COMMUNITY TACKLES DRUG ABUSE

Substance abuse is a growing problem in New Brunswick communities,
according to the RCMP.

Police say more youth are exposed to drugs every day, and more people
become addicts.

But some area residents say they don't plan on letting drugs take hold of
their community.

"We're going to be proactive and arm ourselves with knowledge and
strategies in the fight against substance abuse," said New Maryland Mayor
Frank Dunn.

"There's a high risk of substance abuse among teens and adults in the
province of New Brunswick. It's not much of a problem in New Maryland right
now, but we want to make sure it never becomes a problem in our community."

The New Maryland council's policing committee is holding a public meeting
to mobilize against substance abuse in rural areas.

It will take place on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the New Maryland Centre.

Allie McIntyre, member of the committee, said the meeting will help people
recognize the signs and dangers of substance abuse.

It will serve as an open forum on strategies for keeping drug problems out
of communities, McIntyre said.

The idea for the meeting came after an RCMP presentation in Chipman on
crystal methamphetamine and in Blackville on other drugs.

"At one time, experts would go around to communities who have drug problems
and tell them what to do," McIntyre said.

"That rarely works, so what we're trying to do is have the community take
ownership of this. We want to identify any problems we might have now or in
the future and ways we can solve those problems."

RCMP members, researchers from the University of New Brunswick and
employees of New Brunswick addiction services will be in attendance.

New Maryland, Chipman, Maugerville, McAdam and Stanley residents are also
expected at the meeting.

RCMP Sgt. Derek Strong said it's gratifying and encouraging to see a
community take a proactive approach to substance abuse.

"Clearly, New Maryland is looking at the world around them and seeing that
substance abuse in communities is a major problem that's growing," Strong said.

"Learning about the risks and signs of substance abuse is of the upmost
important. If you're pre-armed, you don't have to wait until it becomes an
epidemic like it has in so many other towns."

Dunn said he's hoping for a big turnout for the meeting. The more community
members involved, he said, the better.

"It's extremely important that we work together on this issue," Dunn said.

"No family, no individual and no community should have to deal with
substance abuse alone. If we can work together, we can keep it from
becoming a problem."

Strong said the meeting shouldn't scare people but it should serve as a
warning that drugs can become a huge issue in a community if not dealt with
right away.

He said drugs problems can cripple a community -- doubling the crime rate
and sucking community resources dry.

"Substance abuse is far too prevalent, especially amongst youth, so we're
extremely happy communities are starting to take notice and make a
commitment to change that," Strong said.

"Taking a proactive approach is the best way to deal with substance abuse.
Let's not wait until the problem has a strong foothold in our communities."