THE GOOD NEWS

Every few years, there is a drug survey of students from Grades 7 to
12 to gain insight into trends and habits as reported by the students
themselves. This year, 3900 students across Newfoundland and Labrador
took part in the survey and the statistics are encouraging.

The survey suggests that five per cent more students in 2007 have
abstained from all substance abuse compared to in 2003. Alcohol,
cannabis and cigarettes continue to be the substances most commonly
used by students in Newfoundland and Labrador, keeping in line with
the rest of Atlantic Canada.

The prevalence of student alcohol use has decreased from about 58 per
cent in 2003 to 52 per cent in 2007. A notable statistic is that less
students smoked cigarettes in 2007 than any other survey year. 16.9
per cent of students reported smoking in the course of the year, as
compared to 27.3 per cent in 2003, 38.1 per cent in 1998 and 35.7 per
cent in 1996.

Cannabis use showed a decrease of 5 per cent from 35 per cent in 2003
to 29.5 per cent in 2007. This represents a reverse of the upward
trend reported in previous surveys. However, all the news is not good.

There has been an increase in the prevalence of cocaine use after
remaining consistent in 1996 and 2002. The reported rate in 2002 was
almost 3.7 per cent while the rate in 2007 was 5.3 percent. The
biggest increase is noted in the use of MDMA (or ecstasy). Results
indicate an increased prevalence from 2 per cent in 2002 up to 7.2 per
cent in 2007. I find this of great concern since virtually all ecstasy
being seized has some amount of highly addictive methamphetamine in it
as I had mentioned in the past.

Finally, the use of Psilocybin/mescaline, LSD and inhalants decreased
from 2003 to 2007. Keep in mind these figures, of course, will vary
from region to region but serve as a valuable tool of reference for
parents and those in the business of prevention efforts. It will not
likely come as a surprise to parents that the mean age of youth
experimenting with alcohol has dropped from 17 years of age in 1965 to
the age of 13 today. This is a reflection of societal values, and one
of concern. Remember, alcohol is a drug too. The average brain does
not finish developing until the age of 21. How can youth make informed
responsible decisions about the use of substances until they have all
their literal "wits" about them? Do 14-year-olds know the dangers they
are getting into when they give into the pressures etc. to use drugs
and alcohol? Lowering the statistics mentioned above is part of my job
with youth awareness focus as a central priority, at progressively
younger and younger ages. However, let's look at ourselves as parents
and the examples we set.

There is a reason for a legal drinking age, don't forget. I have dealt
with a fair share of enraged parents over the years when we have had
to pick up their son or daughter that were under the influence and
take them home. The parents are understandably upset that some older
individual had provided their child with alcohol. The court system has
supported strong sentencing for such offenders. Parents have to keep
open lines of communication with their children and play a critical
role in setting proper examples and guiding their children in making
wise choices. Say No to Drugs.