WORKSHOP TEACHES PARENTS ABOUT DRUGS

When it comes to kids and drugs, the best prevention is communication.

Curtis Lockinger, addictions counselor at the Alberta Alcohol and
Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC), said sometimes parents just need a
little bit of help when it comes to talking to their kids.

The Kids and Drugs workshop is a province-wide initiative between
Alberta Health Services and the RCMP in an effort to teach parents,
so they, in turn, can help educate their children about the dangers
drugs can have on their young lives. Lockinger along with Tina
Prodaniuk, Town of Whitecourt crime prevention co-ordinator,
facilitate the workshop.

"Essentially [the workshop] is a parent's guide to prevention," he said.

"Parents that are in the dark or want to know a little bit more
information can come to the session. We spend the great majority of
time speaking about communication."

Though a workshop was scheduled to take place last month, a low
turnout meant it had to be cancelled. Lockinger and Prodaniuk are
working towards another workshop in September.

Beyond communication, the workshop also focuses on teaching parents
about different types of drugs and their effects, along with signs
and symptoms of drug use, including what parents should look for if
they suspect their child might be using.

"The majority of the presentation is focused on what might be more
readily available in Whitecourt," he said.

Alcohol, marijuana and crack/cocaine are among the most prevalent
drugs in the area, he said, adding that parents are encouraged to ask
questions about other drugs they might be concerned about. Lockinger
also brings along a drug kit containing replicas of various illegal
drugs, so parents can get a chance to see what they look like.

Peer pressure and parental influence are also topics of discussion
with the workshop. Lockinger said parents are the most influential
people in a child's life.

"It all really comes back to communication and communicating
effectively with your child," he explained. "Often we tell people to
avoid accusatory conversations. Nobody is going to win when that
happens. It's about hearing both sides of the story."

Questions directed at children should also be open-ended, which
allows for more interpretation. Lockinger said with this method of
questioning a parent could learn something new about their child every day.

"Effective communication doesn't start when all of a sudden you
realize your kid is using drugs," he said. "It starts before that. In
the hopes that the more open and effective your relationship is, the
less chance there would be for children to make poor decisions."

Lockinger said there is currently a focus on asset building, which is
a community-based development of relationships and partnerships
between youth, parents, school and other community and youth groups.

"In order for a child to be safe and responsible, the more assets
that they have, the better chance they have to grow up to be
successful and/or drug free," he said.

Drugs exist in all schools, whether they be in small or large, urban
or rural centres, he said. Living in a small town doesn't protect or
shelter children from drugs.

For more information call Lockinger at 780-778-7123.