Yellowknife (Mar 21/03) - "The real world is about taking risks. (But) it's important to know the risk levels of each particular thing you do," Dr. Michelle Milne told Sir John Franklin students Friday.

Dr. Michelle Milne shows students how to properly put on a condom during a "Sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll" presentation last week at Sir John Franklin. - Erin Fletcher/NNSL photo

The students seemed to have a firm grasp on this reality. When she asked them about sexually transmitted diseases, drugs and how to prevent pregnancy they were full of answers.

Milne is a family physician at Great Slave Medical House. She's recently arrived from Goose Bay, Labrador, where she found knowledge is the best preventative tool she could give teens.

"I think doctors usually do a lousy job at being available for people in your age group," she said.

She gave students a list of resources and places they can go when they have questions, including the emergency room and herself.

Drugs, she said, have different addiction levels and long-term effects that teens ought to think about.

Cocaine and heroin are the most addictive because of the way they're consumed. The faster the high, the more addictive the drug, she said.

"When you are getting to heroin and cocaine, you are playing with fire," said Milne.

She said gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) or rohypnol, so-called date rape drugs, are the latest and most dangerous threat because it can cause a three to four-hour blackout for the victim.

During the blackout the person could be raped or assaulted and never know who did it.

She said the best prevention is never to leave your drink unattended at a party.

Alcohol and drugs often go hand in hand with sex because the substances lower your inhibitions, she said.

"For most people sex (for the first time) happens when you're under the influence," said Milne, adding women should always carry a condom even if they're not sexually active.

During her talk, Milne focused a lot on infections and viruses transmitted by bodily fluids like blood, saliva and semen.

"I think for young people infection is the number one thing they are concerned with, and rightly so," Milne said.

"HIV is still the scariest one out there ... It's still an awful disease to have but not the death sentence it used to be."

She said students should always have protected sex or abstain and be tested regularly for STDs because they don't all have visible symptoms.

"It's important for ongoing good health to get tested."