Pubdate: Tue, 03 Feb 2004 Source: Williams Lake Tribune, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 Williams Lake Tribune Contact: http://www.wltribune.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1226 Author: Sonya Klausat Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) CRYSTAL METH: A GROWING PROBLEM Trying to understand addiction Williams Lake needs to wake up to the issue of drug use, according to a member of the local health advisory committee. "It is just very scary how much crystal meth use is taking place, but no one is talking about it," said Rosanna McGregor, health committee and social program supervisor for the Cariboo Friendship Society, at the committee's meeting January 14. "I think it's time to talk about it." McGregor said that on a local level, she sees a lot of openness regarding alcohol awareness, but not the same amount of information and acknowledgement about drugs such as speed and crystal meth. Crystal meth, also known as methamphetamine, saw wide use in the 1960s and early 1970s before all but disappearing, but has been experiencing a resurgence in North America over the last couple of years, said Denise Deschene, school-based prevention and outreach worker in Williams Lake. "It's very cheap and it lasts a long time, so that makes it popular," she said. Similar to the effects of cocaine, meth acts on the cerebral cortex of the brain, causing increased motor activity and resulting in a feeling of alertness. It also blocks hunger and fatigue, so users often go long periods without eating or sleeping. After the initial "rush," users can become agitated and some may even become violent. Symptoms can increase with long-term use, and can even involve paranoia and hallucinations. "There is a huge lack of awareness," said health committee member Mary Montgomery. "There is a huge misperception among young people, and I think us older people have our heads stuck in the sand." However, Deschene said that while she has counselled teens who were crystal meth, the biggest substance abuse problem she sees is still alcohol. Before Christmas, Deschene gave a presentation to a Grade 9 class, and some of the students were unaware of crystal meth. "That's encouraging to me," she said. RCMP Staff Sgt. Grant Martin said the Williams Lake detachment is aware of the presence of crystal meth in the community. "It is here. We've definitely dealt with it," he said. As a way to increase awareness about drugs in the community, the Cariboo Friendship Society and the B.C. Association of Indian Friendship Societies are co-sponsoring a full-day workshop February 9, which is open to the public. In the morning, RCMP Const. Michele Johanson is scheduled to give a presentation on street drugs in the area. The afternoon is set to include a presentation by Ed Bibendorf of the Phoenix Centre in Kamloops. McGregor said Bibendorf will be speaking about addiction, including how to deal with a family member or friend who is addicted to drugs. While the event is open to the public, McGregor is asking those interested in attending to call her at the Cariboo Friendship Society no later than February 4. Meanwhile, McGregor is hoping to keep encouraging community members to speak up on the issue, and bring forward stories or information to the health committee. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh