Pubdate: Sun, 13 Nov 2005 Source: Daily Press, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2005 Daily Press (CN ON) Contact: http://www.timminspress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1001 Author: Trevor Terfloth Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) DRUG ABUSERS START FAR TOO YOUNG Local Officers Say Problem Now Begins In Timmins Below The Grade 6 Level Const. Ron Riley of the Timmins Police Service shakes his head with bewilderment as he discusses a problem that is far too prevalent for his liking. While substance abuse is a universal issue across the board, the users are now getting younger and younger - almost to an age when they should be more concerned about homework and getting grounded. "The drug scene now starts below the Grade 6 level," he said with a sigh. "We find we get so many kids with no self-esteem, no pride ... they're so down and depressed." However, through Timmins Community Policing's drug awareness week, officers hope to hammer home the message that unlawful substances have the potential to destroy a child's life and those of his or her loved ones. While the organization seeks to educate people of all ages on the dangers of drug abuse, the main goal is to bring the knowledge to kids and nip the issue in the bud. "The drug problem today ... causes the crime rate to go up; the suicide rate," said Riley. "Parents in general don't realize how bad the problem is." The officer displayed a drug identification board which is used by the Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education (DARE) program in the Northeast region. In addition to the usual suspects - cocaine, heroin and cannabis - new designer drugs are also shown. Riley said young kids are drawn to these substances due to a dangerous misconception that they won't cause any harm - just a simple buzz and everything will be fine. The fact many of the pills are colourful and look non menacing probably doesn't help matters, he said. "Kids think, 'It's not going to happen to me. I can try it'," he said. "But the drug dealer gets rid of his drugs. (Whatever happens,) it's fine by him." Const. Rick Lemieux is also with Timmins Community Policing and works as a DARE instructor. He said it isn't just illegal narcotics which are harmful, but also alcohol and tobacco - two substances which some young people think helps make them look cool. However, Lemieux said he's pleased with the statistics he sees. "Eleven per cent of eighth graders smoke cigarettes," he said. "But the important thing is 89 per cent don't, so what group are you going to be cool to?" Last year over 800 students graduated from the DARE program, with only 11 failing to make the grade. However, Lemieux said he's had to take back three diplomas from kids who were caught either smoking or drinking. He even drove right up to their parents' houses to do the task. "The big message from DARE is consequences," said Lemieux. "And it's not easy (for students) to get the diploma back." Riley said the key is for adults to act as role models, since kids are very perceptive right from an early age. While the law has the ability to punish those convicted of drug possession with jail time, he doesn't believe that measure does anything to cure the habitual offender - who will often become even more bitter sitting in a prison cell. They have to be rehabilitated, said Riley, or preferably prevented from becoming addicted in the first place. This includes instilling in people respect for themselves, others and authority. "It's ongoing reminders," he said. "Education is the only way to stop it." - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin