Pubdate: Sun, 19 Nov 2006
Source: Penticton Western (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Penticton Western
Contact:  http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1310
Author: Tracy Clark

PATHWAYS REACHING OUT TO PARENTS

Chad Teigen, a substance abuse prevention worker with Pathways 
Addiction Resource Centre in Penticton, shows a bong that may be used 
for smoking marijuana.

A highlighter pen may seem like a normal tool for a student to carry. 
But not all highlighters are created equal. This working pink 
highlighter is a little heavier than average and when the end is 
pulled out, it is not filled with pink liquid, rather it is a compact 
pink pipe used for smoking marijuana or other drugs.

This highlighter pipe is just one of the items parents will be shown 
at Powerful Parenting, a forum being held by Pathways Addiction 
Resource Centre at Princess Margaret senior secondary this week.

The forum is part of National Drug and Addictions Awareness Week, 
which starts today.

Substance abuse prevention worker Chad Teigen said the forum is 
focussed on parents because they are usually closest to a child, can 
have the most influence and are the most capable of intervening.

The forum will provide frank information about drugs and drug use 
among youth and teens and will "de-mystify the world of drugs," he said.

Teigen will also talk to parents about the signs and symptoms of 
drugs use or potential drug use.

"It's not to gain paranoia," he said of the forum. "It's to raise 
awareness ... If someone wants to hide something away, they will."

While most secondary school students will be around drugs at some 
point during their time at school, Teigen is hoping the forum will 
provide parents will the tools to ensure their children are less at 
risk from being exposed to opportunities to try drugs.

Aside from alcohol and cigarettes -- the most commonly used and 
abused drugs -- the most popular illegal drugs being used by local 
school students are marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine and magic mushrooms.

"Substance abuse is prevalent among our youth," said Teigen.

According to Stats Canada, more than 10 million people reported 
trying marijuana at least once and one-third of those people use pot regularly.

And regular pot users can have impacts on mental health, including 
anxiety, depression and schizophrenia.

Aside from the clinical effects, drug use can have an impact on a 
teens sleep patterns, mood, weight, school grades and motivation.

Parents may feel afraid about talking to their children about drug 
use but can help change the circumstances.

Teigen said he has seen success stories where parents have been able 
to "get a grasp" on their children's drug use.

An emotional connection within the family unit is the key to success 
- -- they need to focus on the positive rather than the negative.

Wednesday's meeting will give parents the tools to aid in the success 
of the family unit. It will also celebrate some of the great things 
parents are already doing, said Teigen.

The forum starts at 7 p.m. and is free.

As part of drug awareness week Pathways and the Penticton Indian Band 
are also hosting an awareness walk on Monday at 10 a.m. leaving from 
the band school to the hall.

On Tuesday Pathways will have an open house from 3-6 p.m., where 
their will be information booths about the centre's various programs, 
including the Parenting Wisely Program. There will also be refreshments.

Pathways is located at 996 Main St. in Penticton.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine