Pubdate: Wed, 30 Sep 2009
Source: Peterborough Examiner, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2009 Osprey Media Group Inc.
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/4VLGnvUl
Website: http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2616
Page: 5
Author: Andrea Houston

DRUG PROBLEM AWARENESS

The Peterborough Drug Strategy Task Force is planning free film 
screenings and discussions to raise local awareness about the area's 
growing drug problem, a news release states.

A town hall meeting with concerned groups and citizens in April 
snowballed into plans for three community events over the next few 
weeks, the release states.

Opioids are strong painkillers that can be addictive. The drugs are 
being taken and sold illegally for non-medical purposes, the release 
states. Suzanne Galloway, health promoter in the Peterborough 
County-City Health Unit's substance misuse prevention program, said 
there were 20 overdose deaths in Peterborough in 2007.

"Studies have shown that an estimated 30,000 Ontarians have an opioid 
addiction, and one in five Ontario students has reported using 
opioids non-medically," states Galloway. "About 72% reported they got 
those prescription opioids at home. "This is a serious problem, not 
just provincially, but locally as well."

The upcoming public events are just one part of the steps being taken 
by the Peterborough Drug Strategy Task Force, the release states.

City police are making four additional officers available to high 
schools to intervene with youth drug users and traffickers, the release states.

"The concerning rising rates of prescription drug abuse are the 
result of a combination of factors, and can only be countered 
successfully by a coordinated, multi-sector strategy," Chief Murray 
Rodd states.

"We are pleased to join our community partners in a 
multi-disciplinary drug strategy."

- - - -

Drug awareness events

When: Tomorrow at 7 p. m. What: Film screening of Prescription for 
Addiction, a documentary featuring first-hand stories of opioid addiction.

Speaker: Bill Bailey, a former principal whose teenage son died after 
a battle with drugs.

Where: Peterborough Public Library.

When: Oct. 22 at 7 p. m. What: Discussion on Teen Risk Behaviour: 
What's Normal, What's Changing and What Parents Can Do.

Speaker: Dr. David Wolfe, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto.

Where: Adam Scott Collegiate. When: Nov. 26 at 7 p. m.

What: Film screening of Cottonland, which explores a community's 
struggle with prescription painkillers.

Where: Peterborough Public Library.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart