STUDENTS TALK ABOUT DRUGS, DRINKING

The controversy over drug testing for students and breathalysers in
high schools has captured headlines in Manitoba recently.

This week, a movement inside some of the schools hopes to address the
cause of drinking and drug use among students.

"You can't begin to deal with a problem till there's awareness," said
Carol Standil, co-chair of the Manitoba Addictions Awareness Week
committee. It's made up of organizations around the province trying to
prevent and address addictions to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gambling.

According to the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, high school
students in the province report widespread alcohol and drug use --
including during school hours.

Talking

Statistics show Manitobans aged 16 to 24 are five times as likely as
drivers over 35 to get involved in an alcohol-related car crash. This
week, schools around the province in divisions from St. James to
Frontier in Northern Manitoba, are talking.

Tonight from 5 to 8 p.m. George Waters Middle School and St. James
Collegiate are hosting an information and family fun night to talk
about addictions.

In Flin Flon, where the national campaign kicked off yesterday, the
community hosted a parade and awards, including one for a "healthy
youth role model."

The Norway House Community Round Table Committee on Fetal Alcohol
Syndrome also received an award for raising awareness of the dangers
of drinking, taking drugs and smoking during pregnancy.

Since it started five years ago, the committee has spread the word
about FAS. In a recent poll of high school students, 100 per cent were
aware of what FAS is and how it causes permanent damage to the babies
before they're born.

Workshops have been conducted in Norway House and elsewhere for
pregnant women, teachers, child-care workers, students and others.