Pubdate: Thu, 22 Apr 2010 Source: Southwest Booster, The (CN SN) Page: 2 Copyright: Southwest Booster 2010 Contact: http://www.swbooster.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3624 Author: Scott Anderson Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) LECLERC SHARES POWERFUL MESSAGE AT COMMUNITY FORUM Serge LeClerc shared a powerful anti drugs and alcohol message at an event hosted by the Swift Current and District Drug Task Force. Serge LeClerc threw down the gauntlet of challenge to an audience of 150 people at a community forum to do something about the drug and alcohol problem which exists among teens in Swift Current and the Southwest.LeClerc, the guest speaker at an April 15 forum sponsored by the Swift Current and District Drug Task Force, said concerned community members need to step up and help protect youth from drugs and alcohol. "This is a life stealing addiction, drugs and alcohol, and we need to fight it hard," LeClerc said during last Thursday's two-and-a-half-hour meeting. LeClerc has been on the front line of addictions recovery as the founder and Regional Director of Teen Challenge Saskatchewan, and he's shared his personal story with over three million people. His personal story, shared in the book Untwisted: From Lawbreaker To Lawmaker, pulls no punches on his growing up as a gang leader and drug king-pin. However, he has been an outspoken proponent of helping youth and their families overcome substance abuse problems and addictions. He told the audience that youth are turning to drugs, alcohol and sex, in order to build their identity and self-esteem. "You don't do drugs or drink to feel good, you do it to stop feeling bad," he said, highlighting the fact that youth who have a positive identity don't feel the need to change or alter themselves. While there is no quick fix, a strong community can provide positive outlets for teens during their important "What is it that we are going to do for our children in establishing identity? What are we going to do in our community that's going to allow that to happen for them? You have an opportunity. Look at the numbers of you," he implored to the audience. "There is nothing more important than taking this task on. This is our task. This is our world. This is our society. And it can be done." LeClerc pointed to marijuana, which has been altered to be dangerously more potent. "THC in marijuana is now 35 per cent, in 67 it was three per cent," adding that scientific research has proven the higher THC content of marijuana leads to problems such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder. "When the brains of our children are developing the most, we are giving them the most addictive properties there are. Our laws have gone sideways, where the victim is forgotten about in the justice system, and it's all about the offender and his needs, or her needs." He pointed to church youth groups and positive community teen activities like dances as things which will provide positive activities for youth to attend. He also pointed to schools and the fact they need community support to send a strong message to youth that they are important. "There is no quick fix solution," he said. "We need to support our principals, our vice-principals and our boards, because this is their world, for eight hours a day, nine hours a day. And we need to make their world safe. We need to tackle this drug problem." - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom