EDUCATION ON DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE NEEDS TO START AT HOME

The effects of alcohol and drugs in our communities continue to be a
concern for many.

Public education is one forum to try and make people aware of the
consequences of alcohol and drug abuse.

Cruise'N and Choose'N was the theme for a public forum held at the Roxy
Theatre in Nipawin April 5.

Three special speakers were on hand to bring forth the message that drugs
and alcohol not only have a devastating affect on family life, but they
also impact our legal and health care system which in turn affects our
pocket books.

Researchers say that parents and families can play a vital role in helping
children to avoid becoming involved with the harmful use of drugs and alcohol.

The first presenter was RCMP Corporal John Stevenson, works with the Prince
Albert Highway patrol and is a collision reconstructionist. He showed some
graphic slides of some of the accidents that he has had to deal with and
also talked a bit on how the RCMP recognizes an impaired driver and the
consequences of being charged.

The second speaker was Candace Rogers, who works with addiction services in
Melfort.

She spoke on the subject of marijuana, drinking and driving. She pointed
out that statistics in British Columbia say that drinking amongst teenagers
is down, marijuana use continues to grow.

"Marijuana and driving is exactly the same as driving while impaired," she
commented.

The way to stop this increase begins at home she said.

"It all starts at home with the parents. They need to take the time to tell
their youth what is right and wrong."

The final presentation was given by Nipawin RCMP Constable Shannon
Glencross, an instructor with the local D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance
Program) program.

She explained a little about the 17-week program that targets youth in
grades 5 and 6 and is taught at Wagner school as part of the Health curriculum.

Nearly 40 people were in attendance at the very informative meeting and
organizers say that we need to learn more about drug and alcohol addictions
so we can do something to stop it.

"Drugs such as crystal meth and marijuana are very prevalent in our
communities," said Drinking While Impaired (DWI) instructors and forum
organizers Sylvia Kuhberg and Laurelle Bortsmayer. "Our children choose to
use drugs for several reasons, be it peer pressure, curiosity, easy access,
etc. but for whatever reason, it is becoming an issue in society that we
must face.

"A formal intervention can be made if you suspect a family member is using
drugs or alcohol by talking to a counselor, addiction worker, other
affected families or professionals within your communities and remember it
is never too late to get help to overcome an addiction!"

If you are interested in partnering or helping make a difference, the
Northeast Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NECADA), a community-based
organization, is having their annual meeting April 23. Everyone is invited
and if you plan to attend, you may contact Therese Groat at 873-2307 for
further information.

"We would like to thank NECADA, SGI, North East Sask. Parenting Education
Association (NESPEA), Cpl. John Stevenson; Const. Shannon Glencross;
Candace Rogers; SaskPower/Northern Hydro of Nipawin; SaskTel of Regina;
Dennis Botterill, Doug McGirr, Nipawin Journal, CK750; CJVR FM, CJNE FM and
all of the attendees for their support," said Kuhberg.