By Thomas Miller
National Addiction Awareness Week and the Lloydminster Area Drug Strategy are attempting to raise awareness on the potential consequences of using illicit drugs such as marijuana, from Nov. 13 to Nov. 19.
As outreach co-ordinator at the Lloydminster Community Youth Centre, Cameron Berg works with the drug strategy to make sure youth have the necessary information to make sound decisions.
“The reason that the committee was formed was to bring awareness into the Lloydminster area regarding drugs and alcohol, to let people know the risks and consequences from the use or abuse of these substances,” said Berg, speaking of the drug strategy. “Knowledge helps you make better informed decisions. We’re here to offer information about various drugs and substances.”
Berg said that the three most common illicit drugs used in the Lloydminster area, excluding alcohol, are ecstasy, cocaine and marijuana.
He hopes to steer youth away from drugs by creating a dialogue that emphasizes the facts rather than using scare tactics, which can often have a negative effect.
“If there’s increased knowledge and increased awareness about the ways that it could influence their lives in the future, they may take a longer look at it and say, ‘Is it worth the risk?’” said Berg.
“You really have to get the awareness out there. It’s still their decision. There’s no way to make them choose one way or the other.”
Certain consequences of marijuana use should be obvious.
“As it is illegal or illicit, if you’re caught with it you could be fined or arrested, which could affect possible careers you’re looking into or travelling you would like to do,” said Berg.
Unfortunately, the health issues that can arise from marijuana are not so, because there is no regulation.
“With every illicit drug, there’s no substance control on it like there is with over the counter drugs,” added Berg. “Any number of these drugs, like for example marijuana, could be mixed with something. If it’s something toxic or harmful to your health there’s a large number of things that could occur including hospitalization or death.”
Though Berg knows this is a difficult fight that may never end, he relishes the role of giving Lloydminster youth someone they can talk to about drug use, someone they feel comfortable with.
“I enjoy working with youth. When you have role models that are positive role models that you can look up to, who are being real with them and giving them sound advice, it can have a profound effect on them and how they live their life,” he said.
“Everyone needs someone there for them. I don’t think any one of us is immune from needing a good influence us.”