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Arming Parents With Facts On Drugs
Pubdate: Fri, 28 Oct 2005
Source: Goldstream Gazette (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Goldstream Gazette
Contact: http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1291
Author: Rick Stiebel
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)
ARMING PARENTS WITH FACTS ON DRUGS
Keeping kids safe from drug abuse is a balancing act in need of
adjustment, says RCMP Cpl. Scott Rintoul, the keynote speaker at a
Drug Information Night for Parents Nov. 1 in Langford.
What's missing in the balance is more parental involvement, said
Rintoul, head of an RCMP intelligence probe on criminal drug trends in
B.C. since 1998.
"Parental intervention is a key in reducing drug use," he said.
"Parents have the No. 1 responsibility."
Too many parents rely on schools and sports coaches to educate kids
about the danger of drugs, Rintoul said, pointing out that the process
has to begin before kids start to use, which can be as early as 11
years old.
"Parents have to be good role models," he said. "That responsibility
starts once a kid is born and continues through to
grandparenting."
Today's youth face a new generation of drugs, like crystal meth and
Ecstasy, that are far more addictive and damaging than marijuana or
cocaine, said Rintoul, who has made hundreds of presentations to
schools and community groups.
Modern drugs are mass produced by organized crime and are readily
available and relatively cheap, said Rintoul, who regularly attends
raves, concerts and night clubs to monitor drug trends.
"If there ever was a time to help youth take care of their lives, it's
the year 2005," he said.
Parents need to have a level of communication that provides kids with
the resilience to make the right choice, said Rintoul, a former drug
enforcement officer.
His presentation will also cover enforcement and treatment issues
arising from the new wave of drugs.
"We need to come down heavy on the supply, and have a system where
treatment is available on demand," he said. "Individuals must get help
right away. They are truly victims, and need help 24-7."
The Drug Information Night for Parents, the fourth sponsored by the
West Shore RCMP, is in response to requests from the community, said
West Shore RCMP Cpl. Brian Kerr.
Kerr, head of the detachment's street crime unit, says he's seen
steady increases in crystal meth and Ecstasy on the streets over the
past three years.
"I get calls, almost on a monthly basis, from parents of kids 12 to 17
years of age," he said. "Parents are looking for answers, and Scott is
great at providing them."
The Drug Information presentation takes place at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at
Isabelle Reader Theatre in Spencer Middle School at 1026 Goldstream
Ave.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin