Pubdate: Tue, 21 Mar 2017
Source: Recorder & Times, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2017 Recorder and Times
Contact: http://www.recorder.ca/letters
Website: http://www.recorder.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2216
Author: Michael Nihme
Page: A6

HEAD OFF THE NEED FOR DRUGS AMONG TEENS

To the editor: Whether it be teen and pre-teen angst, home life trauma
or latent mental illness, something is causing the pain that has our
children turning to the medicine cabinet for relief. Once they do,
they may trigger a mental illness, an inherited addiction, or a need
for a bigger thrill (party on!).

Our children have to be approached early on in order to head off the
need for drugs to alleviate emotional pain. Strong and sympathetic
parents, or teachers/counsellors, are needed to help us understand and
appreciate their pain or the pain their peers are experiencing. Group
discussion may also greatly benefit our children.

Drugs are not the answer; sympathy, compassion and early intervention
are. And legalized marijuana will only exacerbate the opioid crisis.

Michael Nihme
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MAP posted-by: Matt