Pubdate: Fri, 03 Jun 2005
Source: Weekly Journal, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 Transcontinental Media
Contact:  http://www.neighbourhoodnews.ca/journal
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3567
Author: Steve Coleman, Neighbourhood News Staff
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

ORLEANS HIGH SCHOOL PLANS PARENT DRUG INFO NIGHT

An increase in the number of kids trying drugs and sticking with them at an 
earlier age has Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School convinced that parents 
need help fighting back.

The school has planned a drug information night for parents on June 7 to 
help pass along the early warning signs that their children might be trying 
to cure their troubles with booze or a bottle of pills.

"We're definitely seeing more kids getting in trouble with drug use," said 
Jane Brown, a guidance councillor at Sir Wil. "Kids are starting to get 
into trouble as early as elementary school. A lot of the problem (cases) we 
see started in Grade 7. By the time they get to us they can have some 
pretty major problems."

Because they've been on them longer, the worst cases seem to be at the 
Grade 10 level, she said. The overall number of teens experimenting with 
drugs has also increased in recent years.

The school's information night has been planned for June 7 from 6:30-8:30 
p.m. at the Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School Cafetorium. Orgnizers are 
inviting anyone who's looking for more information.

Among the topics that will be covered are how to recognize the signs and 
symptoms of drug use, what drugs are among the current street-level 
favourites and information about raves.
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