PLEASURE DOESN'T REQUIRE DRUGS

Re: Talk truth on drugs, April 16.

Jonathan Zimmerman states that drug prevention campaigns "won't work if we
ignore the most obvious reason (for drug use) -- a desire for pleasure."

There is indeed a barrage of mixed messages on television, in movies and in
ads that link having a good time with drug and alcohol use. In reality,
that elusive "high" can be achieved in many ways that students may not be
aware of: an active run, a rousing basketball game or a walk along the
river with friends can provide the same level of pleasure (through
naturally occurring endorphins) without the social and physical costs
wrought by narcotics.

Despite parental worries about drugs, especially ecstasy and crack cocaine,
the reality is that the most widely used drug among teens in Grade 7-10 in
the Ottawa area is alcohol. Their children are more at risk from driving
impaired, being in a car with an impaired driver or being hit by an
impaired driver than from addiction to narcotics.

Mr. Zimmerman suggests that education campaigns in the United States should
take a more liberal approach. Here in Ottawa, there are signs of hope that
the adage "it takes a village to raise a child" may be an effective way of
helping our young people.

On April 11, nearly 200 parents came to a Town Hall meeting to explore ways
for their children to deal with the issue of substance abuse. Parents
Luz-Maria Alvarez-Wilson, Lee Shapiro and Brent Fournier spearheaded a
community mobilization on the issue.

Community partnerships and peer efforts have often proven to be the best
ways to deal with drug and alcohol-related concerns and addressing the
underlying issues.

There are many things that make people feel good; it's up to us to promote
healthy options and downplay efforts to hook our teens, especially at this
impressionable age.

Michelle Parks,

Ottawa

Public Health Nurse,

City of Ottawa,

Injury Prevention Program,

Child and Adolescent Health Program