COP'S DRUG AWARENESS BOOK GETS PARENTING GROUP'S OK

Thumbs-Up A Surprise To Officer

Giving parents the straight dope on drugs has earned a Calgary cop the
endorsement of a U.S. advocacy group.

The National Parenting Center has recognized Det. Steve Walton's book on
illicit drugs as a valuable aid for parents to talk to their children about
the dangers of drug use.

"Its clarity and its forthright approach to the issue is refreshing," said
David Katzner, president of the Woodland Hills, Calif.-based organization.

The group awarded Walton's book its seal of approval after it was tested by
parents throughout the United States.

"When parents see our rainbow sticker on a product, they can be assured it
has the thumbs-up from their peers," Katzner said.

Walton said he was "tickled" by the honour from the parenting group --
especially considering the book, First Response Guide to Street Drugs, was
initially written for police officers and paramedics.

"It totally came out of the blue, but then again, who's more of a 'first
responder' than parents? They're on the front lines," said Walton, a
nine-year member of the drug unit and a Calgary cop for 23 years.

The 78-page book profiles 10 of the most prevalent illegal drugs in
circulation. Drugs parents might remember from their own youth, such as
marijuana, are listed with newer, synthetic drugs such as ecstasy and GHB,
a so-called date-rape drug that can be used by assailants to incapacitate
their victims.

Walton describes how each drug affects its users, what it looks like, its
cost, street names and symptoms that come with use.

While the book can be used by parents looking for signs of drug use, Walton
said it's also a tool for people to talk credibly with their kids about
drugs before there's a problem.

"If you don't know what you're talking about, they'll call you on it," he said.

A 1995 Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission survey of youths between
12 and 17 years old found 16 per cent had used marijuana in the past year
and four per cent smoked pot weekly.

Five per cent admitted using hallucinogens; one per cent on a weekly basis.

For more information about the book or to order a copy, call 1-877-255-1166
or visit www.dopeondope.com. The book costs $20.