Pubdate: Fri, 25 Apr 2003
Source: Press, The (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2003 The Christchurch Press Company Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.press.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/349
Author: Duncan Eddy

DRUG TEST KIT

Sir,

W. K Jones (CHCH Press, 9.04.03), claims that teenage cannabis users lie 
and mislead their parents to cover up their cannabis use.  I agree, but 
cannot overlook the sad irony that the illegality of cannabis encourages 
cannabis use being kept secretive.

In these enlightened times, many parents realise that encouraging open 
communication is the best way to have a positive influence in their 
childrens choices regarding legal and illegal drugs.   But many parents are 
still unable to enter into honest discussion with this issue with their 
children.

Many parents who decide to use the recently introduced home drug testing 
kits will already have poor communication with their offspring.  I fear 
that all this will place even greater strain on many young people and 
further deteriorate their faltering relationships with their parents.

Yours,

Duncan Eddy
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MAP posted-by: Tom