Drug and alcohol addiction and abuse. Recognition. Prevention. Treatment
20/20 Parenting. Recognizing and mitigating early vulnerabilities and risk factors.
Kerry’s Journal
Reflections, Experiences, Shared Vision
November 20, 2005
I am delighted to have been asked to participate in the news broadcasts of several media giants since mid October: CTV BC; CBC Radio, Vancouver BC Almanac show; OMNI TV, The Standard (formerly Now TV, Online show). See details on IN THE MEDIA & COMMUNITIES page.
It is very gratifying to see that the media has been covering the stories of so many caught by crystal meth, ecstasy, and other drugs. They play an important role in not only bringing us awareness but also in reducing the stigma and misunderstandings surrounding substance misuse/dependency (a.k.a. addiction). As long as we isolate from the truth we cannot heal our society.
It has never been truer than it is today that it takes a community to raise a successful child. This requires letting go of preconceived notions and beliefs about why troubled youth behave the way they do. The reasons are as vast as the individuality of each youth and as common in some aspects as the air we all breathe. It is a complex issue. We all need to do our part. Bravo to the media and thank you to The Province Newspaper for bringing us their catalyst series on crystal meth last April.
I had the great privilege of speaking to youths, and to parents at Mulgrave School in West Vancouver, B.C. during two separate forums held yesterday. The events were very well attended, each consisting of a multidisciplinary panel of speakers from the fields of medicine, law enforcement, family counseling, and myself. Additionally, the film “Death by Jib” was viewed by all but the grade 7 to 9 students.
Between events a mom shared with me the impact I had on her son earlier in the day. He had said to her “I feel bad for her...so sad”. While my intent is not so much to cause sadness, as it is to inspire action, this is a response I have seen before and it can have a positive effect.
Because youths are in a stage of development that makes it difficult for them to consider how their behavior can hurt their parents, it can help them to emotionally connect with someone else’s grieving parent. This together with an accurate and high-level knowledge of what substances will do to their health and future motivates avoidance of harmful substances.
I am grateful for the support and appreciation shown to me by the parents of Mulgrave, represented by the gift of a lovely red school blanket. Thank you.
"Kerry's honesty and reflection on the events that led up to the loss of her son, Ryan, made us all keenly aware of our vulnerability, regardless of how much we love our kids and think we are doing the right thing. A personal story takes it from theory to reality."
– Susan Nash, Chair of The Mulgrave Public Programs Committee
Kerry Jackson
