DRUG REPORT IS A ' WAKE-UP CALL'

Oxford County youth as young as 10 years old are experimenting with
drugs, according to a new report released Thursday at the Fusion
Youth Centre in Ingersoll.

"What was alarming to me was the age that kids start using drugs --
between 10 and 12 years of age," said Jason Smith, chair of the
Oxford County Drug Task Force (OCDTF). "Twenty per cent of youth
started using drugs at age 12 and under.

"It takes us back to the importance that parents need to educate kids
about drugs use."

The report indicated that 32.7 % of Oxford youth have tried drugs,
with an average age of 13.4 years for first-time use. As part of the
survey, 63.4 % of the youth indicated they had stopped taking drugs.

Over half of the youth surveyed reported seeing people using drugs
while growing up.

On Thursday, the OCDTF, a partnership of 70 health-care,
law-enforcement, mental-health and other community-based services,
released its final report on substance abuse in Oxford County.

The report included conclusions from a survey of 3,400 local students.

"What we're seeing -regardless of where you live in Oxford County
- -drug use and the ability to get drugs is similar right across the
board," Smith said. "It's not just a Woodstock, Ingersoll, Tillsonburg problem.

"Smaller communities are facing the same type of issues."

Smith said the most prevalent drug used by youth is alcohol, followed
by tobacco and marijuana. Smith said the drug problems plaguing
Oxford County are similar to those found province-wide.

"It shouldn't be earth shattering to people," he said. "It's a
wake-up call to people to do something about it.

"We have to act."

The report was accompanied by a six-point strategy to respond to the
problem. The six priority actions outlined in the plan included
developing a comprehensive approach to substance abuse, refocusing
attitudes and approaches, supporting individuals within their
everyday lives, improving communication and networking among service
providers, increasing awareness of substance abuse and it's impacts,
and advocating for system change.

Three groups have been established to work in the areas of
prevention, treatment and enforcement.

In November, an awareness campaign aimed at community leaders will
begin. United Way executive director Kelly Gilson said her
organization will be a key funder of the OCDTF initiative.

"It is our hope this bring awareness to the issue," Gilson said.
"Without awareness, we can't build a case for support and enhanced services."

Gilson said the demand for addiction services in the Oxford County
far exceeds the "availability for assistance."

"There is a need for immediate crisis support," she said. "Detox type
of assistance as well as ongoing counselling support."