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In Depth

A dose of reality

Teenage drug use on Prince Edward Island

Last Updated Nov. 21, 2007

CBC News

Prince Edward Islanders like to believe their province is a great place to raise a family. In its small communities, people are connected with each other and the rates of violent crime are low.

While it is true there is less serious crime on P.E.I. than in Canada's largest urban centres, that doesn't make Island youth entirely immune, particularly from the dangers of drug addiction.

Our special series begins with an overview featuring kids, teachers, police officers, addictions workers and a judge. (runs 5:46)

This fall, CBC P.E.I. has delved into illegal drug use by Island youth. It found that if young Islanders are looking for drugs, they will have no trouble getting them, and the problem has grown well beyond the abuse of alcohol and marijuana. Cocaine, crystal meth, OxyContin, Percocet and Dilaudid are all available. Even Ritalin is coming in for abuse and in some parts of the province is the drug of choice.

Teachers, police and other justice officials have the sense that the number of teenagers using drugs on the Island is increasing. The problem is exacerbated by a lack of on-Island treatment options for youth.

Judge Jeff Lantz     Judge Jeff Lantz
From Nov. 20, 2007:
The CBC's Tom Steepe talks to teenagers and justice officials in Summerside about the drug problem in the Island's second city. (runs 3:13)

Youth drug addiction has left Island families devastated. A group of parents meets weekly in Summerside to help each other deal with the problems faced by their addicted children.

Some addicted youth have been able to kick their habit. As part of this in depth series, CBC P.E.I. gets the viewpoint of some young people making their best efforts to leave drug addiction behind them.

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Overview
The Front Line
CBC public Forum at Three Oaks High School
Recovery

Your View:

What more can we do to help our kids cope with drugs?

RELATED

CBC News stories

Nov. 20, 2007: New addictions centre dominates forum discussion
Oct. 10, 2007: P.E.I. welcomes federal addiction help
July 15, 2007: Trafficker sentenced to 6½ years
July 5, 2007: 6 arrested in drug bust on P.E.I.

External Links

Canadian Centre On Substance AbuseStudent/Adolescent alcohol & drug use statistics
Government of P.E.I.Adolescent Addictions Program

(Note: CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external sites - links will open in new window)

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