Pubdate: Wed, 13 Dec 2006 Source: Penticton Western (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Penticton Western Contact: http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1310 Author: Brian Hughes KNOWLEDGE IS THE BEST WEAPON IN WAR ON DRUGS I had the opportunity to participate on the City of Penticton Task Force on Substance Abuse this past year. I feel the crux of the substance abuse issue in Penticton was voiced by the RCMP representative on the committee when he stated "Most of our efforts are focused on the supply, of which there is no end. The only way to change things is by reducing the demand. Then the supply will go away." It is relatively easy and visible to go after the suppliers since more police presence and high profile busts makes good press. However controlling the demand, that is changing behaviour; now we are talking something that is really difficult. We talk to young kids now and try the usual techniques on teenagers these days but how well are these approaches working? If we go by recent statistics, it might be inferred that a different approach is warranted. It would appear that Penticton has a very serious cocaine use problem and it is my opinion that we need to employ different tactics to attempt to stem its growth. As I was sitting on the committee, I came upon a book called The Price of Privilege: How Parental Pressure and Material Advantage Are Creating a Generation of Disconnected and Unhappy Kids by Dr. Madeline Levine (Harper Collins). Dr. Levine has a practice in Marin County, California which is a wealthy suburb of San Francisco. She found that the affluent teenagers have become a new at-risk cluster. Despite their material resources, such teenagers experience among the highest rates of depression, substance abuse, and anxiety running as high as 22 per cent or three times the national rate. Girls are more prone to suffer internally, while boys tend to act out with drug abuse and conduct problems. Dr. Levine noted two key factors leading to dysfunctional teens among the affluent: The first is achievement pressure. The second is emotional isolation from parents. She observed that parents are over involved as far as grades and performance go, but they are often too busy for down to earth conversation with their teens that would help their inner self growth. Levine has warnings for over-intrusive 'helicopter parents', so-called because they constantly hover over every aspect of their children's lives, for example going into their school to challenge a teacher about a mark their child has received. Although they are trying to help, they are actually damaging their offspring's development. She suggests leaving children alone so they learn how to handle difficult situations which may help them acquire independence, coping skills, a sense of right and wrong, and a sense of who they are. The hope is these healthier children may be more resistant to the lure of illegal drugs and this will reduce the demand for these drugs. As the relatively more expensive drug cocaine seems to be the drug of choice here, I started thinking that perhaps her research may be relevant to us in Penticton. Perhaps our rising land values and lack of affordable housing may be skewing our child rearing population into a more affluent group. Cocaine use is popular as it is harder to detect and conforms to the image of keeping body weight down and being "cool." This image has been glamorized by Hollywood and use is now being seen in younger teenage stars. Dr Levine's top tips: - - Appreciate your children as they are. Don't waste time trying to create the perfect child you wish you had; - - Don't damage their self-esteem by criticizing their efforts too often. Don't reject them -- that feeds self-hatred; - - Basic warmth between a parent and child -- hugs, kisses, listening, words of empathy -- is the first pillar of parenting; - - Discipline is vital. Be consistent; that helps kids develop self-control; - - Spend time together. Eat your evening meal together as often as possible, and involve your children in as many rituals as possible, such as worship or sport. As I mentioned, controlling demand is much more difficult but I am convinced this is the only way to truly improve the substance abuse situation here, especially cocaine use. I have contacted Dr. Levine personally and she has expressed an interest in helping us if there is an interest. I think parents in this community may benefit from having her visit here to tell us personally what her research has found and what we can do to avoid putting our kids at risk. If you would like to hear what Dr. Levine has to say, please contact the City Hall (490 2400) reception to express your interest and we will endeavour to bring her to town. Our only defence against this scourge is knowledge. Brian Hughes, Penticton - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom