PARENTS TOLD SYNTHETIC DRUG USE ON THE RISE

WHILE the number of people using drugs in general is slightly declining,
the use of chemical drugs among youth is on the rise, causing great concern.

"Let's be realistic here. Statistics show we're not seeing an increase in
drug use by youth," RCMP Cpl. Scott Rintoul told a group of parents and
some youth at a drug information session Wednesday night at Carson Graham
secondary.

"What's alarming and disturbing is those who do use are not just drinking
or smoking" they're also using hallucinogenic and stimulant drugs like
crystal methamphetamine, ecstasy and cocaine, said Rintoul. "Those who do
use are using pretty potent stuff."

Making an alarming trend in the party circuit - raves, nightclubs and
dances - are chemically produced drugs such as crystal meth and ecstasy.
Today the number 1 drug choice for youth is crystal meth, followed by
marijuana.

"They provide stimulation and feelings of openness and peace that are
associated with the dance scene," Rintoul said in his presentation. "Sad to
say, globally we are in the era of synthetic drugs."

What's even more troublesome, Rintoul said, is that first-time drug users
are getting younger and they are using more than just one drug. "That's
disturbing. Eleven-to 14-year-olds are now engaging as first-time drug
users." Cocaine is often being used for the first time at the ages of 13
and 14, and drugs like heroin, methamphetamine, and ecstasy are being used
at the ages of 14 and 15.

The number 1 cause of death in people under 20 years of age, Rintoul said,
is mainly due to alcohol- and drug-related accidents, incidents and suicide.

Drugs are easy to obtain, cheap and easy to make as well. Drugs containing
a mixture of chemicals such as paint thinner and drain cleaner can be made
in a backyard or a kitchen, or even a trunk of a car, Rintoul said.

Drug facilitated sexual assault is also on the rise.

"Drugs related to date rapes are easy to make. Recipes are on the
Internet," Rintoul said. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a central nervous
system depressant and Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic and depressant,
are often used to drug victims, which can be done in a nightclub setting or
even on a date.

Chemical drugs are appealing because they are considered a social thing to
do and tend to be used in party-like settings such as raves, nightclubs,
concerts, and parties. Drugs such as ecstasy and crystal meth are available
in a pill form and are made to look like candy. "They're (makers) smart.
They use logos. The Harry Potter logo is quite popular in Toronto," Rintoul
said.

Tablets are easily placed in small plastic bags, which are inserted into
the crotch of underwear, enabling anyone to walk into a party with dozens
of drugs.

The reason crystal meth is appealing to many is that it is cheaper and the
effects last two to 10 times longer than cocaine. Rintoul said the majority
of crystal meth users also use marijuana as it "takes the edge off."

The goal of drug prevention, Rintoul said, is to prevent the onset of drug
use to as late in teen years as possible. Rintoul said that teenagers
around 18 and 19 tend to find school too important and are dealing with
boyfriends, girlfriends, cars, jobs, and find that the "majority of drugs
become an obstacle." But to 14- and 15-year-olds, the same things aren't as
important and they "go through a fun time in grades 8 and 9." That's when
it's time to come down hard, he said.

The best thing for parents to do for their children is to help them
understand the facts and consequences of drugs. Education is key. They have
a choice to use drugs. "No one gets forced in the ground and made to smoke
marijuana," Rintoul said. "It's done voluntarily." Educating youth and
helping them understand the consequences are essential.

For more information visit www.streetdrugs.org, www.drugabuse.gov, and
www.theantidrugcom.