TEACHING PARENTS SAVVINESS ON STREET DRUGS

For many years ice, otherwise known as grit, jib and, more commonly,
crystal meth was the drug of choice in Sherwood Park.

But that drug, while still common, started getting a dirty name.

So young people turned to "E," otherwise known as "X" or, more
correctly, ecstasy, in the mistaken belief they weren't ingesting
meth. Cocaine and its cheaper derivative, crack, have also made a comeback.

"Meth has levelled off and coke and "E" are big," said Audrey
Bjornstad, an anti-drug crusader. "Once they run out of money, they
go to crack, and then to meth."

There's such a confusing soup of drugs floating around Sherwood Park
that some local residents want to make sure parents and teens are
informed about the kinds of substances available, as well as the
signs of drug abuse.

Sherwood Park's Herb Belcourt led a push for a drug awareness
information session.

Coun. Linda Osinchuk jumped on board and the event took on a life of its own.

Bjornstad, who continues to fight to empower parents to deal with
drug-addicted children, joined as one of the organizers of the
two-hour session.

During the event, Bjornstad will speak of her family's harrowing
experiences after her son became a meth addict.

Staff Sgt. Ian Sanderson of K-Division, a member of Colleen Klein's
task force on crystal meth, will also offer a one-hour presentation.

Because it includes graphic and disturbing images, the organizers
recommend parents don't bring children under the age of 13.

Parents Empowering Parents (PEP), the Sherwood Park-based support
group Bjornstad helped found, will then offer a presentation by its
U-Turn youth members, who will highlight their experience with drugs.

The evening wraps up with an open discussion.

Bjornstad said the information meeting is aimed at parents and teens,
and they're encouraged to come together.

"Definitely it's the kind of information you want your kids to learn
with you," she said. "It's important for the kids and parents to get
the same facts so they can't play off each other."

The drug awareness information evening takes place April 25 at St.
Thomas Church on Raven Drive, just off of Brentwood Boulevard. It
runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

There is no cost to attend but a silver collection will be taken with
donations forwarded to the PEP society and the Boys and Girls Club of
Strathcona County.