Pubdate: Wed, 09 Jun 2004
Source: Meridian Booster (CN AB)
Copyright: 2004, The Lloydminster Meridian Booster
Contact:  http://www.meridianbooster.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1590
Author: Leo Pare
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

PROVINCE GRAPPLES WITH METH USE

The highly addictive and damaging drug crystal meth is becoming a problem 
in Saskatchewan and the Sask. Party is calling for the provincial 
government to raise public awareness of the growing problem.

Lloydminster Meridian Booster -- The highly addictive and damaging drug 
crystal meth is becoming a problem in Saskatchewan and the Sask. Party is 
calling for the provincial government to raise public awareness of the 
growing problem.

"As I travel the province, law enforcement officers, schools, community 
groups, First Nations leaders and parents are raising concerns about the 
meth problem," said Sask. Party Leader Brad Wall. "We believe the 
government has a role to play in educating parents and young people about 
the danger of this incredibly addictive and destructive drug."

Wall said one hit of crystal meth costs about $10 and lasts for about 24 
hours, making it far less expensive than drugs like cocaine, but its health 
effects are far worse.

"One law enforcement officer told us that cocaine is like Girl Guide 
cookies compared to meth," he said.

Meth users experience mood swings, unhealthy weight loss, sores on their 
skin, confusion, paranoia and aggressive behavior. Long-term effects 
include fatal kidney and lung disorders, liver damage, chronic depression, 
blood clots and a deficient immune system.

"Law enforcement officials have told us that meth is the most addictive 
drug in common use today, and also the most difficult to treat," Wall said. 
"After coming off the drug, it can take six months to three years to 
recover and meth addicts are often violent and extremely resistant to 
treatment."

John McCallum, consultant for the Saskatchewan government's alcohol and 
drug program, said meth is appealing to users because it is inexpensive and 
can be easily synthesized from legally purchased products.

"We don't have any hard data about the increase yet because it is so 
recent," said McCallum. "But crystal meth is just an old drug with a new form."

Wall said other provinces like Alberta and British Columbia are developing 
a coordinated strategy to deal with the growing problem of crystal meth. He 
urged the Saskatchewan government to do the same.

"We aren't trying to score points off this, we just want to raise awareness."

Lloydminster MLA Milt Wakefield said people may not be aware enough about 
what crystal meth is and the harm it can cause.

"People in our schools say the staff aren't completely aware about things 
like the immediate addictive properties of the drug," he said. "We want to 
educate the public."
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