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Program to get teens and parents talking about drugs by Michael Gregory Oakville Beaver Staff 21 | Thursday, November 6, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The federal government estimates 80,000 Canadian youths used prescription drugs to get high last year and has launched a marketing campaign to get parents talking to teenagers about the effects of illicit drugs, including marijuana. Halton MP Lisa Raitt recently launched the Health Canada campaign in Oakville as part of the government's $44.9-million, five-year expanded National Anti-Drug Strategy. "We know that prescription drug abuse and marijuana use can have devastating effects on our families and communities," said Raitt, who made the announcement on behalf of Health Minister Rona Ambrose. Both television as well as Internet and social media ads will run through December, illustrating the harms and effects prescription drug abuse and marijuana can have on teenage brains, and bodies. "With the launch of this new media campaign, our government is encouraging parents to talk with their kids about the harmful effects of marijuana use and prescription drug abuse with new resources to support these conversations," Raitt said. Youth Smoking Survey According to Health Canada's 2012-2013 Youth Smoking Survey, the average age for those youth trying marijuana for the first time was 14 years old. A London, Ont., woman attended the media conference and spoke about her son, who she said was a frequent user of marijuana in high school and was eventually arrested on drugrelated charges. "He hated school and got high several times a day. He rarely passed a course at school despite being a very bright kid with potential beyond belief," she said. "At home he was argumentative, disconnected and increasingly The woman said the strategies she learned in the support group to communicate with her now adult son led to improvements in his behaviour. He moved on to complete his high school diploma and now works and lives on his own. The abuse of prescription drugs in Canadian communities is just as prevalent and Raitt described it as a "major health and safety issue." "We now know as well that Canadians are the second largest per capita consumer of prescription opioids," she said. "Quite frankly, these numbers are frightening and they're unacceptable, and that's the reason why the government's taking action," A study conducted by Toronto's St. Michael's Hospital and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences found one in every eight deaths for Ontarians between ages 25 to 34 was related to the use of pain killers in 2010 ­ up from one in every 25 in 1999. "The overarching message here is that too many Canadians are abusing prescription drugs and too many kids are going to something they call pill parties," Raitt said. see Recovering on p.23 Open House Federal Transport Minister and Halton MP Lisa Raitt, on behalf of Health Minister Rona Ambrose, announced a new federal government marketing campaign that encourages parents to talk to their teens about the dangers of drug abuse. The campaign, which runs through December, is entitled ` Talking with your Kids about Drugs.' Oakville MP Terence Young and Raitt are pictured with one of the new anti-drug use posters. | photo by Graham Paine ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/ HaltonPhotog) violent." The woman said she looked after her son during his teenage years while he was on house arrest for possession, but they "clashed" and she was forced to call police to the home. Hardest decision " I called the police -- it was easily the hardest decision I've made in my life," she said. The woman said she found comfort and advice in a parent's support group. During that time her son was picked up again by police for drug trafficking and court ordered to live with her again. Friday Nov 7th--Sunday Nov 9th Ancaster Burlington Oakville 1090 Wilson St. W. 905-304-3044 2435 Appleby Line 905-331-4477 275 Hays Blvd. 905-257-0667 *$ HEARING AID SPECIAL From 295 (Clients portion) *Some Conditions Apply · Whether in a group or by yourself we make hearing better for you! · Hear the joy of life again! www.apassionforliving.com Up to 3 Year Service Warranty 60 DAY GUARANTEE: FREE Hearing test · Ag Age 55+ www.hearingclinicgroup.com Christmas Open House November 7th-9th Come see what our talented Interior Design Consultants have done this year. Get some inspiration for your Christmas Home Décor and see the latest trends in decorating for this holiday season. It's going to be a gorgeous Christmas at a Passion for Living. We look forward to seeing you this weekend! If after 60 days we have not provided you with the best hearing possible, we will give you your money back... Hopedale Hearing Clinic In Hopedale Mall, next to the CIBC 1515 Rebecca Street, Unit 38, Oakville 905-827-7333