YOUTH FORUM TACKLES ADDICTIONS

Peel Regional Police Cst. Lee-Ann Turza had a strong message this
evening for a group of more than 20 teenagers who might be curious
about drugs.

"Once the drug is in the system, the drug takes over," said the
18-year veteran officer, referring to cases where people jump off
buildings believing they can fly because they are high on ecstasy or
some other type of hallucinogenic. "You are now not in a position to
make good choices, and the consequences could be fatal."

Turza, who serves as the force's drug education officer, along with
a handful of youth outreach and support workers, were on hand this
evening to speak to a group of teens about drugs and drinking at the
annual Peel Multicultural Council (PMC) youth forum.

Addictions and substance abuse were the topics of discussion at this
year's forum, held at the PMC office at 6630 Turner Valley Rd.

The forum explored the specific needs of youth, what underlying
causes may be unique to younger people, how addictions can affect
the lives of youth, as well as how solutions must be tailored not
only to youth, but also to the many diverse groups that make up the
youth population.

"Life is all about choice," Turza said. "In the end, you have to
make the choice that's right for you."

Turza also talked about the peer pressure to take drugs and how
teens need to overcome it "because peer pressure is present in adult
life as well."

"The sooner we learn to accept ourselves for who we are and not
conform to the expectations of others, the better off we'll be," she
said. "Stay true to yourself."

Ian Baker, of Our Place Peel, a homeless shelter for youth, spoke
about his organization's HYPE (Helping Youth Prepare Effectively)
program, which he coordinated.

The program works with youth to be successful once they have left
the shelter. Through building community connections, staff support,
and a variety of workshops, HYPE is being built to give youth the
life skills they require to make it on their own.

Bakers said he believes HYPE will reduce youth returning to the
shelter system as well as long-term reliance on Ontario Works support.

Michelle Molligan and Amanda De Goeas, both outreach workers with
the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, also spoke to the youths.

"Because addictions can manifest themselves differently in youth
than in adults, many young people can develop serious problems and
yet do not receive the help they need," said Brendan McCallum, PMC
youth forum coordinator. "The signs are not picked up by
those around them, or their behaviour is dismissed as part of being
young and growing up."

Youth brought up in a diverse area such as the GTA can face even
more problems, as background and culture can add another layer to an
already complex problem, McCallum added.