PARENTS TOLD TO LOOK FOR SIGNS OF DRUG USE

Ice, speed, crank and crystal are just a few of the names given to
methamphetamine, a drug that has swept through certain parts of B.C.
and northern Alberta. The powdery white stimulant is highly addictive.

It was just one of the drugs Const. Mark Waage talked about during a
meeting at Catholic Central high school Wednesday night for parents to
learn about drugs.

"It's not a school problem. It's a community problem," said Waage, who
has been a resource officer in schools for the past five years. Waage
said crystal meth, marijuana and ecstasy are among the drugs officers
have found in Lethbridge.

The meeting drew about 30 parents and some off-duty Lethbridge police
resource officers.

Chris Windle, with AADAC who also spoke to parents, said the majority
of youth today aren't using drugs but a small percentage get involved
at different stages from smoking and drinking to using marijuana and
harder drugs.

Windle said if parents notice their child has had an overall change in
behaviour and attitude from what they used to be like, there could be
a problem. Some of the big signs she points to are that the child is
having trouble at school, skipping classes, hanging out with people
known to use drugs, being dishonest, disregarding family rules,
sneaking out at night and stealing things.

"You can't just look at one sign. You have to look at a combination of
the changes together," Windle said.

She explained it's important parents keep the lines of communication
open with their children so they can recognize a problem if there is
one.

Waage said the information session was set up to let parents know what
to look for. Among the things Waage pointed to as signs a child might
be using drugs were needles, knives burnt at the end which are used
for hash or rolling papers used for marijuana. He said physically a
child might have trouble sleeping, show signs of fatigue, be extra
thirsty or sweat more than usual.

Many of the drugs mentioned weren't as expensive as one might expect.
Waage said a marijuana joint goes for $5, ecstasy for as little as $20
a pill and magic mushrooms for $10 a gram. For more information go to:
www.aadac.com.