SURVEY TO DETERMINE PATTERNS OF YOUTH

And The Survey Says

The Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) is conducting a
survey within Alberta high schools. The survey will gauge alcohol
consumption, drug use and gambling among students in Grades 10 through 12.

Parkland Composite High School in Edson is one of the 100 schools
participating in the survey, which will be conducted throughout November.
The school's participation was confirmed during the Sept. 4 Grande
Yellowhead Regional Division board of trustees meeting.

Over 4,000 students, province-wide, will be participating.

"It will highlight some of the issues that are out there," said Edson AADAC
area supervisor Edith Zuidhof-Knoop.

When compiled, the survey results will help AADAC staff devise a strategy
for prevention and treatment. The information gathered will assist
teachers, social service agencies, government agencies and others
understand and respond to the needs of the province's youth.

"The survey is our highest research priority this year," said Art Dyer,
AADAC's research manager. "It's critical to know what today's youth are
experiencing so we can work with communities, parents and schools to
develop the best approaches for helping kids grow up healthy. We're
committed to basing our programs on the best information we can get."

A committee, including representatives from Alberta government departments
and school boards is overseeing the project.

AADAC will produce a technical report containing the survey results in
2003. A number of small summary reports and fact sheets focused on special
issues will be released from March 2003 to March 2004.