Pubdate: Mon, 05 Dec 2005
Source: Parklander, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 Hinton Parklander
Contact:  http://www.hintonparklander.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/782
Author: Jessica Kerr
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

U OF A RESEARCHER LOOKING FOR CRYSTAL METH STORIES

Hinton Parklander -- One University of Alberta researcher is exploring
why young people start using crystal methamphetamine in hopes of
helping parents protect their children from addiction.

Dr. Lori Harach, a professor of Human Ecology at the university, was
first intrigued by the idea after reading letters to the editor in a
community newspaper. They were from parents concerned about their
children's addictions.

"Parents who were just frustrated and beside themselves," she said.
"They would say in these letters that they had no idea or warning."

Harach's area of expertise is parent/child relationships, so the new
project fits in with what she has already studied. She said the
project is still in the planning phases, but she is hoping to get
input from people in order to help her set the final direction. Harach
is looking for testimonials from Albertans who have been affected by
the drug in one way or another.

"There's really no research out there yet," Harach said. "If we can
figure out what is leading adolescents to the drug, then we have a
better idea of where we need to step in."

She said that the fact that crystal meth is so cheaply made and so
cheap to buy, makes it unique. Harach added that she has two goals she
hopes to accomplish with the project, one is to look at what risk
factors put youths at risk of using; the other is to find out what's
protecting adolescence from crystal meth.

"That information could be used at the family level for awareness, but
it could also be incorporated into counselling or workshops for
communities."

Submissions to Harach can be anonymous.

She can be contacted via e-mail at  or through
regular mail at Lori Harach, 302 Human Ecology Building, University of
Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2N1. 
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