Pubdate: Wed, 17 May 2006
Source: Okotoks Western Wheel (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006, Okotoks Western Wheel
Contact:  http://www.westernwheel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1638
Author: Darlene Casten
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

DRUG PROGRAM DARES PARENTS TO BE SMARTER

Parents have even more reason to be concerned that their child is 
experimenting with illicit drugs like marijuana, mushrooms and 
cocaine, according to a local drug prevention officer.

Drugs are getting stronger and more prevalent, said RCMP Cst. Geoff 
Carpenter of the DARE program.

"In this area alcohol will always be there," Carpenter said. "I also 
think marijuana use is growing and there is a small element that use 
crack and cocaine."

Crystal meth is not in widespread use in southern Alberta, he added.

"I've heard of crystal meth and mushrooms (being used locally), but I 
believe crystal meth is almost non-existent," Carpenter said. 
Carpenter will hold a three-day session for parents interested in 
learning more about drugs and how to discuss drug use with their 
children later this month.

The DARE program for parents will cover topics like current trends in 
the drug culture, identifying the signs that your child may be using 
drugs and how to discuss drugs with children.

Carpenter said parents should be aware that the drugs of today aren't 
the same as the drugs in circulation 20 years ago.

For example, the potency of marijuana has increased 16 times since 
the 1970s, Carpenter said.

"The effects are more powerful," he explained. "We tend, as humans, 
to want to be quicker and stronger and faster and our brains feed on that."

Parents need to show even more interest in their children as they 
move into their early teens and keep a close eye on any changes in 
their attitude, clothing and friends, Carpenter said.

Being a friend to their children rather than being a father or mother 
is a common mistake parents make, he added.

"If parents are using drugs like alcohol, marijuana or tobacco, for 
example, and they are a friend to their child then often they want to 
get involved in that lifestyle," he said. "All children need 
structure in terms of rules and guidelines and they have to 
understand there are always consequences or else they will begin to 
make poor choices in all walks of life."

Carpenter said during the three DARE sessions parents will also be 
able to tell their own stories and exchange ideas from their own experiences.

At the first DARE parents program held in High River in March, 
parents with children of all ages and experience attended the 
meetings, Carpenter said.

"Some with young children wanted to know how to deal with the issue 
in the future, some were in the midst of it and others had already 
dealt with it," he said.

The first of three two-hour sessions will be held May 23 at the 
Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre starting at 7 p.m.

Subsequent sessions will be held May 29 and June 5. To enroll call 
Carpenter at 601-1616.
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