ADULT RELATIONSHIPS CAN CURB DRUG ABUSE

Compassionate parenting and proactive counseling about youth drug
abuse -- including getting high on cold medicine -- is urged by a local
youth clinician.

Reg Fleming, of Vancouver Island Health Authority's Discovery Youth
and Family Substance-Use Services, was concerned but not surprised
about a recent spike in stoned teens reporting to Cowichan District
Hospital's ER after using non-prescription cold syrups and pills.

Over-the-counter remedies -- from Chloracetin 2, Tylenol and Benylin to
Vicks NyQuil and Robitussin -- could contain liver-toxifying
acetamenophen and/or dextromethorphan (DXM) that can harm breathing,
said the CDH's Dr. Valorie Cunningham.

Solutions to abuse aren't simple.

"Drug use by young people is a really complicated issue, and there are
lots of determinants," said Fleming, who's been involved with youth
substance-abuse issues on the island since 1993.

Beside drugs spanning cannabis, crystal meth, cocaine and crack, some
teens now take mega-doses of common cold medicines after hearing about
them by word of mouth and other ways, he explained.

Discovery has a two-person counseling team in Duncan helping kids --
privately or in public outreach sessions-- using various drugs.

"During a school presentation, 10 youths self reported as having used
DXM in the past, or currently."

He applauded London Drugs' recent decision to haul a range of cold
medicines behind pharmacy shelves, and off store shelves where they
could be bought or stolen for getting high.

"That's a good move," said Fleming.

Other moves against drug abuse can come from parents building a
strong, listening-based relationship with their children.

"Part of this points to a need for adults to monitor and supervise
their teenagers," said Fleming.

"Some kids put out the message 'Give me my space and don't ask these
questions.'

"But kids who connect with at least one adult are at less
risk."

Open ears and eyes are both needed by parents.

"Look for significant changes in their behavior, then ask what's going
on in a calm, matter-of-fact way.

"Running an interrogation is a good way to lose the
relationship."

Keeping kids engaged in school, arts and athletic programs also
reduces a young person's risk of dope use.

It's also about parents and family building confidence among youths
"and a sense that there's a lot to life," noted Fleming.

That family closeness allows noticing anything wonky in youths' daily
routines that don't include pills and other substances.

"There's a growing trend in the province around youths using
prescription drugs not intended for them," said Fleming who began
working with youths and families in 1984.

"It's a matter of monitoring and supervision.

"But it's important to begin with "Let's get to know each other"
before delving into what and why they're doing something.

"A parent needs to maintain good communication with their kids so the
kid doesn't think 'The only time my parents want to talk to me is when
I'm screwing up.'"

But Fleming and others with Discovery are eager to talk with families,
youths and teachers whenever they seek advice about substance abuse.

"Parents know their kids best and those are the relationships that
count.

"If a school indicates this (abuse) is somewhat of an issue, that's
how we determine it (counseling action)."

Fleming was frank about families facing the scourge of drugs and other
deadly compounds.

"If you have concerns about your young person who may be using drugs,
have that conversation with them or call this number and identify what
you'd like: 250-739-5790.

Other help is available at healthlinkBC, and at 811 for more
resources.