Pubdate: Wed, 17 Nov 2004 Source: Penticton Western (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 Penticton Western Contact: http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1310 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) AWARENESS KEY TO DRUG BATTLE The menace of crystal meth is spreading across British Columbia. Use of the drug - a form of methamphetamine known as ice or glass - has expanded into all parts of the province, including the South Okanagan. It is not only among the most addictive drugs available, but also easily produced as key ingredients can be purchased at local hardware stores and mixed together in the most rudimentary facilities. The number of users is likely to increase, with experts saying that the growing popularity of the drug in Asia is a sign of things to come in North America. The growing threat posed by the drug's popularity to the well-being of British Columbians has forced health care workers, police and social service providers to confront crystal meth with increased vigour. Coinciding with National Drug Awareness week, experts from across Western Canada are meeting in Vancouver to find ways to combat the spread of the drug. Locally, Pathways: Addictions Resource Centre held a forum Monday night to discuss the drug and its devastating effects on users. Effects include, among others, a severe state of anxiety, mental confusion, depression and permanent psychotic symptoms. The mental and physical toll of crystal meth on its users is perhaps only matched by its impact on society at large. According to several reports, the recent death of three men on the Penticton Indian Band reserve may have been linked to the drug. Local law officials also suggest a strong connection between local crime rates and crystal meth. It has gained a foothold in almost every part of society, including those most vulnerable to its appeal and effects: youth, especially young women who - faced with pressure to look and act a certain way - have turned to the drug. So what is to be done? The answer to that question is perhaps as complex as the factors that contribute to the problem in the first place. Perhaps the most important step in addressing the problem is to talk about it. Raising awareness about crystal meth through specific events like this crystal meth summit in Vancouver and general events like National Drug Awareness Week will alert all concerned - parents, educators and politicians among them - to the effects of the drugs. There is - as they say - nothing more dangerous than ignorance. Any strategy will also likely require a strong police component aimed at the right target. The provincial drug trade is the domain of organized crime and police must have the resources to punish those who profit from human misery through enmeshing their victims in web of physical and economic dependency. Equally important though is prevention, which in the long run is likely to save more lives and resources than any other available tool. Parents, educators and community leaders have to lead the way in that effort. Crystal meth is a scourge that affects everybody and it will take a combined effort to defeat it. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D