TEACHERS LEARN HOW TO TALK TO STUDENTS ABOUT ADDICTIONS

Two-Day Workshop Attracts 130 Teachers

MEMBERTOU - Talking to students about addictions should come easier
to 130 teachers following a two-day workshop that ended Friday.

Junior and high school students are more socially informed with
today's easier access to information on sources like the Internet,
said facilitator Nancy Levy. However, they often lack the level of
maturity that traditionally grows at the same rate as awareness.

"We need to listen more to their experiences," said Levy. "Media is so
strong. It's a different world."

The workshops, held at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, gave
teachers practical techniques they can apply in the classroom to help
students learn independently about drugs and alcohol use. The
information can be used when interacting with peers as well.

"When students miss (class) time because of substance abuse, it
effects their ability to learn," said Levy.

Mary Lou Andrea, healthy living consultant with the Cape
Breton-Victoria Regional School Board, said the workshop should also
help teachers identify youth at risk and to give teachers greater
comfort when approaching addiction topics.

Joanne Chabassol, manager of prevention and community education for
addiction services in this region, said substance abuse is a serious
public health concern that can result in personal injury, unplanned,
unprotected sexual activity, unsafe driving and criminal activity.

Effective school-based programs have the potential to reach beyond the
classroom, impacting on families and the community, she said.

"Drug prevention is most effective when taught as part of a
comprehensive health curriculum by teachers who have an understanding
of the best practices in addiction prevention."

The workshops were funded by Health Canada through the Drug Strategy
Community Initiatives Fund.