Pubdate: Wed, 26 Nov 2003
Source: Yorkton This Week (CN SN)
Copyright: 2003 Yorkton This Week
Contact:  http://www.yorktonthisweek.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2543
Author: Theresa Seraphim
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

DRUG USE SIGNS DESCRIBED FOR PARENTS

With illegal drugs becoming more prevalent, even in Yorkton, parents
must carefully watch for signs of use by their teenagers, said the
RCMP's drug co-ordinator for the province of Saskatchewan.

"We're finding nationally that children are starting to use drugs at a
younger age," Sgt. Dave Henry told parents gathered for a recent
information session at the Anne Portnuff Theatre.

Henry, who co-ordinates the RCMP's drug education program for the
province, said today's dope is not only more available, but also more
potent.

"Kids today are not just sticking with one drug or another drug -
they're just going for it," said Henry.

"Alcohol is probably always going to be (the) number one (drug of
choice)," said Henry.

Cannabis, cocaine and prescription pills round out the top four drug
choices, but others are coming into the picture, as well.

"In my experience, there is ecstasy in Yorkton," said Cpl. Scott
McMurchy of the local RCMP detachment.

"It's used in nightclubs" and probably at house parties as well, he
noted.

However, drug use in Yorkton is not limited to ecstasy.

"Like any other city in Canada, we have drug problems," including
Talwin, Ritalin, morphine, and cocaine, McMurchy acknowledged.

He said one gram of marijuana can fetch $15 to $20, while the same
amount of cocaine could cost up to $100, and a capsule of ecstasy can
bring in $20 to $35. The price depends on supply and demand.

Methamphetamine (familiarly known as "meth") is "feared most" by law
enforcement officers because it is cheap and highly addictive, said
Henry.

"It's more addictive than cocaine," McMurchy added.

"It's toxic chemicals that are extremely flammable and
poisonous."

In the U.S., where meth is prevalent, users will sometimes steal a
car, which will be later found abandoned with a trunk full of items
for setting up a meth lab. In such a situation, because of meth's
volatility, a biohazard team would be called in, said McMurchy.

Henry stressed parents need to know which drugs are on the street and
what their effects are, so they can spot certain signs that could tell
them their son or daughter is on drugs.

With stimulants, which speed up the body's systems, "you could expect
to see excessive talking," as well as a paranoia and violent behavior
and mood swings, he said.

Depressants would likely show themselves in slurred speech and the
person being unsteady on their feet, while acting suspiciously could
denote use of a hallucinogen.

With the latter group, since reality is distorted for them, "they
might be laughing" at a drama on TV, said Henry.

Other signs of drug use may include red eyes, weight loss, frequent
illness, a change in eating or sleeping habits, extended bursts of
energy, loss of interest in hobbies, declining grades, a change in
their circle of friends, denial of having a problem, and being
secretive about activities, said Henry.

Parents may also find certain items around the house which would
denote drug use. Such things would include home-made pipes, drug
culture magazines, burned knives, roach clips, syringes, plastic
baggies, foil wrapping, pill bottles without labels, rolling papers,
eye drops, capsules, plant material and scales.

"You can get a digital scale that looks like a calculator" and is
widely available in stores, said McMurchy.

Henry stressed there are several measures parents can take to help their
kids stay away from drugs, as outlined in the RCMP's
booklet Two Way Street: Parents' Kids and Drugs.

"The first thing is to be a good example," as teens are quick to spot
hypocrisy, he said.

Communication is also vital.

"Ask them what's going on," he noted.

"To be a good communicator is to be a better listener than a
talker,"

Passing on the values that get one over life's rocky spots is
important, as is talking to teens about making good choices, said Henry.

And parents need to set limits, which will lead to some tension in the
family as teens try to break the barriers.

"If you don't have friction, I think you're neglecting your kids,"
Henry stated.

However, parents must be consistent and follow through with
consequences when teens break the limits

They also need to be there for their children, said
Henry.

"We're going to celebrate their successes" and console them in their
trials, he noted.

"That's what we're there for as a family - (to) support
them."

Henry said it's important to be reasonable in dealing with teens
"because it's a trying time" for both parent and offspring "and I
think you need to be flexible."

Henry encouraged parents to talk with their children about topics such
as why people take drugs, what the consequences of drug use can be,
who loses most in drug use and what peer pressure means.

Regarding the latter, he said, it's important to teach kids how to
avoid bad situations, such as occur when teens are pressured to take
drugs.

This can be done by saying, 'No thanks', refusing repeatedly, walking
away, changing the subject or ignoring the person exerting the pressure.

Teens need to be encouraged to hang out with a good crowd and told
there are others besides parents they can go to for help in solving
problems, such as Saskatchewan Health's addiction services, a family
doctor or (if violence is involved) the police.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin