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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1994-05-18, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18,1994. Awareness, key to avoiding addiction By Cameron J. Wood Only recently have people come to truly understand that alcoholism and drug addiction are diseases. Tragically, however, we fail to see the symptoms or warning signs. Earlier this month, concerned community members - including the Chief of Police Bob Wittig and Wingham Public School Principal Marie Parsons - brought the organization Grandparents Against Drug Abuse to WPS to share their message and help the children understand that there are help and choices available for dealing with alcoholism and drug abuse. The group is headed by former OPP officer Bill Schnarr, who for the past five years has been working with recovering addicts and telling their story to thousands of children in the Grey-Bruce region. Mr. Schnarr brought with him two recovering addicts who shared their stories with the audience in a straight-forward manner. MY KID ON DRUGS ... WHAT TO DO You notice: •your kid shows a sudden change in behaviour, appearance, or attitude •you kid becomes more secretive, less helpful at home •school grades drop or money missing • your kid has a new group of friends What to do: • remain calm. Approach drug abuse the same way you would any other issue • listen to your kid, pay attention to what they are saying • find out what you're dealing with, the type of drug and frequency of use. Remember, many young people experiment • don't turn it into a confrontation. Show confidence in your child •seek outside help through community agencies. The program featured two segments, an afternoon session for the area schools (Grades 5, 6, and 7) and an evening session for parents and community members. Mr. Schnarr said that during the student session, kids were lined up 12 deep to ask the speakers about their life and their battles against drugs and alcohol. The parents, on the other hand were more appre­ hensive about asking questions. Sharon (first names only) has been clean and sober for 19 years, yet she still says she is battling her addiction to drugs. Her story begins as an abused child, when at nine she began smoking, at 10 began drinking and following a brutal assault at age 13, turned to drugs to cover-up her problems. "Within a week I was injecting. My drug of choice was speed," she told the parents in a frank manner. Sitting on the edge of the stage, dressed all in black, it is easy to understand this woman needs no ulterior motive to discuss her problem. She wants to get the reality of drugs and their consequences across. "This went on for four years." Sharon is unable to recall four years of her troubled youth - blacked out memories due to drug abuse. Her addiction became a $600 day habit. Unable to pay, Sharon turned to dealing herself, and eventually found herself on the run from organized crime members looking to cash in her debt. Eventually Sharon turned to the Addiction Research Federation for help and began a recovery process - which she continues to this day. "The choices you make about drugs and alcohol will affect you for the rest of your life," she said. Sharon also encouraged parents to be wise in their decisions. Consumption of alcohol in the home sends a message to kids: be responsible she encouraged. Perhaps the most startling statement Sharon made to the parents was not to tell kids that medicine will "make you feel better ... That's exactly what the dealers will tell your kid when trying to give them drugs. "You don't want your kids to leam the hard way." Sharon also encouraged parents to be mindful of their children's behaviour. Look for signs of withdrawal and depression. "Dealers pick on depressed, troubled people. They want to be your friend, but they don't care about you. It's a business to them and they have your money. Be strong. Don't give them the time of day." Sharon told parents not to be fooled about the often quiet, passive life of a small town. She relayed her story of when she did a study of small towns near where she lives. Her nature of dress might suggest drug experience, she said, and she simply approached high school kids on the street and asked if they knew where she could get drugs. "They all knew. It doesn't matter on the size of the community, it only takes one dealer and drugs will find your kids." Lorraine is an alcoholic. She was also addicted to prescription medicine and eventually had to turn to prostitution to pay for her daily habit. After having her first drink at age 16, Lorraine found alcohol helped her cope with her teenage troubles and the breakup of a relationship. "My drinking started interfering with my job and soon I ended up Assoc, names director The board of directors of the Wingham and District Association for Community Living has announced the appointment of Robert Butella, B. Commerce (Admin.), as the new executive director. Mr. Butella whose experiences cover the full range of services and support programs for children and adults who are developmentally, emotionally and/or physically challenged, will commence his employment with the Community Living Association on Friday, June on the streets," she said. Lorraine would live in alleys, sleep on roof lops or empty apartments and turned to stealing food, clothing and alcohol. Her story continues for years of alcohol abuse - through the birth of her son and two marriages. "My son got into drugs at age 11, and when he was 15 he was admitted to hospital for an overdose. I realized I had to get help, not just for myself, but also for my son." Mr. Schnarr says addiction leads to a road of crime - just as both speakers shared. "How could a kid afford a $600 a day habit?" She encouraged parents to start talking to their kids at a very early age about drugs. "You have to keep at it: be per­ sistent. And you have to be there for your kids. Talking about drugs is something you can't wait to do. Let them know the dangers. 10, and will be introduced to the full Association membership at the annual general meeting on Monday, June 13. The Wingham and District Association for Community Living operates the Jack Reavie Centre, has provided day programs, supported employment and supported independent living residential programs, and for the past 35 years has operated 24-hour care group homes throughout the north end of Huron and South end of Bruce Counties for persons who are developmentally challenged. 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