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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday March 26, 2008 - 5 `Binge drinking is normal' Health committee gets glimpse of teen drug use By Melanie Hennessey SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER ENDS MARCH 29TH! U NK YO O THA RI CANADA'S ONTA T STE NNTH ONSI O R C OVE R M O H F H WT T M O NALE S G R O S Alcohol and marijuana are the most common substances being used by Halton teens, according to local students. A group of high school pupils from both north and south Halton told Halton Region's Health and Social Services Committee last week about the realities of teen drug use. Oakville Grade 12 student Kayla Bulatovich said even though there are a lot of drugs out there, alcohol and marijuana are the biggest problems in local schools. "Binge drinking is a normal thing for kids," she said. "We need to reduce the risks associated with drinking by educating youth about safe partying." She noted there are a lot of myths out there about marijuana, like it's not addictive or harmful. "Students are making decisions based on misinformation," she said. Bulatovich added that painkillers are becoming a new trend in student drug use, while other drugs like Ecstasy, Ketamine and cocaine continue to be a concern. Fellow Grade 12 Oakville student Lindsay Boyce spoke about how easy it is for Halton youths to get drugs. "Kids in Halton have lots of money from part-time jobs or parents," she said. "And drugs aren't that expensive. A joint is $5, a tab of E (Ecstasy) is $5, and if you buy more from a dealer the price comes down." She also said some youths are getting drugs at home from their parents or siblings. The teens are turning to drugs for a variety of reasons, said another Grade 12 Oakville student Bianca Nagy, including for fun, to fit in with a certain group, become more confident and because they don't think anything bad will happen. "They don't know the consequences or the long-term effects," she said. So what's the answer to help steer youths away from drugs? Grade 11 Georgetown student Marc Stiel said schools need to find ways to keep youths involved, while parents need to find a balance between being strict and accepting. Region staff presented a report to the committee with results from the 2007 Ontario Student Drug Use Survey and the previously released results from the 2006 Halton Youth Survey. The report backed up the information presented by the students -- that alcohol continues to be the drug of choice for most students in Grades 7 to 12, followed by cannabis. The Ontario survey also revealed that there's been a decrease in the use of cigarettes, methamphetamine, crack and steroids across the province. The committee received the report for information purposes. Canada's best selection now comes with MORE CHOICE. CHOICE $ $ $ 2000 1750 1000 up to up to up to or or in Mopar Accessories* in No Charge Options** or Extended Service Plan in Free Gas or Bonus Cash ONLY ONE COMPANY CAN OFFER 11 VEHICLES UNDER $300 PER MONTH NO MATTER THE STYLE OF VEHICLE YOU DESIRE CHRYSLER OFFERS ONE FOR UNDER $300 PER MONTH $0 DOWN! ALL VERY WELL EQUIPPED! ER! ONLY CH RYSL 2008 Dodge Caliber SXT Starting from: $229 w/ Air/Auto 2008 Chrysler Sebring Sedan Starting from: $259 2008 Dodge Dakota SXT 4x4 Starting from: $259 2008 Jeep Compass 4x4 Starting from: $279 2008 Jeep Patriot 4x4 Starting from: $279 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Starting from: $299 2008 Jeep Wrangler 4x4 Starting from: $299 2008 Dodge Avenger Starting from: $299 2008 Dodge Ram Quad Cab 4x4 Starting from: $299 2008 Chrysler Sebring Conv. Starting from: $299 ONLY CHRYSLER CANADA · 11 vehicles under $300/mth · 19 months of sales growth · 23 vehicles with 30+ mpg Canada's Fastest Growing Automotive Company 2009 Dodge Journey Starting from: $299 Price and payments exclude freight, license, insurance, registration, dealer administration fees, levies & taxes. Payments include Canada's Choice No-Charge Option Discount or Bonus Cash Rebate. These prices are subject to change at any time. Some vehicles may be low in dealer inventory. Dealer trade or order may be required. Models described are not exactly as illustrated. Please visit Lockwood Chrysler, a Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge retailer for further details. DORVAL DRIVE 175 Wyecroft Road, Oakville 905.845.6653 Between Kerr & Dorval WYECROFT RD. SPEERS RD. Your Friend in the Business! www.lockwoodchrysler.com KERR ST. TRAFALGAR QEW