Pubdate: Wed, 08 Feb 2012 Source: Strathmore Standard (CN AB) Copyright: 2012 Strathmore Standard Contact: http://www.strathmorestandard.com/feedback1/LetterToEditor.aspx Website: http://www.strathmorestandard.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3322 Author: Kirsten Mundy PREVENTION IS THE KEY It's easier to have never smoked than to try and quit, and the same would apply for all drugs. For local SWAT (Strathmore, Wheatland Addictions Team) prevention is what they are always working towards. Crystal Wahl has been a member of SWAT since it's inception, and is also a Family School Liaison worker at Holy Cross Collegiate. She said communication is often the key when dealing with young people. "If you have any worries, why would you not start a conversation with your child?" asked Wahl. She explained that many parents notice the subtle signs that their child might be using drugs, but are afraid that talking about it might actually give the child ideas. Studies have shown, however, that talking about it won't make the child any more likely to use. "You're actually keeping yourself informed, and you can't really react and get the help your child needs if you're not informed," said Wahl. The main focus for Cst. Michael Fulton and the Strathmore RCMP remains to be prevention as well. "We believe in an approach that includes prevention and awareness, but to also make the persons who chose to be responsible for polluting out community accountable for their actions," said Fulton. Presently, the local RCMP detachment has four officers trained in DARE education, which is a program aimed at elementary school children educating them about drugs, smoking, alcohol and how to say no to all of the above. Right now though, only one school in the area is using the program, said Fulton, and the more who sign up the more they are able to get the message out to younger people. Ideally, it would also increase the number of parents aware of the problem in the area, and provide the RCMP with the additional information they might need to get search warrants. "Drug abuse of any kind is a serious health and social problem harming individuals, relationships and families, often irreparably. The criminality of violence that surrounds illicit drug use poses a threat to the safety of our community," said Fulton. Wahl said there are many options for parents who are worried about their children, or who would like to just start without cause. "If in doubt, phone," said Wahl. There is a provincial phone number provided by Addiction Services 24-hours a day: 1-866-332-2322. For those who would like to talk to someone a little closer to home, Wahl said the Family School Liaison at Christ the Redeemer Schools and the Community Support Workers at Golden Hills Schools would be another option. She said studies always show that parents dramatically underestimate the frequency of drug use in the youth of the day, and because of that they need to face some hard realities. According to RCMP it's not uncommon for a child as young as 12 to have tried drugs, and are usually aware of them much younger. For those who would like to learn more about drugs, SWAT will be hosting a Drug Awareness night will be hosted on Monday, February 27 at 7 p.m. at the Strathmore Youth Centre. Wahl explained that they will obviously be covering the effects and risks of ecstasy but will also discuss other drugs. "This is for anybody in the community. We don't want to just address parents." - --- [sidebar] Warning signs your child might be using drugs: Changes in eating and sleeping habits Negative changes in schoolwork, missing school or declining grades Increased secrecy about possessions of activities Use of incense, room deodorant or perfume to hide smoke or chemical odours Subtle changes in conversation with friends (more secretive, using coded language) Increase in borrowing money, or money going missing Evidence of drug paraphernalia, such as pipes, rolling papers etc. Bottles of eye drops, which may be used to mask bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils Missing prescription drugs, especially narcotics and sedatives Multiple cell phones Weight loss - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom