Pubdate: Wed, 27 Nov 2002
Source: Kamloops This Week (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 Kamloops This Week
Contact:  http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1271
Author:  Danna Johnson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

DRUG USE UP WITH YOUNGSTERS

A report released this week indicates youths in the Lower Mainland are 
experimenting with drugs and alcohol at younger ages. A local drug and 
alcohol youth counsellor isn't surprised.

"I just took a referral for an eight-year-old who started smoking pot when 
he was seven," says Bob Hughes, Phoenix Centre's Raven program counsellor.

Noting the tender age of the client is an exception to the norm, Hughes 
says it's imperative parents realize how important their role is in 
teaching appropriate behaviour to their children.

"It has so much to do with their home and what's going on in the home. 
Where does a seven-year-old get pot from?"

The survey, conducted by Pacific Community Resources, shows an increase in 
alcohol and marijuana use in youths aged 12-24. Marijuana is typically the 
first drug used, with the most frequently reported age of first use at 13.

The report doesn't necessarily describe the drug situation among youths in 
Kamloops, Hughes says, but he adds there has been a wave of crystal 
methamphetamine use as well as crack cocaine use among area youths.

"Grade 8 is a prime age. Kids now come in contact with an older group of 
kids when before they were the older group."
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