Pubdate: Fri, 11 Jun 2010 Source: Sentinel Review (CN ON) Page: Front Page Copyright: 2010 Osprey Media Contact: http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/feedback1/LetterToEditor.aspx Website: http://woodstocksentinelreview.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2385 Author: Heather Rivers DRUG REPORT IS A ' WAKE-UP CALL' Oxford County youth as young as 10 years old are experimenting with drugs, according to a new report released Thursday at the Fusion Youth Centre in Ingersoll. "What was alarming to me was the age that kids start using drugs -- between 10 and 12 years of age," said Jason Smith, chair of the Oxford County Drug Task Force (OCDTF). "Twenty per cent of youth started using drugs at age 12 and under. "It takes us back to the importance that parents need to educate kids about drugs use." The report indicated that 32.7 % of Oxford youth have tried drugs, with an average age of 13.4 years for first-time use. As part of the survey, 63.4 % of the youth indicated they had stopped taking drugs. Over half of the youth surveyed reported seeing people using drugs while growing up. On Thursday, the OCDTF, a partnership of 70 health-care, law-enforcement, mental-health and other community-based services, released its final report on substance abuse in Oxford County. The report included conclusions from a survey of 3,400 local students. "What we're seeing -regardless of where you live in Oxford County - -drug use and the ability to get drugs is similar right across the board," Smith said. "It's not just a Woodstock, Ingersoll, Tillsonburg problem. "Smaller communities are facing the same type of issues." Smith said the most prevalent drug used by youth is alcohol, followed by tobacco and marijuana. Smith said the drug problems plaguing Oxford County are similar to those found province-wide. "It shouldn't be earth shattering to people," he said. "It's a wake-up call to people to do something about it. "We have to act." The report was accompanied by a six-point strategy to respond to the problem. The six priority actions outlined in the plan included developing a comprehensive approach to substance abuse, refocusing attitudes and approaches, supporting individuals within their everyday lives, improving communication and networking among service providers, increasing awareness of substance abuse and it's impacts, and advocating for system change. Three groups have been established to work in the areas of prevention, treatment and enforcement. In November, an awareness campaign aimed at community leaders will begin. United Way executive director Kelly Gilson said her organization will be a key funder of the OCDTF initiative. "It is our hope this bring awareness to the issue," Gilson said. "Without awareness, we can't build a case for support and enhanced services." Gilson said the demand for addiction services in the Oxford County far exceeds the "availability for assistance." "There is a need for immediate crisis support," she said. "Detox type of assistance as well as ongoing counselling support." - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom