IT'S TIME FOR SOME STRAIGHT TALK ON DRUGS

Is marijuana really dangerous? Will smoking the occasional joint make
you addicted to pot? How can it be a crime when so many people are
doing it? How can I help someone who is struggling with a drug problem?

It's not just adults who ask themselves these questions; teens ask
them, too. Unfortuna-tely, the answers they receive are more often
than not based on fiction rather than fact. This leaves youth
surrounded with illusions and parents overcome with fear.

The best way to help your children is to remove the taboo surrounding
the subject of drugs. The importance of initiating an honest and
informed discussion about the use of drugs with your kids cannot be
underestima-ted. An open dialogue will equip your kids with the
knowledge they need to make educated decisions; as a parent, you'll be
better able to guide them in their decisions, understand the personal
struggles they face and help them if they do run into trouble.

The back-to-school season is a great time to start this discussion.
After all, there's a very good chance they will be confronted with
drugs-if not offered them-at school, on the streets or at their
favourite hang-out spots. To help you get the ball rolling, Health
Canada has create a Web site designed for youth and their pa-rents who
want to know more about drugs, cigarettes and alcohol. You'll find all
the information you need to start thinking and talking about this
subject at www.drugwise.gc.ca. For additional information, the booklet
Straight Talk about Marijuana is also avai-lable. If you do not have
Internet access, you can find the information you're looking for by
calling 1-800-O-CANADA (1 800 622-6232).