PROGRAM PROVES BENEFICIAL

Battle River Drug Response Task Force Identifies A Need For A Support
Group To Assist Parents Of Addicted Teens

Camrose Canadian -- They were six very beneficial weeks for parents
participants in the Battle River Drug Response Task Force program.
During the sessions parents were given support and information on
dealing with drug and alcohol abuse in their children. The program
was designed to give parents the power to reclaim their lives, their
homes and get off the roller coaster often caused by children's
dependencies on drugs and alcohol.

Positive

"The program provided a lot of positive information, education and
networking possibilities to help parents take back control," said
facilitator Yvonne Allen. She said that constable Craig Ferguson of
the Camrose Police Service provided valuable information regarding
what to look for to help identify drug use.

"The parents felt this was very helpful as parents are not
necessarily aware of the signs or some of the drug paraphernalia,"
said program coordinator Alton Puddicombe.

Big plans

"There are plans for a wide variety of different presenters for the
next session with the main focus on self care, support and setting
boundaries, which hopefully will be attainable," said Allen "Being on
the emotional roller coaster that goes hand in hand with children
with a dependency, it is hard for the parents to care for themselves."

Allen said, ensuring parents have the support they need, "will help
in dealing with their children's issues."

In order to effectively deal with the problems that go with drug and
alcohol abuse, parents must first learn how to care for themselves,
learn to set parameters and boundaries that they will not allow
within the confines of their home.

"It was nice to see the development and connections made through this
program, we're hoping for great things for the future," said Puddicombe.

For further information, contact Alton at 672-0141.