Pubdate: Tue, 27 Dec 2005
Source: Edson Leader (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 Edson Leader
Contact:  http://www.edsonleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/780
Author: Edith Zuidhof-Knoop
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1969/a09.html?263062
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n2021/a04.html?263062
Referenced: 
http://www.mapinc.org/source/edson+leader 

METH SERIES QUESTIONED

Controversy arose regarding the story of a meth user submitted by the 
Edson and District Drug Action Coalition when the subject contacted 
the Edson Leader Dec. 16 to express dismay about details in the story 
that were not factual.

In a letter published in the Dec. 12 edition of the Leader, I stated 
that the dialogue was recorded verbatim. This was not an accurate 
statement and I apologize for any misunderstanding this created. 
Editorial staff were rightly concerned they were not made aware of 
this prior to start of publication of the story. It was not the 
intention of the coalition to withhold information. When this 
oversight was brought to our attention, we promptly offered to 
explain our goals and process publicly and were provided this opportunity.

An important goal of the coalition is to serve the community by 
educating its members about the effects and impact of methamphetamine 
abuse. The purpose of this six-part story is to raise public 
awareness by showcasing a local dealer and user who is representative 
of those who are part of this culture. Our hope is that awareness is 
created and readers will understand that methamphetamine use, abuse 
and trafficking are issues present in Edson and area that effect us all.

An RCMP member interviewed a user convicted of a series of 
meth-related crimes. Tapes were provided to the writer who 
transcribed the four-hour interview. This information was used to 
create the six-part story printed in the Leader. A story format was 
chosen to depict the "typical" lifestyle of a meth user and dealer. 
When facts were changed, it was done to protect the identity of the 
subject, as well as people close to him without altering the basic 
content of the story. Within our community, there are people closely 
connected to the subject. We will not create additional hardship or 
difficulty for these individuals.

It was suggested the coalition misled readers by choosing not to 
reveal the identity of the writer. Given the unpredictability, and at 
times violent culture of those who abuse methamphetamine, a pseudonym 
was used for the writer to ensure his/her safety.

We are grateful for the interest this story has generated, locally 
and elsewhere. There are many opinions and perspectives regarding drug use.

This story highlights the experiences of one person while describing 
themes common to many who choose to use or deal methamphetamine. This 
story will not resolve all of the methamphetamine issues in our 
community. It is one attempt that is part of an ongoing educational 
process to create an awareness that invites continued public support 
and participation to address these issues.

Finally, we want to express our sincere appreciation to the Edson 
Leader for their ongoing support for the community of Edson and the 
work of the Edson and District Drug Action Coalition. Their desire to 
partner comes without compromising their ethics or credibility.

* Guest editorial by Edith Zuidhof-Knoop 
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman