LET'S TALK ABOUT DRUGS IS A REAL EAR-OPENER

Crack, crystal meth, heroin...these are words that send shivers down
your spine.

Maybe it's easy to tell your kids to stay away from these "hard" drugs
but what about how they use alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, caffeine and
over-the-counter and prescription drugs?

These are all substances that can change how we think, feel and
act.

They can also be deadly.

How do you talk with your kids about these substances?

Or do you?

Maybe you use some of them yourself.

Does your family have rules about what substances can and can't be
used, and in what way? Does everyone know these rules?

According to the 2003 Ontario Student Drug Use Survey, the average age
that children start using alcohol and marijuana is 12 and 13 years old
respectively.

It's important to talk to kids early about the safe use and risks of
using substances. That includes vitamins and cough medicine.

Although you may think your kids don't listen to you, research shows
that youths look to their parents as a major source of information
when they need to make decisions. Open communication, a non-judgmental
attitude and clear family rules will go a long way to guiding your
child through all the mixed messages they receive from their peers and
the media.

There are two projects under way to help you talk with your
kids.

First, the Peterborough County-City Health Unit, in partnership with
Parent Action on Drugs, has created a Parent Action Pack on alcohol,
drugs and tobacco. The pack includes information about various drugs,
strategies for talking with your child or children, what to do if you
suspect use and how to prevent problems from starting. There's also a
guide on how to create your own family rules.

You can pick up the pack at the health unit or at the event described
below.

Let's Talk About Drugs is an evening for parents and youths.

The event starts with performances researched and created by Grade 12
drama students from Holy Cross and Adam Scott.

Following the performances, there will be a discussion involving the
audience, the actors and members of community agencies.

This event is being held tonight (Wednesday) at Adam Scott Collegiate,
starting at 7 p.m. There is no cost to attend.

The first step in talking with your kids about alcohol, drugs and
tobacco is to be comfortable with the issues yourself.

Here are two great opportunities to get informed.

Healthy Together is written by public health professionals with the
Peterborough County-City Health Unit. For more information on today's
topic, call the Health Unit's HEALTHline at 743-1000 or check the web
site at http://www.pcchu.ca