DRUGS COST BRAIN CELLS

Dear Rhona: This girl in my Grade 9 class is doing drugs. She even acts
proud of it. A "friend" gives them to her for free because she's new in town
but I'm worried she'll start doing "favours" to get them. She' has great
potential so I don't want to see her become an addict. Is there anything I
can do?

- - Stepping In

Dear SI: I'm a big fan of being honest about drugs. The "just say no"
approach doesn't work because it doesn't address the REASON people do
drugs. And that's because it feels good. It's the same motive for
drinking or riding the roller coaster. The unfortunate part of
ordering in a synthetic sensation is the price tag left after the high
evaporates (and they all do). The higher you go, the steeper the drop,
the more costly the aftermath. Drugs like Ecstasy and speed fry
essential parts of the brain, making one more susceptible to
depression and memory problems.

Most teenagers don't spend a lot of time planning for the future, so
the instant payoff is alluring while the down side is dangerously
unrepresented. Arm yourself with pamphlets from any teen clinic or
doctor's office and leave them for your friend. You can also initiate
a conversation as to how her life is going. I bet some gnarly problems
with family, friends or self-esteem issues aren't far from the
surface. Teenage years are a time of experimenting with ways to define
oneself. The trick is not to lose brain cells in the process.

Independence requires an intact intellect. Go talk.

Rhona welcomes all questions and comments. visit www.rhona.com.