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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Cocaine and cannabis a problem in Deepings
Spalding Guardian
Tuesday 22 Oct 2002 COCAINE and cannabis are the most used drugs in the Deepings, with 24 per cent of all youngsters having tried an illegal substance by the age of 16. Around 200 people packed into the Deepings Leisure Centre for a special meeting on the alcohol and drugs problems in Market Deeping and Deeping St James and listened to speakers, including Pc Adam Gadd, Lincolnshire Police drugs enforcement officer, who said cannabis and cocaine were the main problems. He said: "Nine out of ten people I stop will have some cannabis on them. When officers visit the parks and areas where youngsters hang about at weekends in this area it is very rare for them not to find some cannabis being smoked. "Cocaine is also becoming a problem. The reason it is popular is because it can be used when people are out. They just go into a toilet, cut a little bit on a toilet lid and snort it, and nobody realises. "Landlords are starting to get wise to this now though because many have started spraying the toilet lids with WD40." But despite highlighting the problems, Pc Gadd was keen for people to leave the meeting without fear. He said: "Don't go home thinking we have a massive problem because we haven't. It is proportionate, but unfortunately there is a slight problem and that does tend to lead to crime. Drugs habits have to be paid for and most everyday jobs can't pay for the habit so the users see crime as an answer." The meeting gave parents and children alike the chance to gain knowledge of drugs, people's reasons for taking them, and the effects they can have. People were also invited to ask questions, and leaflets, information packs, and contact numbers were available. But Scott Watkinson, an adult drug educator for Healthy Communities, did give people a reason for concern. He said: "We have to realise people do get enjoyment out of drugs and that's why they find it hard to quit. What we do need to worry about is the statistic that shows by the age of 16, 24 per cent of youngsters will have tried an illegal substance. We need to cut that figure down." Other speakers included Jane Fletcher, of the Lincolnshire Education Authority which provides drug education in schools, Rebecca Wilson, of Addaction, and Nigel Dickinson, of the NHS, who spoke about treatment and referral, and Dr Janet Glencross, who summarised the evening. Visitors also heard from Terry Walter, of Oasis, a group which offers support to users, addicts, and their families. She told how she found out three years ago that her son had been addicted to heroin for seven years, and how she had to hide it from the rest of her family. She said: "A lot of parents immediately blame themselves but they shouldn't. Once someone is addicted you can't just tell them not to do it. It's too late, but before they have tried it or become addicted is when parents can have the influence. We are here to help."
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