Pubdate: Wed, 17 Jun 2009
Source: Whitecourt Star (CN AB)
Copyright: 2009 Osprey Media
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/aG6JNwyF
Website: http://www.whitecourtstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/718
Author: Katie Alton
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)

WORKSHOP TEACHES PARENTS ABOUT DRUGS

When it comes to kids and drugs, the best prevention is communication.

Curtis Lockinger, addictions counselor at the Alberta Alcohol and 
Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC), said sometimes parents just need a 
little bit of help when it comes to talking to their kids.

The Kids and Drugs workshop is a province-wide initiative between 
Alberta Health Services and the RCMP in an effort to teach parents, 
so they, in turn, can help educate their children about the dangers 
drugs can have on their young lives. Lockinger along with Tina 
Prodaniuk, Town of Whitecourt crime prevention co-ordinator, 
facilitate the workshop.

"Essentially [the workshop] is a parent's guide to prevention," he said.

"Parents that are in the dark or want to know a little bit more 
information can come to the session. We spend the great majority of 
time speaking about communication."

Though a workshop was scheduled to take place last month, a low 
turnout meant it had to be cancelled. Lockinger and Prodaniuk are 
working towards another workshop in September.

Beyond communication, the workshop also focuses on teaching parents 
about different types of drugs and their effects, along with signs 
and symptoms of drug use, including what parents should look for if 
they suspect their child might be using.

"The majority of the presentation is focused on what might be more 
readily available in Whitecourt," he said.

Alcohol, marijuana and crack/cocaine are among the most prevalent 
drugs in the area, he said, adding that parents are encouraged to ask 
questions about other drugs they might be concerned about. Lockinger 
also brings along a drug kit containing replicas of various illegal 
drugs, so parents can get a chance to see what they look like.

Peer pressure and parental influence are also topics of discussion 
with the workshop. Lockinger said parents are the most influential 
people in a child's life.

"It all really comes back to communication and communicating 
effectively with your child," he explained. "Often we tell people to 
avoid accusatory conversations. Nobody is going to win when that 
happens. It's about hearing both sides of the story."

Questions directed at children should also be open-ended, which 
allows for more interpretation. Lockinger said with this method of 
questioning a parent could learn something new about their child every day.

"Effective communication doesn't start when all of a sudden you 
realize your kid is using drugs," he said. "It starts before that. In 
the hopes that the more open and effective your relationship is, the 
less chance there would be for children to make poor decisions."

Lockinger said there is currently a focus on asset building, which is 
a community-based development of relationships and partnerships 
between youth, parents, school and other community and youth groups.

"In order for a child to be safe and responsible, the more assets 
that they have, the better chance they have to grow up to be 
successful and/or drug free," he said.

Drugs exist in all schools, whether they be in small or large, urban 
or rural centres, he said. Living in a small town doesn't protect or 
shelter children from drugs.

For more information call Lockinger at 780-778-7123.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom