WHAT YOUTH CAN TEACH US ABOUT ADDICTIONS

In keeping with the adage, "Nothing about us, without us", part of the
"Consultation on Chilliwack's Children" held at Sardis Senior on May
21 was a consultation with young people. Their opinions were sought on
a series of questions about what adults can do to assist youth with
the challenges of addiction.

Youth were recruited from the three Chilliwack High Schools
(Chilliwack Senior, Sardis Senior and GW Graham) , Stolo Youth Council
and Chilliwack Community Services . Many of the young people from
Community Services represented the alternate education system. The
idea was to bringing together a diverse range of young people - those
in "leadership" positions in high school, those from Aboriginal
culture and those experiencing some difficulty in school. In all 27
youth participated.

There was considerable controversy about this event. The focus was
originally "responsible use", beginning with the idea that the
majority of youth will experiment with alcohol and marijuana, some
going on to be more regular or problematic users. Evidence from the
McCreary Centre Adolescent Health Survey has consistently supported
this premise. Although of concern in communities, the rates of use
for "harder drugs" such as cocaine and crystal meth cannot be
considered as big a threat to the whole population. The focus of the
workshop was to be on elements considered commonplace in adult life to
which youth are exposed. This population health focus led to thinking
about alcohol, marijuana and the internet (including pornography,
gaming and gambling).

The controversy about the topic was that it could convey the wrong
message - any use of alcohol and marijuana is illegal use; ergo, can't
be responsibly used by youth. The good thing about controversy is it
invites people to engage with a topic. Consequently a number of
community leaders assisted in framing the questions to be answered by
youth.

The youth considered questions such as, what do you think of current
addiction programming? What more could we be doing to help young people?

Their responses display some of the dichotomous thinking in society
with respect to harms associated with substance use. The dualism goes
something like this-harm is really addiction and addiction is when
your life is ruined. We can all tend to see things in extreme and miss
the harms done in the gray areas. Some youth thought that stories of
addiction, such as scare tactics had effect whereas others thought
that these would have little efficacy with older youth who were
already experimenting and using alcohol.

Youth are savvy to what research demonstrates-there is need for
continuous prevention practice. One shot programs eventually lose
effectiveness and require booster sessions. They were also aware that
relationships with peers play a critical role as do relationships with
families and teachers. The adult world needs to listen and not just
"tell kids" what to think and do but join with kids in much needed
close relationships.

Some youth saw a role for older youth educating young people in middle
school where they believe the major exposure to substances begins.
They think younger kids will listen to older kids, different than when
adults speak. This education would involve not simply "awareness" but
knowing how to cope with peer pressure. They thought that older -to-
younger model could be linked with university student leadership.

All good input for adult planning processes.

Dr. Rob Lees is the Community Psychologist for the Ministry of
Children and Family Development in Chilliwack.