Ecstasy, also called e, x, xtc, adam, euphoria, mkm, love doves, designer drug, mdma, bean - can cause confusion, anxiety, depression, paranoia or panic attacks lasting for several weeks.

PCP, or "angel dust" - usually laced on cigarettes or marijuana joints. It is a hallucinogen that causes extremely bizarre behaviour and damages body cells.

Speed, also called jib, crank, meth, crystal or ice - commonly used in raves and clubs for the high-energy rush it produces. Taken with alcohol or other drugs greatly increases the risk of overdose and death.

Cocaine - is usually snorted and gives a brief feeling of euphoria it causes depression, nervousness and agitated behaviour.

Crack - is a purified form of cocaine that is smoked and is extremely potent and highly addictive.

Inhalant drugs - are used by teens who have difficulty getting other types. They include fumes from glues, petroleum products, paints, hair spray. If used regularly they can cause dangerous side effects and permanent damage to growing bodies.

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may have a problem and should cantact your local addictions foundation.

• Have you ever lied to friends or family to cover up your use?
• Have you lost an important relationship because of your drinking/drug use?
• Have you ever felt badly because of something you said or did while high?
• Do you feel that people do not trust you any more?
• Have you stolen money, alcohol or other things from family or friends?
• Do you have trouble concentrating, or notice that your memory isn't as good?
• Are you involved in illegal activity?
• Have your school grades dropped?
• Have you dropped activities which were once important to you?
• Do ou use alcohol or drugs to feel better, or even to feel normal?
• Are old friends avoiding you? Do you now prefer a using crowd?
• Have you driven a car while impaired?
• Have you ever thought about cutting down or quitting?

You can encourage them to stop and tell them why you think they should consider it. We can encourage, support, persuade, punish or reward, but as a friend it is very difficult to make someone do something they do not want to do. You can help them find reasons for changing and support them in their efforts to change. You might want to consider telling them how their drinking or drug taking affects you or others. You might consider withdrawing from any direct or indirect participation in their drinking or drug taking. That might mean that you no longer help them to drink or take drugs, cover-up for them, or even aruge with them about it. You should consider your own safety and well-being as a priority in any continued relationship with the drinker or drug taker. Sometimes, looking after oneself means finding a trusted friend or adult to talk to. Professional help is also available at no charge. Call your local addictions foundations office for more information.

Bibliography: AFM (Addictions Foundation of Manitoba), AADAC(Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission), Health Canada, Manitoba Highways and Government Services, Positive Parenting Your Teens - Karen Renshaw Joslin and Mary Bunting Decher