Karen Lander
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jan 13/99) - The fight against teenage substance abuse starts at home, says Yellowknife social worker Dale Graham.

"The government has done as much as it can, it's up to the people now - moms, dads, grandparents."

Graham, who was schooled in psychiatry and worked as a child and family therapist for the Northern Addictions Youth Treatment Centre, admits, "No one of us has all the answers," but points out that the problems often start at home.

With the temporary closure of the treatment centre, Graham emphasizes that family now, is more important than ever.

In 1993, the Northern Addictions Youth Centre was established through a federal initiative, "which was a good idea," Graham says, but "it wasn't properly in place." Graham adds, "the treatment centre was funded for solvent abuse and was not run clinically."

Responsibility for the centre has now been transferred to the territorial government which closed the centre Dec. 31, until it can put in place the programs that are needed.

"We've been under enormous pressure, little by little, everything is slowly being taken. All the money was being stripped away - no library, no staff training - the list just goes on and on," Graham says.

Discussions with the territorial government regarding the youth centre will take place in the next three to four months, he says, wanting to emphasize that there will be a whole new program.

"We are fully in support and we want it done right," says Graham, adding, "kids that have been traumatized should be treated."

"Most of the children are victims of abuse or neglect with very severe symptoms such as post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma. We know that post-traumatic stress disorder is the result of the high rate of substance abuse amongst teens. When trauma is neglected, any secondary complications can occur," says Graham.

"It would be great if parents would participate with kids, show you care and show your support. Record programs that you do together, don't send them off, get involved," Graham says.

Children who use alcohol and drugs most likely use, notes Graham, because their role models - often their parents - also use.

"It's very stressful for kids to see their parents intoxicated. Kids don't have anywhere to run. We found children being very protective over parents."

According to Graham, temporary changes are not enough for a child, for example, if parents stay sober for a weekend.

"You don't know how bad it is. We get calls from the children because they know that there's someone here that cares for them. Problems of the mother and father is passed down to the child, and at that point, the child finds it hard to form relationships. They don't know which adult to trust. Most teens find temporary happiness and their tender feelings are hidden behind a mask, which is usually anger," Graham says.

Graham hopes that the government will be successful with its overall planning and hopes that it continues with its youth initiative and try to provide better services - more successful services.

"We have enough courage out there to take a look at our next generation and find what their needs are," Graham says.

FACT FILE

Here's a list of some signs to watch for in a teenager that may link them to drug use. The list is courtesy of Agnes Grandjambe at the Tree of Peace

• Carrying rolling papers

• Eyes, red or glossy

• Fingers, breath or clothes reek of marijuana

• Moodiness when coming down

• Change of friends, usually where there is more easy access to get drugs

• Low self-esteem

• Defensive when topic of drugs is brought up

• Telling lies

• Coordination imbalance

• Constant forgetfulness

• Isolation, withdrawal from close friends or relatives

• Loss of appetite or increase in munchies

• Peer pressure, wanting to be with the "in" crowd

• Ignoring responsibilities

• Stealing or selling belongings

• Increase or decrease in sleeping pattern

• Covering up for peers

• Lack of concentration

• Paranoia, often feels like there's someone watching

• Lack of motivation, no ambition to do anything

• Stashing money

• Trying to live a double life

• Jumpiness, nerves are shot

Grandjambe notes: "There's a lot of resources out there. If you want help, go out and get it because nobody's going to do it for you, it takes you to make the first move."

For more information on alcohol & drug abuse, contact the Tree of Peace at 873-3595.