LEARNING DANGERS OF DRUGS

Students Learn From Their Peers

Approximately 200 Wolf Creek Public School junior high students were
given a first-hand glimpse into the slippery slope of drug addictions
from recovered addicts.

But these addicts have much more in common with the Grade 7-9
students, as they all started experimenting with the substances in
junior high, with the oldest speaker being only 19 years old.

The seven speakers, who are now part of the Fresh Start Recovery:
Changes program out of Red Deer gave first hand accounts of how drugs
and alcohol negatively changed their lives.

Shannon Wittenborn, a social work student at Red Deer College,
organized the session as part of her schooling. She wanted to promote
awareness, in particular, about crystal meth, which is becoming an
increasing problem for students.

By having presenters closer to the students' age take the stage,
Wittenborn says she hopes it will make an impact on them because they
will be able to relate to them easier. She says the students who
attended the session were selected because they are close to the age
where they become inclined to experiment with drugs.

"These are real life stories from teens who have gone through or
survived an addiction," explained Wittenborn.

The purpose of the workshop was to get the information out to the kids
about the danger of their choices, so they know what they are getting
into should they be faced with the option.

"I hope they get some more information about drugs, so they can make
an educated decision," she said.

The Changes program was started three and a half years ago, as a way
to empower kids to make a big difference.

Cheryl Wowk, one of the group leaders, says there are lots of younger
kids joining. She hopes more schools will take advantage of this
program and prevent kids from getting hooked.

"We're expanding and trying to get a kids helping kids movement
happening."

Other groups at the event included the RCMP's D.A.R.E. Program,
Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Red
Deer, Blackfalds Neighbourhood Place and several children's help
programs, like the 49th Street Youth Shelter.