Pubdate: Fri, 07 Feb 2003
Source: Maple Ridge News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 Maple Ridge News
Contact:  http://www.mapleridgenews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1328
Author: Jim Kelly
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

YOUTH AND DRUGS

Editor, The News:

Re: Youth in Crisis (Jan. 25).

I appreciate the special edition of the News offering the focus "Youth in 
Crisis". This edition offers the trials and tribulations for youth in the 
community and offering different perspectives for parents and other 
community leaders. This edition was successful in highlighting these issues.

It is unfortunate to read the tragic story of Pat Murphy, who lost her son 
to heroin and her struggle with grief and shame and anger as she reconciled 
herself to the realization that Damien made choices for himself.

It is gratifying to read about the positives that occur for the youth of 
our community through both the liaison officers at our local schools and 
the staff at Youth Services. These stories indicate the good that youth are 
doing in our community.

I would like the community to know there are many agencies offering 
services to youth and families. Alouette Addictions Services offers its 
services to help youth and their families in coping with addictions and the 
impact that has on the individual and the family.

Nobody likes to see people suffer through their addictions without help. 
People make choices for themselves. Sometimes the choices are not always 
the best. We do, however learn from those choices. For some, it takes 
longer; for some they make the choice of continuing down a certain path.

The qualified staff at our community agencies are here to help those in 
need. We do this without judgment or discrimination. I believe it's 
important for the community to know that help is available locally. All 
they need to do is ask.

Jim Kelly Executive Director Alouette Addictions Services Maple Ridge 
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom