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Page §&8, Terrace Bay-Schreiber News, Wednesday, September 3, 1986 Why do teens do drugs? Here are some answers By Ken Moffatt and by Dennis Bernardi A recent survey (1985) conducted by the Addict- ion Research Foundation reports that 71.8 per cent of Northern Ontario students in grades 7 to 13 use alcohol, 26.3 per cent use tobacco, and 25 per cent use cannabis. The percentages for other drugs are smaller; for example, medical _bar- bituates (11.3), speed (3), glue (1.6), medical tran- quillizers (5.1), LSD (8.8) and cocaine (4.5). ° These 1985 figures dif- fer very little from the survey results published in 1983. Nevertheless, there is considerable concern voiced by virtually all categories of the adult world regarding drug use by teens. Why are they using drugs? How much and when? Where? Is_ it serious? What can be done about it? In the next several articles of this series we will examine these and other questions related to youth and drugs. Let me introduce the subject by making two statements off the top: (1) our society is heavily oriented to drug use and in- fluences its citizens, young and old alike, to resort to drug use of various kinds-- to go for the quick fix; and (2) drug use by young peo- ple is heavily influenced by the drug-using example of older generations. There is not much difference in the reasons for and the extent of drug use by youth and adults. That having been said, let's look at a half dozen reasons why teenagers use drugs and in the process, gain some perspective on adult drug use. (Alcohol is included as a drug in these deliberations. ) (1) Curiosity Adolescents tend to be very curious people. They like to experiment with adult behaviours and are constantly exposed to the examples of the adult world . through their family and community interactions and by way of the media. Experimentation with drug use does not by itself indicate an addiction pro- blem. Consistent use of drugs with accompanying degeneration of behaviour and relationships, does! by Wife Violet & MEMORIAL for GEORGE GOODCHILD Passed away September 1, 1985 We did not know that morning - what sorrow that would bring : The bitter grief, the shock severe To part with one so dear. You bid no farewell or even said goodbye For you were gone before We knew it and only God knows why. Ever remembered & sadly missed Sons & Daughters and helps us to forget IN MEMORIAM RICHARDSON - tn loving memory of our dear son and brother David who pass- ed away September 6, 1985. They say time heals all sorrow But time so far has only shown how much we miss you yet. Our heart still aches in pain s and silent tears still flow What it meant to lose you no one will ever know. Sadly missed forever remembered Mom, Dad, Janet, Bruce, Donna _ & Family Schreiber Legion Mixed Dart League will be starting September 12 at 8:00 p.m. All people interested to join sign up at the Legion in Schreiber (2) Family Problems A teenager's drug con- sumption can be influenc- ed by family turbulence caused by-divorce, death, parental conflict, discovery of an extra-marital affair and parental drug problems as well as many other anx- iety-provoking situations. (3) Peer Pressure Teenagers generally have a profound need to belong to a peer group. Some of these groups al- most require drug use as a pre-requisite for member- ship and may reject some- one who does not, for ex- ample, drink alcohol. Getting drunk some- times constitutes a re- quirement for belonging. Not all peer groups go to this extreme of course, and some emphasize abstin- ence. But heavy media advert- ising reinforces the connec- tion between drinking and belonging, social status, at- tractiveness, and power among peers. (4) Adolescent Problems Adolescence is a trans- itional time between child- hood and adulthood. Every teenager struggles with: trying to establish his or her identity; maintain membership in a_ peer group; determine career goals as well as intellec- tueal, moral and spiritual beliefs. Sometimes the struggle for individuality entails a degree of rebellion. In a nutshell, adolescence is a naturally turbulent time often fraught with conflict and stress. Some young people abuse drugs in an effort to cope. (5) Building Confidence Being stoned removes a person mentally from dai- ly struggles. Both stim- ulants and depressants help many users gain the illu- sion of being capable of resolving the conflicts and problems which they face. They feel a sense of power over their destinies which is absent when they are not under the influence. This conferring of a sense of power is an ex- tremely enticing aspect of drug consumption which, over the long haul, under- mines the willingness and ability to deal concretely and directly with problems. It is a killing thing. (6) Hopelessness Some teenagers feel so depressed, disorganized and helpless that they become severely isolated and disturbed. Alcohol, valium, PCP, barbituates, and narcotics take away the individual's agonized feel- ings for a time. The severely disturbed teenager often takes drugs, not to feel good, but to avoid encountering chronic nightmarish negative em- otions like anxiety, fear, inadequacy, and helpless- Ness. In the long run, the use of drugs multiplies the pro- blems and the emotional nightmares, even leading some individuals to seek peace in death. Conclusion Adolescence has always been a difficult time for some. But in the past, fami- ly units in our society were generally stronger. A strong family unit is the greatest source of sup- port for an adolescent. Within that family unit, the youngster should be part of a secure environment, feat- uring positive adult mod- els. This does not mean perfect or permissive, adult models. When parents are concerned, and take the time and trouble to act on that concern, their efforts are usually rewarded. Do you have questions or comments? Write to the Addiction Research Found- ation, 104-1265 Arthur Street East, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 6E7 or call 622-0607. Bench Donated Jack Paterson of the local Disability Action Group recently saw a need for an outdoor bench at the McCausland Hospital in Terrace Bay, so he commis- sioned Harry Gusul to build it while Joe Marcella donated a plaque for it. The bench was recently don- A new program design- ed 'to protect Ontario's in- land lakes from further contamination and to- re- store environmentally dam- aged lakes was announced on August 22 by Ontario Environment Minister Jim Bradley. The inland lakes man- agement program, called Living Lakes Ontario, rep- Winner 50/50 Draw Winner of the Ladies Golf Club 50/50 draw was Bill Campbell Jr. of Schreiber. Thanks to all who bought tickets and supported the Ladies Golf Club. The McClausand Hospital has a September 12, 1986 POT 2W0 opening for: CASUAL REGISTERED NURSE The successful applicant must be registered in Ontario, and be willing to work rotating shifts. Previous ex- perience preferred. Closing date for applications September 10th, 1986. Applications are-to be forwarded to: Mrs. Betty Anne Klassen Clerical Supervisor Administration The McCausland Hospital Terrace Bay, Ontario resents an increased effort by the Ministry to deal with specific problems in On- tario's quarter-million lakes, a Ministry release noted. A wide range of studies will be undertaken on ma- jor lake systems affected by various forms of pollution. These include toxic rain, industrial and municipal pollution, and nutrients and contaminants in land run- off, the release added. '"'The economic value and importance of these lakes as sources of drink- ing water is tremendous,"' the Minister explained. He said the program will seek ways to identify and reduce contaminants enter- ing lakes, and degrading their water quality and aquatic life. ated to the hospital and put up just outside the main entrance. Seen here are four members of the Action Group in a photograph taken on August 28. From ieft to right are Jack Paterson, Elizabeth McLean, Ger- trude Cotton, and DAG Chairman Rod Thompson. Protection Program "The ultimate goal is a specific management plan for each lake at risk, setting out what controls are need- ed to rehabilitiate our in- land waterways," he said. inland lakes and rivers serve as sources of drink- ing water for about two million Ontario residents. The strengthened emph- asis on abating pollution at source was recently dem- onstrated in the Ministry's Countdown Acid Rain Pro- gram which was announc- ed by Bradley last year. Measures' contained in this program will, by 1994, slash by nearly two-thirds the amount of sulphur diox- ide produced by Ontario's four biggest sources. The Inland Lakes Pro- 'gram will be undertaken in co-operation with public interest groups and cott- agers' associations, as well as other government agenc- ies interested in lake man- agement and development. "The only purpose for which power can be right- ly exercised over any member of a civilized com- munity, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either phys- ical or moral, is not a suf- ficient warrant. ..Over him- self, over his mind and body, the individual is sovereign."" John Stuart Mill *'On Liberty" (1859) eae The C.N.I.B. Mobile Eye Care Unit will be at the McCausland Hospital in Terrace Bay the week of September 22 - 26. If you would like an appointment to see our Ophthalmologist Please Call 824-2413 Sponsored by the Terrace Bay Schreiber Kinsmen Attention: All midget aged hockey players Terrace Bay & Schreiber. There will be a meeting Fri- day, September 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Schreiber Arena. For more information contact: John at 824-2411 or 824-3488.