Pubdate: Wed, 08 Feb 2012
Source: Strathmore Standard (CN AB)
Copyright: 2012 Strathmore Standard
Contact: http://www.strathmorestandard.com/feedback1/LetterToEditor.aspx
Website: http://www.strathmorestandard.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3322
Author: Kirsten Mundy

PREVENTION IS THE KEY

It's easier to have never smoked than to try and quit, and the same 
would apply for all drugs. For local SWAT (Strathmore, Wheatland 
Addictions Team) prevention is what they are always working towards.

Crystal Wahl has been a member of SWAT since it's inception, and is 
also a Family School Liaison worker at Holy Cross Collegiate. She 
said communication is often the key when dealing with young people.

"If you have any worries, why would you not start a conversation with 
your child?" asked Wahl.

She explained that many parents notice the subtle signs that their 
child might be using drugs, but are afraid that talking about it 
might actually give the child ideas. Studies have shown, however, 
that talking about it won't make the child any more likely to use.

"You're actually keeping yourself informed, and you can't really 
react and get the help your child needs if you're not informed," said Wahl.

The main focus for Cst. Michael Fulton and the Strathmore RCMP 
remains to be prevention as well.

"We believe in an approach that includes prevention and awareness, 
but to also make the persons who chose to be responsible for 
polluting out community accountable for their actions," said Fulton.

Presently, the local RCMP detachment has four officers trained in 
DARE education, which is a program aimed at elementary school 
children educating them about drugs, smoking, alcohol and how to say 
no to all of the above. Right now though, only one school in the area 
is using the program, said Fulton, and the more who sign up the more 
they are able to get the message out to younger people.

Ideally, it would also increase the number of parents aware of the 
problem in the area, and provide the RCMP with the additional 
information they might need to get search warrants.

"Drug abuse of any kind is a serious health and social problem 
harming individuals, relationships and families, often irreparably. 
The criminality of violence that surrounds illicit drug use poses a 
threat to the safety of our community," said Fulton.

Wahl said there are many options for parents who are worried about 
their children, or who would like to just start without cause.

"If in doubt, phone," said Wahl.

There is a provincial phone number provided by Addiction Services 
24-hours a day: 1-866-332-2322. For those who would like to talk to 
someone a little closer to home, Wahl said the Family School Liaison 
at Christ the Redeemer Schools and the Community Support Workers at 
Golden Hills Schools would be another option.

She said studies always show that parents dramatically underestimate 
the frequency of drug use in the youth of the day, and because of 
that they need to face some hard realities. According to RCMP it's 
not uncommon for a child as young as 12 to have tried drugs, and are 
usually aware of them much younger.

For those who would like to learn more about drugs, SWAT will be 
hosting a Drug Awareness night will be hosted on Monday, February 27 
at 7 p.m. at the Strathmore Youth Centre. Wahl explained that they 
will obviously be covering the effects and risks of ecstasy but will 
also discuss other drugs.

"This is for anybody in the community. We don't want to just address parents."

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[sidebar]

Warning signs your child might be using drugs:

Changes in eating and sleeping habits

Negative changes in schoolwork, missing school or declining grades

Increased secrecy about possessions of activities

Use of incense, room deodorant or perfume to hide smoke or chemical odours

Subtle changes in conversation with friends (more secretive, using 
coded language)

Increase in borrowing money, or money going missing

Evidence of drug paraphernalia, such as pipes, rolling papers etc.

Bottles of eye drops, which may be used to mask bloodshot eyes or 
dilated pupils

Missing prescription drugs, especially narcotics and sedatives

Multiple cell phones

Weight loss
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom