BECOMING DRUG AWARE

Addictions Services Encourages Parents To Talk To Kids

Addictions Services wants Labrador West families to become more drug
aware.

Kim Blake, an addictions counsellor with Labrador-Grenfell Health,
explained Addictions Awareness Week is taking place from Nov. 18-24
and it's a good opportunity for residents to learn more about drugs,
alcohol and gambling.

This year's theme 'Get Up On It' is the same as last year, however,
Ms. Blake noted the Addictions Awareness Week Planning Committee, made
up of representatives from Mental Health, Addictions Services, the
Labrador Regional Wellness Coalition and various other local community
groups, decided to focus on families.

The group has planned a parent information session Nov. 21 from 7 p.m.
to 8 p.m. at the local college, a coffee break at the local hospital
Nov. 23 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., a family skate Nov. 24 from 6:15
p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at the Lab. City Arena, and school presentations
will take place in all the schools throughout the week.

Ms. Blake said information sheets will also be distributed throughout
the community in cooperation with local grocery stores, which will
explain how parents can effectively talk to their children and teens
about alcohol and drugs.

"It's basically a week-long, educational, and fun way to deal with
important addictions issues," she said. "It's a big blitz on awareness
to make people aware of our services and of what issues are present in
our community."

According to the addictions counsellor, like any community, Labrador
West has many issues surrounding alcohol, drugs and gambling.
Addiction can claim anyone, young or old, and while Ms. Blake believes
residents are aware there are addiction problems in the community,
she's not sure people know the degree of issues.

"That's why we decided to do a parent forum," she pointed out. "It's
an opportunity for people to find out what's going on, talk about the
issues and encourage open and honest communication with children and
teenagers."

Ms. Blake feels the best way to combat addiction is through education
and prevention activities and the earlier parents start talking to
their children, the better the chances of nipping addiction in the
bud.

"If we educate our kids and ourselves about what's out there, we can
help people make an informed decision," she said. "For those who are
already going through addiction, it helps to know you aren't alone. It
doesn't have to be a family issue. There are others going through the
same thing as you."

Ms. Blake admits drugs and alcohol are a problem in Labrador West, but
don't think it's any more prevalent than any other community. The
local addictions office doesn't keep community statistics, but she did
say Addictions Services does see more drug-related clientele than in
previous years.

She pointed out the move to more drug users isn't an indicator of a
larger drug problem - it just shows how drugs of choice change.

Ms. Blake hopes Addictions Awareness Week will highlight alcohol and
drug use in Labrador West and encourage residents to become more
involved in their communities.

"We know the problems are here," she said. "The question is: what are
we going to do about it? It can be as easy as forming a group, getting
a group of like-minded people together and throwing ideas out there on
what they'd like to do to help fight addiction in the community. I
encourage people to get out to some of our activities and learn more
about the services that are already available."