HALTON NEEDS TO COME CLEAN: YOUTH DRUG USE

We don't understand why caring parents should have to leave Halton to get
help for their drug-addicted children.

As reported on the front page of today's newspaper, Jim Harkins, founder
and president of Oakville-based, non-profit organization Family Adolescent
Straight Talk Inc., says his group will help the families of 300 young
drug-users this year.

The lack of services in the region, he says, stems from society's refusal
to admit Halton has a youth drug problem that can start before children
have reached high school.

And Harkins says a 1999 Halton survey revealed drug use among grade 7 to
OAC students mirrored that of communities across the province.

It's hard enough for individuals and their families to admit there's a
problem. When they do, not having treatment available close by makes the
situation more difficult.

The answer is the establishment of a detoxification centre to serve the
needs of young Halton residents.

Attacking the supply of drugs by raiding growhouses and arresting dealers
is only half the battle.

We must also reduce the demand by helping break the addiction of those who
use and by preventing our children from getting hooked.