Pubdate: Wed, 27 Aug 2008
Source: Mississauga News (CN ON)
Copyright: The Mississauga News 2008
Contact:  http://www.mississauganews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/268
Author: Louie Rosella
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)

YOUTH FORUM TACKLES ADDICTIONS

Peel Regional Police Cst.  Lee-Ann Turza had a strong message this 
evening for a  group of more than 20 teenagers who might be curious 
about drugs.

"Once the drug is in the system, the drug takes over,"  said the 
18-year veteran officer, referring to cases  where people jump off 
buildings believing they can fly  because they are high on ecstasy or 
some other type of  hallucinogenic. "You are now not in a position to 
make  good choices, and the consequences could be fatal."

Turza, who serves as the force's drug education  officer, along with 
a handful of youth outreach and  support workers, were on hand this 
evening to speak to  a group of teens about drugs and drinking at the 
annual  Peel Multicultural Council (PMC) youth forum.

Addictions and substance abuse were the topics of  discussion at this 
year's forum, held at the PMC office  at 6630 Turner Valley Rd.

The forum explored the specific needs of youth, what  underlying 
causes may be unique to younger people, how  addictions can affect 
the lives of youth, as well as  how solutions must be tailored not 
only to youth, but  also to the many diverse groups that make up the 
youth population.

"Life is all about choice," Turza said. "In the end,  you have to 
make the choice that's right for you."

Turza also talked about the peer pressure to take drugs  and how 
teens need to overcome it "because peer  pressure is present in adult 
life as well."

"The sooner we learn to accept ourselves for who we are  and not 
conform to the expectations of others, the  better off we'll be," she 
said. "Stay true to  yourself."

Ian Baker, of Our Place Peel, a homeless shelter for  youth, spoke 
about his organization's HYPE (Helping  Youth Prepare Effectively) 
program, which he  coordinated.

The program works with youth to be successful once they  have left 
the shelter. Through building community  connections, staff support, 
and a variety of workshops,  HYPE is being built to give youth the 
life skills they  require to make it on their own.

Bakers said he believes HYPE will reduce youth  returning to the 
shelter system as well as long-term  reliance on Ontario Works support.

Michelle Molligan and Amanda De Goeas, both outreach  workers with 
the Centre for Addiction and Mental  Health, also spoke to the youths.

"Because addictions can manifest themselves differently  in youth 
than in adults, many young people can develop  serious problems and 
yet do not receive the help they  need," said Brendan McCallum, PMC 
youth forum  coordinator. "The signs are not picked up by 
those  around them, or their behaviour is dismissed as part of  being 
young and growing up."

Youth brought up in a diverse area such as the GTA can  face even 
more problems, as background and culture can  add another layer to an 
already complex problem,  McCallum added.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom