FORUM TACKLES DRUG ABUSE ISSUE

Tackling Drug Abuse Is the Theme of a Public Forum at Beban Park on
Tuesday (Nov. 21).

The forum, put on by Nanaimo Alcohol and Drug Addiction Committee and
NADAC affiliates, coincides with Addiction Awareness week, which runs
Nov. 21-25.

"The purpose is to have a physical event that demonstrates to the
community that it's worth being aware of this issue and there's some
good work going on around it," says Steve Arnett, Nanaimo Youth
Services Association executive director.

This is the third such community forum. Last year's event drew large
crowds concerned about the threat of crystal meth, which is growing
in use in some Lower Mainland communities.

NADAC will officially unveil and seek comment on its 30-page
strategic planning document at this year's forum.

Among the goals of that plan is to provide youth objective
information without preaching to them.

"What we've learned with young people, as soon as you do that their
ears close down and their eyes glaze over," Arnett said.

Parents want to give their children information, but many feel
they're in the dark.

"A kid might say I think I'm going to try crystal meth, or something
else, and they can go to this website and find out what the dangers
are and what the effects are, and what to do if you're wired for
sound." Arnett said.

The planning document goes online Nov. 21 at www.nysa.bc.ca/. Drug
information will also be made available.

Other events during the week include an information booth at
Woodgrove Centre, all day Saturday (Nov. 25) and an advertising
campaign reminding the public that NADAC is there for those who need it.

The forum is open to the public and takes place Nov. 21 at Beban Park
social lounge, from 7-9 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Snuneymuxw Health Centre is hosting a dinner and a
one-hour performance by Students Working Against Tobacco at the
Snuneymuxw Longhouse kitchen Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. The event is aimed at
Snuneymuxw youth.