Pubdate: Thu, 02 Apr 2009
Source: Pipestone Flyer (CN AB)
Copyright: 2009 Pipestone Publishing
Contact: http://www.pipestoneflyer.com/letter.html
Website: http://www.pipestoneflyer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3736
Author: Debora Stark

RCMP PRESENTATION AT THE LEDUC RURAL CRIME WATCH ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING

So why do kids take drugs or join gangs? These are questions that 
Sgt. Lorne H. Adamitz from the "K" Division, Drugs and Organized 
Crime Awareness Services of the RCMP attempted to answer as he shared 
an excellent presentation with the Leduc Rural Crime Watch Association.

Slides were shown that explained why insurance companies use age 25 
as the magic number for insurance rates. While the emotional center 
of the brain really takes off in the teen years, the frontal lobe 
which gives us reasoning and good judgment is the last area to 
develop and is not completely developed until age 24! This explains 
why a teenager is emotionally driven. In addition, kids are subjected 
to a multiple set of beliefs/opinions from parents, relatives, 
friends, media, games, etc. and many of these beliefs may be 
inaccurate.this can lead to frustration and rebelliousness as they 
try to determine who or what is right Often this frustration leads to 
problems at home as the child tells the parent to stop treating me 
like a kid and the parent tells the child to stop acting like a kid 
if they want to be treated as a mature individual. Bring into the 
picture a sympathetic peer who says "they" don't understand .here 
take a (drug).

Sgt. Adamitz says that educating parents to use principal-based 
negotiation with teens rather than positional-based negotiation could 
help. Position-based negotiation is when both parties entrench their 
position and there is little or no give. In principle-based 
negotiation each tries to understand another's perspective with 
dignity and respect. Both parties must state any fears or concerns 
and then address those concerns.

Who do kids join gangs? Every person has a need to belong, feel that 
they have control over their own life, be able to make money and feel 
protected. When these needs aren't met by the family or social 
support elsewhere, kids turn to others who satisfy those needs. Also 
ethnic groups find identify and acceptance in a gang, along with 
companionship and peer respect and perceived protection. Kids often 
view gangs just as a club - no big deal. We are now seeing 
second-generation gang members.

Sgt. Adamitz discussed the various types of drugs and what they do to 
the body. He also noted that the way drugs enter the body has a 
significant affect: ingesting, snorting, injecting and smoking. Of 
these, smoking drugs are preferred because they reach the heart and 
brain within 2-5 seconds. Drugs that enter the body very fast create 
the "rush" that users talk about, because the fast entry literally 
shocks the brain.

The different types of drugs are:

1. Stimulants, or "uppers" increase heart rate, blood pressure, body 
temperature, enlarges the pupils and increases respiration. It boosts 
energy, makes one anxious, restless, aggressive. These drugs are 
found in caffeine, nicotine, energy drinks, amphetamines and khat. 
Using caffeine as an example he noted that coke has about 35 
milligrams of caffeine, regular coffee has 50 milligrams, espresso 
coffee has 80 and an energy drink has anywhere from 150 - 500 
milligrams of caffeine.

2. Depressants or "downers" lower the heart rate, slow respiration, 
muscle control, reduce pain and slow metabolism so you have poor 
muscle control, slurred speech, droopy eyes, pin-size pupils. 
Depressant examples are alcohol, heroin, morphine. GHB, codeine. Sgt. 
Adamitz also noted that alcohol greatly influences the effect of other drugs.

3. Hallucinogens (Psychedelics) or "all-arounds" alter a user's 
perception. It manipulates the senses. Our senses are what keeps us 
safe. If they are greatly impaired you have lost that safety net. 
Hallucinogens cause illusions, delusions and hallucinations. Drug 
examples are mushrooms, marihuana, ketamine, LSD or ecstasy. An 
ecstasy high can last from 6-24 hours and disrupts normal serotonin 
function. Repeated exposure leads to loss of memory or even brain damage.

A special note on marihuana.

It is much stronger now than it was in the 1960's to 80's. THC levels 
have changed from 2-3% to 10-30%. Even a small amount of THC changes 
the way your brain cells work. It can also stay in your body for up 
to 30 days or longer, continuing to do damage. It affects your 
ability to learn and remember things and alters your motivation. It 
is also sprayed with insecticides to keep down the molds, so you are 
ingesting those chemicals as well when you smoke it.

It is important to know that withdrawal of any of these types of 
drugs creates an exact opposite of what the drug does.

Warning signs that parents can look for are:

- - Burned fingers

- - Changes in friends

- - Negative changes in school work (skipping or lower grades)

- - Increased secrecy

- - Evasive behavior or lying

- - Refusal or anger when asked to talk about drugs or alcohol use 
(which indicates that you have hit a nerve)

- - New found bravery or nickname

- - Fear of police

- - Irregular hours

- - Change in clothing choices

- - Increase in borrowing money or possession of an excess of money

- - Sudden loss of interest in family activities

- - Poor physical appearance

- - Frequent cough/runny nose/rash/bruises

- - Fatigue, loss of appetite

- - Alcohol or drug posters

- - Clothing that glorifies drugs

- - Magazines such as "High Times"

- - Possesson of a fake I.D.

- - Incense or air freshener to mask smells

- - Drug-related paraphernalia (pipes, baggies, scales)

If you see any of these signs, don't wait - speak to the child 
immediately - don't dismiss the change. Also be aware that the 
younger a child is when they start using drugs and the greater 
quantity they take, this affects addiction greatly. Also if one 
member of a family has an addiction, this increases the addiction 
risk for the rest of the family members.

A video clips was shown as to how cocaine was made - quite an eye 
opener. In addition to the coca leaves, various other substances such 
as cement, caustic soda, ammonia, gasoline, quick lime, sulfuric acid 
were added to the mixture, was then filtered with a dirty cloth and 
more ammonia added. Cocaine affects dopamine production in the body. 
It erodes tooth enamel and even those who beat this addiction often 
end up taking anti-depressants for the rest of their life.

Sgt. Adamitz used two quotes to emphasize why it can be easy for 
gangs to recruit some young people: "People without hope are easy to 
control" and "When you forget your dreams, emptiness grows stronger!" 
So as a community he urged us to come together as a group, encircle 
our young, get to know your our neighbours, rebuild community - we 
all have to get involved. Kids need boundaries and expectations to 
gauge how they are doing. It truly does take a Village to raise a child.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart