DRUG FORUMS PLANNED AT HIGH SCHOOLS

Beneath the bustling community of Langley lies a secret - a dark and
frightening secret that threatens to undermine the stability we enjoy.
It is dangerous, illicit drugs, and the ease with which they can be
bought.

"Our children can access drugs, serious drugs, more easily than
cigarettes," says Barry MacDonald, a counsellor and consultant who
works with at-risk youth in the Langley School District.

He is organizing a drug awareness forum to which all parents, teachers
and students are invited. They will learn who is most at risk, the
early signs to look for in young people taking drugs, and where to
turn for help.

"Experts in the Lower Mainland are wondering if we are on the verge of
a crystal meth epidemic," MacDonald said.

He recalls a male student who told him: "I guess I was about 14 when I
started smoking pot. Up until a few weeks ago it's been every day." A
female student started using crack when she was 11. It led her into
the sex trade when she was not much older than 12.

At a recent drug forum in Surrey, a representative from the RCMP
reported that 80 per cent of the crystal meth lab busts in B.C.
occurred in neighbouring Surrey.

There are major health and safety issues connected to drug use, he
added. "Substance abuse is an urgent medical concern. We need to
become aware of the long-term and harmful medical implications of drug
misuse," MacDonald added.

"Crystal meth can result in permanent brain damage. Depression is a
complicating factor with the drug ecstasy. Cocaine-induced psychosis
has the potential to change your child's life forever."

Drug forums will be held at Aldergrove Secondary on Wednesday, March
2, and at Brookswood Secondary, on Thursday, March 10.

Both forums will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The cost is $5. Call
604-534-7891 to register.