DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAM MEETS NEED FOR INFORMATION

Summerland parents have a new tool to help their children stay off drugs.

A six-week workshop called How to Drug Proof your Kids, begins in February
in conjunction with the Summerland Substance Abuse Task Force.

"I deal with kids who are 20 years old and their livers are wrecked from
alcohol abuse," said workshop facilitator Randy Wheeler. "I see the
destruction drugs and alcohol can cause. I also see parents struggling to
help their kids."

While working at a Summerland drop-in centre for young people, he sees
local substance abuse issues everyday - an issue that is often ignored.

The program comes on the heels a community forum last year, where people
spoke out on the need for Summerland to acknowledge and address drug use in
the community, said Kristen Parker, program coordinator of the Summerland
Boys and Girls Club.

"We wanted to set up a program to address the needs of parents - to give
them tools to talk to their kids," she said.

The six-week workshop - beginning Feb. 5 - will provide information on the
risks associated with drug use, including intervention and local support
options. The program was created by Focus on the Family in Australia and to
date, more than 20,000 people have gone through it, said Wheeler.

"The topics are realistic," said Wheeler. "Like, if children are on drugs
they likely won't kick the habit the first time - don't give up."

Parents will leave with practical skills like knowing the signs and
symptoms of drug abuse and ways to help children never get involved with
substance abuse.

For two hours every Thursday, the workshop will use small group work,
discussions and presentations from the facilitators - Wheeler and John
Rousso. "It's a chance for parents to connect and support each other," said
Wheeler.

The How to Drug Proof Your Kids six-week workshop will run Thursdays at the
Summerland Boys and Girls Club from 7-9 p.m.

The program costs $40 a person or $75 a couple including a work book.

There may be sponsorship available for families who can afford the program,
said Parker.

Register by calling Kristen at (250) 404-0440 or Michelle at 494-2205.

"Parents can make a significant difference," said Wheeler.

"This is about more than drugs it is about developing good communication
between parents and kids."