact:  http://www.camrosebooster.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2438
Author: Brett Browne
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

INFORMATION EVENING PLANNED FOR PARENTS OF YOUTH INVOLVED IN DRUGS AND
ALCOHOL

The Battle River Drug Response Task Force is inviting parents and
family members of youth involved in drugs and alcohol to come for what
they hope will be a powerful, entertaining, and informative evening.

Entitled "February One" the evening is an attempt by the Task Force to
reach out to parents with support, information, and perhaps an
opportunity to help each other.

"It's for parents and others who are looking for help and support in
dealing with their kids' drug or alcohol use. It may be marijuana,
alcohol, crystal meth, cocaine, crack, whatever," explains Camrose and
District Support Services (CDSS) Director Wendy Gregg.

The event, Wednesday, February 1, at the Moose Hall in Camrose, will
feature a free supper, starting at 5:30 p.m., followed by after-dinner
presentations by representatives from The Open Door, AADAC, and the
parents of drug-addicted children.

"It's sponsored by the Drug Response Task Force and it's part of our
efforts to try and minimize some of the damage that's done through
drug use, to try and support the parents, and to try and keep the
families functioning in spite of what the kids may be up to," states
Gregg.

In her presentation, Viviane Steele from the Open Door will look at
some of the support issues around drug and alcohol use, how families
can support each other, and what they can expect from their children.
AADAC will outline some of its services and provide some basic
information about the various drugs and their effects on children.
Finally, the parents will speak about their heart-breaking experiences
with drug addiction. The presentations will be followed by a question
and answer session.

Gregg says the evening is not only designed to not only provide
information to parents and family members, but to develop interest in
establishing a support group.

"It's not intended as a cure-all or anything else. What we're looking
at is the possible beginning of some sort of support program for
parents, because a lot of times they are up against issues for which
they have no idea how to cope," she explains.

February One is a free information evening, but because dinner is
being provided by the Drug Response Task Force, organizers need to
know how many people will be attending. Invitations for the event are
available at the CDSS office, local schools, The Open Door, or by
calling CDSS at 672-0141. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake