OUR DRUG SCENE NEEDS WATCHING

Drug use among adolescents aged 12 to 17 is a real and serious concern in
Halton. There were 500 reported incidents of drug abuse that necessitated
police involvement in the region between September 2001 and February 2002.
That figure doesn't include illegal use of alcohol. Twenty-four per cent of
these incidents occurred within half a kilometre of a high school and half
of those involved cannabis.

Those statistics came to light at a drug education workshop offered this
week by Halton police to educators and parent groups.

"Sometimes we think we're different here in Halton," said Gary Sadler, a
superintendent with Halton District School Board. He said there is an
ongoing problem with drug use in Halton but most people don't realize it,
not to mention the fact it might involve their children. "After today,
you'll think otherwise."

The problem needs to be dealt with on many levels simultaneously.

Halton police Inspector Signy Pittman added the "acknowledgement of drug
use allows us to plan a response."

Lorraine Gold, a public health nurse and a member of the Injury, Violence
and Substance Abuse Prevention Team, explained the results of province- and
regionwide surveys.

Halton students were part of a major survey in 1999 that found drug use
here comparable to provincial levels. The study involved visiting 154
classes and interviewing students from Grades 7 to 12. The rate of use in
Halton is low compared to peak rates in the 1970s but some statistics are
on the rise. Alcohol use has not increased but binge drinking, consuming
five or more beverages at a time or drinking for the purpose of getting
drunk, has. Despite this, drinking and driving rates are stable, but more
kids are driving while under the influence of cannabis products.

The study also showed that alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and hallucinogens --
such as magic mushrooms -- are commonly used. Curiosity, emotional
influences, peer pressure, previous drug use or dependency are main
motivators for use, with low self-esteem also listed as a prime factor
among those interviewed. Personal information drawn from the survey showed
that not only do youth believe drugs available today are safer than those
of the past, but that use is more morally and socially acceptable. Students
also claim many different types of drugs are easily available to them.

The workshop was told the partnership between police and Halton's two
school boards is vital in trying to control drug use and trafficking.

In accordance with the Criminal Code and the Education Act, school
administrators have the authority to remove trespassers from school
property on demand or with the aid of police intervention. They can also
suspend or expel drug users and traffickers under the Safe Schools
Police/School Board Procedural Protocol Document.

There are many services offered to parents, teachers and students regarding
drugs.