THE Friday Forum on March 6 on the effects of drug and alcohol on communities attracted wide-ranging and thought-provoking discussion.
One reader, Megan, asked about how she can stop her little brother from trying ice.
“I know some of his friends are starting to try it (mostly ones with older brothers) and I'm SO worried he's going to try it too,” she said.
“He's not that impressionable, but literally everyone is doing it I can see how he won't get exposed to it. He's 16.”
Drug and alcohol specialist worker David Moles, Parkes, and the team from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program gave some helpful advice to Megan and others taking part in the Friday Forum.
“It’s great to see you care for your younger brother,” he said.
“Some things that are important is to keep a good relationship with him.
“Get some information about methamphetamine from your local library or from the Australian Drug Foundation (www.adf.org.au) website, keep the communication open and honest.
“This will equip him with up to date information.”
Megan was also advised to contact Kids's Helpline, which offers advice to young people feeling pressured to start using drugs. Phone 1800 551 800 or visit www.kidshelpline.com.au.
She responded to say the tips were useful.
“I've tried to talk to him about it before but it just comes off as a ‘lecture’,” Megan said.
“The thing is, it's everywhere around here. I can just see him and his friends hanging around at someone's house and sharing some.
“What is he to do if he's the only one out of four friends not trying it? I think the Kids Help Line would have dealt with this before that's for sure.”
Read the full discussion from the Friday Forum on mental health issues here. For more information, check out our feature page on rural mental health.
