COCAINE SYMPOSIUM SET FOR FEBRUARY

The Badlands Drug Coalition is holding a Cocaine Symposium in the
month of February for the general public, employers, concerned friends
and family, and users.

There will be four presentations throughout the month, held in the
Civic Centre above the library from 7 to 9 p.m. on the respective dates.

On February 2, Dr. Cook of the University of Alberta will be welcomed
as he discusses "Cocaine-The Inside Story." Dr. Cook has over 30 years
experience with the Department of Pharmacology and will look at how
cocaine is metabolized, the effects and side effects of cocaine use
and the process of addiction and recovery.

February 9 will focus around crack cocaine use within a family.
Concerned and affected family members are invited to attend "Cocaine
and its Impact on the Family."

February 16 will provide some insight to concerned business owners in
"Cocaine-How can employers respond effectively."

February 23, a panel of recovered and recovering cocaine users will
speak candidly about their addictions and recovery at "Cocaine-Stories
of Recovery."

"The goal of the Coalition and symposium is to bring awareness and
information around the drug, its effects and strategies for our
community to effectively respond," says Gerry Mancini of AADAC.

The February symposium is the second step in the Badlands Drug
Coalition community campaign battling crack cocaine, the first phase
of the campaign was the 'Crack Trap' stickers that were placed in the
windows of businesses and on vehicles.

The Badlands Drug Coalition is made up of representatives from
Drumheller Mental Health, the Drumheller Institution, the Grace House,
the Drumheller Self Help Community, Children's Services, Human
Resources and Employment, Town Council, FCSS, the RCMP, AADAC, local
schools and concerned citizens.

Watch The Mail for further updates and information of the Cocaine
Symposium. Questions can also be answered by calling Drumheller AADAC
at 823-1660.