MAGAZINE AIMS TO CUT THROUGH DRUG HAZE IN HIGH SCHOOLS

Students To Get 'Hip And Entertaining' Information

In many high schools, it's easier to get high than it is to buy cigarettes.
While convenience store clerks will often ask for ID, the local drug dealer
never does.

Marijuana, acid and mushrooms are readily available in schools for those
looking for a cure for boredom or a rebellious fix.

Jason Ross, an 18-year-old high school student in Scarborough, says heroin
can also be purchased at his school. "It's not that easy to get, but the
scary thing is that it's not impossible."

Ironically, formal drug education in high school usually ends at Grade 9.
And many students believe the drug information provided by the school system
is behind the times.

For example, marijuana is painted as ``bad'' despite evidence it can be a
helpful medical aid and the belief in some quarters that it's less harmful
than alcohol.

"I think marijuana use is somewhat accepted. It's the same as alcohol - it's
a social thing. Some people like to get together with their friends and
drink. Others like to get together and smoke," comments Garrett Kindermann,
an 18-year-old high school graduate.

Most young people say they pick up their information about the do's and
don'ts of drug use from other students.

"I learned everything from my friends. There is no drug education any more,
only drug glorification," observes Kathy Zahakos, 19.

In September, there will be a change.

George Turanski - with the help of fellow adults Darius Izewski, Robert
Morwood and Jeff Williams - will launch Aware: The Metro Drug Awareness Guide.

With the approval of the Toronto District School Board, the team will
distribute 40,000 copies of the quarterly magazine free to students age 12
and up.

Aware will provide up-to-date information on drugs and offer preventive
information that aims to stop serious drug abuse before it begins.

"Our motivation is to reach young kids before they become victims of
substance abuse," says Turanski, the editor-in-chief. "We want to arm them
with knowledge to protect themselves against all the temptations which could
destroy their lives."

The colourful magazine will feature a question-and-answer section,
information on drug street lingo, interviews and articles on everything from
steroid use and substance abuse programs to antibiotic resistance. It's
hardly your typical "Don't do drugs" flyer.

"Some kids felt they knew certain things about drugs and were surprised when
they found out there was a lot more to know than they initially assumed,"
Turanski says.

Supporters of this self-described "hip and entertaining, yet informative"
magazine include Mel Lastman, the Toronto Blue Jays, Mothers Against Drunk
Driving and the Maple Leafs.

To contribute to Aware, call (416) 462-3041. Or contact by E-mail:
aware@idirect.com.

Erin Jackson, 19, recently graduated from Thornlea Secondary School in
Thornhill.