YOUTH CENTRE AND POLICE TEAM UP FOR DRUG AWARENESS

Recognize The Signs Of Drug Use

Sgt. Tim Melanson said the most important thing parents can do with
their kids is talk to them.

The Nottawasaga OPP officer held a drug awareness seminar at The Door
Youth Centre in Angus Monday night. It was co-hosted by the centre and
the Essa Community Policing Committee.

As a former member of the OPP's Huronia Combined Drug Forces unit and
high-school liaison officer, Melanson has experience with both kids
and drugs.

"Speak to them straight up," he told the small group who turned out
Monday. "Don't condemn them, They're going to lie to you. But you have
to keep talking to them. You can't give up."

Melanson took the group through a tour of some of the common drugs
teenagers may be experimenting with today, including hash, marijuana,
LSD and cocaine.

And then there are household items that can be used for "a quick
high," Melanson said.

Nail polish remover, hair spray, aerosols, permanent markers and
corrective fluid are just some of the things kids can use to inhale,
or "huff."

"A lot of this information can be found on the internet," Melanson
said. "It's unbelievable what people will do to get high."

He said most kids start experimenting with drugs between the ages of
14 and 16.

He told the group some kids probably won't listen, but eventually most
make the right choice.

"How many of you drank alcohol underage?" he asked the group. "How
many of you smoked dope? We made those choices, eventually they'll
make those choices too."

After showing the parents what the drugs look like, he told them what
to keep an eye out for.

"Parents have to be aware of what their kids are doing," he said. "If
you find a burnt knife with some tar on it -- that's hash."

He also showed a variety of paraphernalia, including pipes, bongs,
scales and a book that looked like a dictionary.

"I caught a girl with this," he said, holding up the book. He opened
the cover to reveal a metal lock box hidden inside. "She had half a
pound of cocaine."

He also said to be aware of changes in their personality.

"They get moody, sleep all the time, friends change, grades go down,"
he said.

And while drugs are becoming a problem, Melanson said there are some
areas where teens have to be commended.

"You've got so many parties going on now," he explained. "I can pull
over a car with five kids in it, and they'll be drunk, but the one
behind the wheel isn't. There are a lot of designated drivers now."

Melanson said if he can educate even just one kid about the dangers of
drugs, or get the right information to one parent or loved one, it's
worth it.

"Even if only one person gets something out of this tonight, it's
worth it," he said.

Melanson said parents who think their kids might be involved with
drugs have a couple of options -- taking them to their family doctor
or calling the police.

"The Children's Aid Society can get involved for kids under 16," he
said.

Melanson also offered his services. "I'll talk to the kids," he said.
"Bring them to me."

To reach the Nottawasaga OPP, call 905-729-4004.