Pubdate: Wed, 13 Aug 2008 Source: Molokai Times (HI) Copyright: 2008 Molokai Times Contact: http://www.molokaitimes.com/index.asp?page=contact Website: http://www.molokaitimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4493 Author: Corinne Impey Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS TARGETS DRUG USE Meth Workshops, Classes To Be Held On Molokai One of the best ways to fight illicit drug use on Molokai is to get the community involved, said local police officer Stafford "Lani" Caparida. Caparida is trying to do just that by taking part in a new project spearheaded by Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Maui. Meth 360 is a program designed to train local law enforcement officials and representatives from community organizations on the dangers and realities of crystal methamphetamine so that they can pass this information on to the community through in-school presentations and other community gatherings. Caparida was one of seven Molokai residents to take part in the training. Other participants included two other law enforcement officials, Frank Lovelane from the Molokai Youth Center, Gail Crabbe from the Molokai General Hospital, and Diane Dunnal with the Molokai Community Service Council. Caparida said the program is very simple and easy for everyone to understand. "I believe it has great potential. Not everybody knows about crystal meth," he said. Crystal meth (also known as ice, chalk, crank, crystal, fire, glass, and speed) looks like white or slightly yellow crystal-like powder or rock-like chunks. It is usually swallowed, injected, snorted or smoked. According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America it is dangerous because it can cause psychotic, violent behavior, insomnia and strokes. It has a high potential for abuse and addiction. The Partnership says one in 12 teens in the United States have used meth in their lifetime. Caparida could not quantify the amount of drug abuse that occurs locally, but he did say it is a serious problem. "Even if only one person is being affected, it's a big deal," he said. Because Molokai is a small island, and many people know each other, many people are affected when people abuse drugs. For the police, Caparida said it can often be hard to arrest people for drugs. "It's sad because we often know the families. But sometimes it [getting arrested] is a way for people to get help." Helping youth and families is the main goal of the BBBS program, but Meth 360 is just part of a larger initiative to target drug abuse in Maui County. On Aug. 5, BBBS announced a new partnership with the Partnership for a Drug-Free America in Maui. This project will use media-based education to reduce illicit drug use in the county. "Big Brothers Big Sisters has long recognized the epidemic proportions of substance abuse among our youth including tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana," said Melissa Ross, executive director of BBBS. According to the organization, research has shown that if a child hears one anti-drug message a day, they are 38 percent less likely to use drugs. Maui County Mayor Charmaine Tavares was at the press conference and said these initiatives are a great way to reach kids before they try drugs for the first time. "This is the way we must go because prevention is a whole lot cheaper than treatment," she said. Jonah Souza was also at the meeting to share his personal story. Souza is a recovering drug abuser who said local community programs saved his life. Souza began abusing drugs at age 10 and was jailed after high school for incidents involving drug abuse. During his lock-up, Souza had the chance to get involved in community programs, including hula classes, aimed at his rehabilitation. "I learned more about culture [while in jail] than any other time growing up," he said. Souza said the programs allowed him to get over his addictions and now he is volunteering to spread his message of survival and recovery to others in the similar situations and to teach kids not to follow the same path. "I want to stop them from getting on drugs at a young age. I do it because I know the kids deserve better," he said. Cathy Dunn, with the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, said one of the goals is to get in front of the drugs before kids get a chance to try them. According to Dunn, 4,000 kids in America age 12 to 17 try an illicit drug every day. In Hawaii, 11 percent of teens use drugs, with pain relievers being one of the most abused drugs in the state. No local numbers were available. Dunn also said that the number-one reason teens use drugs is to deal with school problems. This means, said Dunn, it is up to parents, teachers and the whole community to play an active part in ending drug use. Back on Molokai, Dunnal, a social service assistant with Na Lei Mamo, is playing her part. "Where there is a will, there is a way. It was good for Big Brothers Big Sisters to come out and do this," she said. Dunnal said that through her work she sees first hand what meth can do to individuals and families. But, she said, when someone offers help that is a step forward. "Information is always important," said Dunnal. The Meth 360 presentations throughout the community are likely to start in the next month or so, said Caparida. Nurturing classes for parents sponsored by The Institute for Family Enrichment will also begin sometime in the fall, specific dates and locations have not yet been determined. For more information visit www.bbbsnwgm.org or www.drugfree.org. - --- MAP posted-by: Steve Heath