Keeping kids clean and sober

Psychologist offers advice to parents on addiction and youth

Concerned West Shore parents gathered in a Belmont secondary gymnasium to learn about addiction-proofing their children.

“My goal is to give you something to think about,” said Dr. Stanton Peele, addiction psychologist and one-time guest on Oprah Winfrey’s talk show.

Peele sparked an interactive conversation between the parents along side Scott Gallagher, founder of All Addictions Anonymous.

The “just say no” technique is not working anymore, Peele explained. “It’s good for awareness, but it doesn’t help students stop (using).”

A pioneer in addiction studies, Peele was one of the first to introduce the theory that people can become addicted to things other than drugs.

The top addictions among American adolescence are pharmaceuticals, food, video games, Internet, pornography and shopping, said Peele, a New Jersey native.

“Kids are going through their parent’s medicine cabinets and swapping their own prescriptions too,” Peele said.

Another theory introduced at the April talk, was to stop referring to addiction as a disease.

“If you say it is a disease it means that you can’t control it. Why tell a 15, 16 or 17 year old that they are powerless,” Peele said.

Addiction Proof Your Child, Seven Tools to Beat Addiction, Truth About Addiction and Recovery and Love and Addiction are just some of the books authored by Peele.

Scott Gallagher wrapped up the presentation by speaking of his past.

He used to be addicted to an assortment of substances including paint varnish remover, alcohol and cocaine.

While sharing his story he spoke about how important it is for parents to be aware of their actions towards their children.

Gallagher’s father told him that when he was born all his dreams ended. That was his turning point towards his addiction.

Throughout his visit, Gallagher was working with students from Belmont secondary, West Shore Learning and Training Centre, and Pacific Secondary School.

At these schools he shared his story with students through assemblies as well as in group and one-on-one workshops.

Gallagher has been touring across North America with his presentation and has been to more than 50 schools.

“My highest chance of staying sober was if I dedicated my life to helping others with addiction,” Gallagher said.

The event was organized by the West Shore Crystal Meth Society and was held to talk about addiction from an educational and preventative stand point.

“Spend as much time with your children possible. Ask questions and be involved in their lives,” said Bobbi Nil, a member of the WSCMS.

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