DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAM PROVES AN EYE-OPENER

JESSICA BALDWIN asked herself, "Why I am I taking this program? I know a
lot about drugs already" when RCMP Const. Dan Bretzer began the D.A.R.E.
program at Seaside Elementary School in Eastern Passage.

But Jessica and 187 of her Grade 6 peers quickly learned they knew less
than they thought.

"I discovered D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) would help me, and
other pre-teens, make the right decisions about drugs. It will help be a
great support in all my future decision-making," says Jessica at the end of
the 17-week program.

Principal David Fowlie says research shows youngsters between 10 and 12
years of age are the most impressionable. "This is the time to hit them
with education on drugs, peer pressure, self-esteem and making good decisions."

He found out about the D.A.R.E. program through educational literature and
discovered Dan Bretzer was the man to lead it.

"We knew someone from outside would have more impact than one of us
(teachers). We've seen him as a role model in the community. He definitely
showed a warmth with the stuents. He's now Const. Dan to the kids."

In post-course remarks read to a large gathering of parents and community
people at a D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony, student Mathew Dageniais-Gaw
said, "Thanks for the extra education, Const. Dan. The knowledge you gave
us will help us get through school with clean, drug-free bodies and
hopefully the rest of our lives."

Const. Dan, nine years with the Cole Harbour detachment and community
officer for Eastern Passage since May 2001, ran four 45-minute classes a
day, two days a week for 17 weeks at Seaside. He expanded the program from
drug education to discussions on bullying, gang-oriented activities,
alcohol, tobacco and marijuana. Self-esteem was emphasized.

"When the lights came on (in their heads), they were intense," says Dan.
"They were like sponges. It was evident we were making headway."

Amanda Doyle says the discussions were about everything from gateway drugs
(marijuana) to harder drugs. "Const. Dan told us how to avoid them."

Mathew adds, "He told us how to say no. And he brought in four kids from
Cole Harbour High so we could ask questions about what it is like in high
school. They told us to be involved in lots of activities, like sports."

High self-esteem means students will be better equipped to say no, says
Jessica. "With high self-esteem, you're less likely to be asked to try
drugs. If your self-esteem is low, you'll say yes, and try it, so people
will like you."

Amanda exclaims, "Saying no can be done by giving a cold shoulder, using
the broken record effect - saying no many times, walking away, being in a
crowd where there's strength in numbers, changing the subject or staying
away from people who are using drugs or smoking."

Mathew admits there are students exposed to drugs, smoking and alcohol at
junior high.

He confesses he had the "tiniest taste of wine at church and I swear I'll
never have wine again. Root beer is enough for me."

Mathew stresses there are some students who might not get the message.

While Jessica says some students smoke regularly, Amanda adds "some think
(getting hooked on drugs or tobacco or alcohol) will never happen to them.
But it will."

But Jessica, Amanda, Mathew and James Scott, who also presented a talk to
more than 400 students, parents and friends attending the D.A.R.E.
graduation, are involved in band, cadets, sports, guides, and scouts. Their
self-esteem is high. They have the self-assurance to avoid abusive substances.

They are among those who give Const. Dan the most gratification. "When they
come to you and talk, without reservations, and are confident enough to
share their concerns with you, that's satisfying."

Also satisfying to the police officer were James' public comments.

"If you're thinking about drugs, think again. Beer causes liver disease.
Cigarettes cause heart, lung, throat and mouth diseases. What's your
choice? Mine starts with N and ends with O."