AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION...

Poor grades, a change in attitude and a lack of motivation - teenage angst
or maybe your kid is smoking pot?

If you can't read the warning signs, you can't begin to help your child,
says Denise Krivokuca.

"You kid-proof your home before your child starts to crawl and it's the
same when you have to educate them about drugs and alcohol," says the
family counsellor who works with the John Howard Society.

Krivokuca is also involved with the Community Alcohol and Drug Action
Committee. She is the co-ordinator of the Community Voices Workshop Series
which begins Thursday, Sept. 23 with "Drugs, Alcohol and Kids - They Don't
Mix!"

"It's parents for all ages," she says. "You may think your child is still
to young but they grow up fast and we definitely hear about the problems of
alcohol and drugs in middle schools. It's available and it's affordable."

The forum for parents will be held downtown at the Community Centre from
7-9 p.m. It will include a panel discussion of police and health care
workers, along with a talk by parents who've dealt with their children's
drug and alcohol abuse, and followed by a question and answer period.

"Even though your child is a teenager and you think they're not listening,
parents are still their biggest influence," says Krivokuca. "We find that
children are less likely to have problems with drugs and alcohol if they're
involved with their family, involved in their community or in sports.
Parents can help stimulate these things."

She says some parents overreact when they find out their 14-year-old has
been drinking, using drugs or both. She says the first step is to not to
call police but to seek advice.

"The schools are the best place to start. Teachers often recognize the
signs first and the school counsellors know about the programs available,"
Krivokuca says.

Parents can also learn more by attending next Thursday's meeting.

"You can learn how to respond without keeping your head in the sand and how
to take a stand without overreacting," she says.

For more information, contact Krivokuca at 286-0611 or e-mail crcadac@yahoo.ca