TELLTALE SIGNS

Parents might not guess an empty soda can with holes punched in it
could be a pipe for smoking marijuana, but after a series of seminars
slated for next month, they will be able to spot these and other
telltale warning signs of a child with a drug problem, according to
Dedham Police Officer Richard Huyler.

The "Citizens Drug Recognition Academy" is a free program for parents
running on Nov. 2, 9, 16, and 30 from 7-9 p.m. at the Dedham Middle
School auditorium. Huyler said the program will teach participants
how to recognize different types of drugs and drug paraphernalia, and
how drugs affect behavior in kids.

"I'm hoping that parents learn what to look for in their children,"
Huyler said yesterday.

The program will also teach parents what to do if they suspect drug
abuse, and what resources are available for help in the community, Huyler said.

The program is sponsored by Dedham Police, and will feature
multimedia presentations.

"The presentations will include how to talk to our kids about drugs,
how to reduce the risk of prescription drug abuse and resources for
parents," said the program's creator, Marilyn Belmonte, a drug
recognition instructor at the Middlesex County Sheriff's Department.

Huyler said an important goal of the program is to teach parents to
see drug abuse indicators early, before an addiction gets out of control.

"Unfortunately, sometimes the parents are the last ones to know," Huyler said.

Parents with questions about the program can call Gail Kelley, Dedham
Schools Nurse Leader at 781-320-8923.