Pubdate: Fri, 08 Mar 2002
Source: Canadian Champion, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2002 Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing Ltd
Contact:  http://www.haltonsearch.com/index.html?category=1K6H7KB93
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1503
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

HALTON NEEDS TO COME CLEAN: YOUTH DRUG USE

We don't understand why caring parents should have to leave Halton to get 
help for their drug-addicted children.

As reported on the front page of today's newspaper, Jim Harkins, founder 
and president of Oakville-based, non-profit organization Family Adolescent 
Straight Talk Inc., says his group will help the families of 300 young 
drug-users this year.

The lack of services in the region, he says, stems from society's refusal 
to admit Halton has a youth drug problem that can start before children 
have reached high school.

And Harkins says a 1999 Halton survey revealed drug use among grade 7 to 
OAC students mirrored that of communities across the province.

It's hard enough for individuals and their families to admit there's a 
problem. When they do, not having treatment available close by makes the 
situation more difficult.

The answer is the establishment of a detoxification centre to serve the 
needs of young Halton residents.

Attacking the supply of drugs by raiding growhouses and arresting dealers 
is only half the battle.

We must also reduce the demand by helping break the addiction of those who 
use and by preventing our children from getting hooked.
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MAP posted-by: Jackl