SAY 'KNOW' -- AND 'NO' -- TO DRUGS

Today's teens are bombarded with so many messages -- from the media,
from their peers, from their parents -- someone wanting to
communicate with them practically has to shout to be heard over the din.

But two drug prevention counsellors are hoping that by soft-selling
their anti-drug message -- and couching it in terms of "know," not
simply "no" -- they'll get the kids' attention.

"Yes, abstinence from drugs, that is the best," said Lisa Ackerman,
who works for Share Family and Community Services out of a
broom-closet office at Centennial secondary. "But with kids who are
using, how can we help them make informed choices for themselves?"

The statistics show kids are experimenting, so lecturing kids about
the evils of drugs isn't enough, agrees Karen O'Brien, who works out
of Port Coquitlam's Riverside secondary school.

The latest McCreary adolescent health survey, a detailed
questionnaire on drug and alcohol use given to students beginning in
Grade 7, showed some 57% had tried alcohol (for 17-year-olds, it's
78%) and one in five had used marijuana in the past month.

Ackerman said young people need support in making good choices and,
to that end, she's organizing a special event called "I say no to
drugs but they just don't listen" for next Tuesday, Nov. 21. But the
event, held in conjunction with Drug Awareness Week, won't be some
dry panel discussion with a bunch of adult "experts" to give teens
the dope on drugs and booze.

Instead, she has organized a social gathering with three live local
bands, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. There will also be door
prizes -- the "sugar" to make the medicine go down easily.

"For any education event, there has to be something that's enticing
to youth," said Ackerman, who was a youth recreation worker before
taking on the counselling role a month ago.

Parents are also invited to attend the event. It's a no-brainer
parents are key to prevention, said O'Brien, but they may need a
little helping in talking to their kids.

There will be booths from various social service agencies and
prevention organizations where parents and their kids can pick up
fact sheets, get referrals and generally learn more about drug and
alcohol use among teenagers.

Ackerman has also invited some inspirational speakers and teens
involved with Share who will tell the story of their own recovery journeys.

The good news for parents and teenagers interested in learning more
about the issue is that people are much more willing to talk about
what was once taboo and more is known about the effects of drugs and
alcohol on young, growing brains.

But parents worried about drug and alcohol facts being presented in a
party-like atmosphere can relax.

"Obviously, everybody has to come sober," said Ackerman, who said
youth helping organize the event, including band members, are getting
the word out and making sure their peers respect the rules. "There
very aware of that and happy to promote that to their friends."

* "I say no to drugs but they just don't listen" is scheduled for
Tuesday, Nov. 21 at Centennial secondary school, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Youth
and their parents are invited.