THE DOPE ON DRUG USE

Straightforward Message Is Aimed At Scaring Teens Away From Substance Abuse

Parents and teachers can warn, scare and intimidate teens about
drugs, but a Toronto psychologist and brain researcher insists the
better way is to use utter honesty about the negatives -- and positives.

That's why Dr. Ron Clavier, touring Alberta on a crystal meth
education campaign, told students at Bishop Grandin High School in
Calgary: "There are lots of reasons to do drugs. It makes you feel good."

Fact duly noted by the teens.

"We humans are also curious and we need to know information," he
said. There was silence.

"We're also social and we live in our peer societies, and I can't
tell you what you do to be part of a group, but at some point, you
may decide to go against the group and experience the consequences,
like being shunned."

Not surprisingly, one student thoughtfully asked Clavier why the good
doctor wouldn't try crystal meth, just to satisfy an inquiring mind.

Clavier, whose tour is sponsored by the Council on Drug Abuse and
Shoppers Drug Mart, explained he couldn't stomach the consequences.

"As much as I'd like to know, I don't want to personally pay the
price of trying, even once."

The teen's question and a non-judgmental response is Clavier's main
message, and one he explains thoroughly in his new book, Teen Brain,
Teen Mind: What Parents Need to Know to Survive the Adolescent Years
(Key Porter, 2005).

The neuroscientist insists drug education is not about railing
against a creepy new version of an old drug -- crystal meth is a
potent, highly addictive form of speed -- but to explore drugs from a
teen's perspective and inspire a well of feeling that will prompt
executive-level decisions.

"It's cruel for teens not to know that what's going to happen to
their brains is just normal development," he argues.

"They may think there's something wrong with them, but it's normal,
and, most important of all, these changes must happen under chemical
equilibrium and balance."

On drugs, the brain is potentially disabled, he told Bishop Grandin students.

"I'm sorry to tell you that you could end up going through life with
the body of an adult and the brain of a child if you add drugs,
including alcohol."

Still, the lure will be powerful and a teen will need spidey senses
- -- well-considered thoughts and feelings -- to walk away.

"When you first try a drug -- any drug -- there is a bang that goes
off like a canon in your brain."

Unexpectedly, Clavier startled the students with a heart-stopping shout.

"This is called the sweet high," he offered calmly.

"But by the 17th time, you now have a tolerance, and what junkies
want is the sweet high and the search is on.

"They will never, ever retrieve it, because the brain powerfully
stores that memory and it is no longer reacting in the same way to
the same input."

Clavier has the students' attention and they now want facts on meth.

Here's what he tells them:

- - The short-term effects include hyperactivity, decreased appetite,
irritability, tremors and convulsions.

- - Long-term effects include stroke, heart problems and "rapid
thoughts, meaningless thoughts, can't hold your thoughts."

- - Crystal meth is closely related to amphetamines and quickly addictive.

- - For as little as $5, you can get high. A meth high can last up to
10 or 12 hours.

- - It is difficult to know its strength or ingredients, making it
potentially toxic.

Meth, he offers, is one drug. There are many others, including alcohol.

"Alcohol is the most damaging drug of all," he says with little
drama. "Alcohol kills brain cells."

But everyone knows this and it makes little difference on a Saturday night.

So Clavier employs a different approach and it is typical of the
thrust and parry he uses to reach teens.

He has them on his side. They are giving him undivided attention and
many are still unnerved by his big bang theory about the sweet high.

Here's what he offers:

"There are three things I want you to ask yourself -- and you don't
have to tell me, because it's none of my business. But you need to
think about this. These are the main factors that indicate a
vulnerability to alcohol abuse."

- - Does anyone in your family, genetically related to you, have a
problem with drugs or alcohol or pain medications?

- - When you first tried alcohol or beer, did you like the taste? Most
people do not like the taste. They have to get used to it. Those who
like the taste have been found to be more likely to become addicted.

- - And thirdly, can you drink alcohol in higher quantities than others
around you?"

There is little response.

It doesn't mean they're not thinking, Clavier said later.

In a noon-hour session with teachers, the psychologist explains how
the same thing happens when you confront a teen about drug abuse.

"The fact is, a student is not likely to use crystal meth and come to
school, so you won't see the effects."

What adults will see is withdrawal, the down phase of the cycle of
drug use, he explains.

"They don't come down to their regular self, though. They go below.
They suffer lack of sleep. So, if they used last night, they are more
depressed, not as vibrant, no colour in their cheeks."

The watchword, Clavier offered, is change. "Notice big changes."

And then confront them.

"Not with, 'I know you're doing drugs, you're a mess.'

"Instead, say something like, 'Can I speak to you for a second. I
know you and something's wrong. You're not yourself.' "

In response, the student might say, "Hey, everything's fine, I'm OK, trust me."

Be assured, the impact will stick, says the psychologist.

"The kid may act cavalier to your face, but will later be haunted by
the reality that he's not as invisible as he thought he was."

And for the teen brain, that's hitting them where they feel it.

It may pave the cerebral path, later, for a student to accept help.

Where to Go for Help

- - To better understand teen development, read Dr. Ron Clavier's Teen
Brain, Teen Mind: What Parents Need to Know to Survive the Adolescent
Years (Key Porter, 2005). Clavier also writes a column for Canadian
Living magazine.

- - Council on Drug Abuse information is at www.drugabuse.ca.

- - The Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission's website is
www.aadac.com. Lots of drug facts and resources are available. Or
call 297-3071. The provincewide helpline is 1-866-332-2322.

- - A three-part series of one-hour information sessions on physical,
psychological and family effects of substance abuse (and gambling) is
held at the downtown Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission
office, 1177 11th Ave. S.W. on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m.

- - Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission's youth services, 1005
17th St. N.W., serves young people 12 to 17 years of age. Assessment,
referral, outpatient counselling and programming is available. Call 297-4664.

- - Distress Centre's 24-hour crisis line is 266-1601.