YOUTH AND DRUGS

Editor, The News:

Re: Youth in Crisis (Jan. 25).

I appreciate the special edition of the News offering the focus "Youth in
Crisis". This edition offers the trials and tribulations for youth in the
community and offering different perspectives for parents and other
community leaders. This edition was successful in highlighting these issues.

It is unfortunate to read the tragic story of Pat Murphy, who lost her son
to heroin and her struggle with grief and shame and anger as she reconciled
herself to the realization that Damien made choices for himself.

It is gratifying to read about the positives that occur for the youth of
our community through both the liaison officers at our local schools and
the staff at Youth Services. These stories indicate the good that youth are
doing in our community.

I would like the community to know there are many agencies offering
services to youth and families. Alouette Addictions Services offers its
services to help youth and their families in coping with addictions and the
impact that has on the individual and the family.

Nobody likes to see people suffer through their addictions without help.
People make choices for themselves. Sometimes the choices are not always
the best. We do, however learn from those choices. For some, it takes
longer; for some they make the choice of continuing down a certain path.

The qualified staff at our community agencies are here to help those in
need. We do this without judgment or discrimination. I believe it's
important for the community to know that help is available locally. All
they need to do is ask.

Jim Kelly Executive Director Alouette Addictions Services Maple Ridge