ALCOHOL TOP DRUG PROBLEM AMONG YOUTH: RCMP

Despite the high profile crystal meth addiction has had in the
community lately, B.C.'s drug awareness co-ordinator said meth isn't
the number one drug concern for local youth.

RCMP Cpl. Scott Rintoul, who was to speak about drugs at PItt Meadows
secondary last night, said alcohol remains the number one drug
problem among youth.

"Alcohol now surpasses tobacco with respect to addiction levels,"
Rintoul said Monday, noting teenaged binge drinkers have a greater
probability of becoming alcoholics as adults.

However, Rintoul said crystal meth is definitely something we should
respect. "If we don't respect it, it can be a problem."

Locally, crystal meth has been more prominent, observed Rintoul.

"I know in the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows area there have been more
incidents of meth -- at least police-related calls -- than other
areas," Rintoul added.

But pointing to the crystal meth task force, Rintoul noted progress
can be made when community groups work together.

"We can use meth as a catalyst to mobilize agencies in the community.
We are light years ahead where we were 10 years ago."

When speaking to parents about drug addiction, Rintoul said he tries
to emphasize that parents stay engaged with their children and
discipline them when necessary.

"It's not acceptable that 15-year-olds drink [alcohol] on the
weekends .. You may not be able to stop it, but you don't have to condone it."

Parents also need to know about newer synthetic drugs, like ecstasy
and GHB, the latter of which has been used as a date rape drug.

And even if someone's teenager doesn't drink or do drugs, Rintoul
said it's still important parents ensure their children are aware of
the dangers of drugs.

"You can have a kid that doesn't do drugs at all, but could get
drugged at a party," Rintoul said.