PARENTS HEAR ABOUT DRUGS AND TEENS

Parent Drug Awareness Night Focuses On Crystal Meth, Cocaine Use Among St.
Paul's Youths

The rules may have changed, but the effects are the same.

"The rules have changed as far as drug use goes," according to St. Paul
RCMP Const. Brent Baulkham.

Baulkham, along with Sue Lysachok from the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Commission (AADAC), talked to parents last week about how those rules have
changed, particularly in regard to what drugs are being used.

The Parent Drug Awareness seminar on May 12 drew about 62 people and
focused on the effect of illegal drugs on the lives of teenagers and their
families.

Drugs that were highlighted include marijuana, crystal meth and cocaine.

Marijuana, according to Baulkham, is stronger now than it has ever been in
the past, but Crystal Meth, is his major concern.

Baulkham said crystal meth is an extremely addictive drug and can cause
brain damage or even kill users, and it's made its way into St. Paul.

People selling Meth are often lacing it with camping fuel or Drano, said
Baulkham, increasing the level of danger it poses to users.

Bonnyville has experienced the damage the drug can do to communities,
Baulkham said, adding two recent murders in that community were related to
crystal meth.

"They know we can't do anything," Baulkham said of St. Paul teens' open
attitude toward talking to RCMP about the drug in the community.

Baulkham wanted to educate parents about the drug and what signs to look
for in case their teenagers are using crystal meth. One indication of meth
use is dramatic loss of weight, Baulkham said.

"(Another indication is itchy skin caused by) crystals coming out of your
skin," he said, adding it stays in your body longer than other drugs.

Other signs of use include out-of-control rages and problems with clarity
of thinking.

Lysachok said there are more cases of teens using cocaine in the St. Paul
area than in Edmonton. According to Lysachok more than 300 people in this
community use AADAC services and one-third are kids.

"That's a lot for a small town," she stressed.

Lysachok recommends parental monitoring as a way to prevent teenagers from
using drugs. She said parents should keep in contact with other parents so
they are always aware of where their children are.

"Be that caring and supportive adult for your neighbor's kid," said Lysachok.