A BOOK ALL PARENTS SHOULD HAVE TO READ

I just finished reading a book that I think all parents should
read.

With modern day problems, with what I call "heavy drugs", parents
should be aware of all the signs their children may be hooked on a
drug and the different rehabilitation centres available for treatment.

"Beautiful Boy" is a heartbreaking tale written by David Sheff. His
book details the troubles his son had as a young teenager with drugs,
and the downward spiral his son encountered as he started taking
heavier drugs.

It is unbelievable how difficult it can be for a teenager (or an
adult) addict to shake their habits. Sheff talks about his son, Nic,
whose battle with drugs nearly cost him his life several times.

Nic would be clean for over a year, then a girlfriend would break up
with him or a traumatic incident would happen in his life, then all
would fall through again.

His desire to feel the high off crystal methamphetamine,
crack-cocaine, ecstasy, or heroine was stronger than his desire to
stay clean.

Why do I feel this book is a critical piece of literature for both
parents and their teenagers?

I constantly hear stories from local parents, teachers and students
about mid-teens selling, using and abusing drugs.

These local students are well known to be trafficking ecstasy, cocaine
and other heavy drugs.

What is happening to our world?

I remember when I was a teenager, not that long ago, my parents had to
worry about alcohol, marihuana and maybe magic mushrooms in my school.

Now parents have grown to realize, in the whole scheme of things,
those drugs are not nearly as life threatening as some of the drugs
our children can find on school grounds.

I think most teenagers are kindhearted and really only want to fit in
with their peers. This fact concerns me, especially knowing the drug
problem we are facing in our communities.

Sheff's book, like many in the literary world, outlines an addict's
story.

He explains not only what his son went through, but also the impact
the drugs had on his family and friends.

His well researched information about addiction helped to make his
story not only a biography of his son, but it highlights how a parent
can detect telltale signs their child is using or involved with drugs.

For me, it was a heartbreaking story about a family who cared enough
to keep trying to break their son out of a life threatening habit.

I'm sure for many addict's parents it is a reality. Sheff explains
searching the streets for hours when his son would suddenly take off
on one of his drug-induced explorations.

Imagine having to put all your efforts into cleaning up your child. It
tears apart their family and makes it hard for their parents,
siblings, and friends to think about anything else but cleaning up the
addict. It consumes your life.

So how do we nip the province-wide, even nation-wide problem that is
consuming us?

I believe educating ourselves and our future generation about how
these drugs can overwhelm our lives is the key.

It may sound trite, but just saying no is the answer. We have to find
a way to explain to our youth, that although there may be a lot of
peer pressure, stay away from the drugs.

Unless they want to live on the street, alone and living like thieves,
they should take a step back and evaluate where they want their lives
to go.