Pubdate: Mon, 28 Mar 2005
Source: North Thompson Star/Journal (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The North Thompson Star/Journal
Contact:  http://www.starjournal.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1231
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

DON'T LOSE MOMENTUM

A word from our editor

CBC's Fifth Estate aired their program on crystal meth last week. Filming 
was done in Barriere and Kamloops which produced many local faces known to 
our community and to our hearts.

For those who were still turning a blind eye, or have been finding their 
own way to deny that this drug has come to our town - this was a good 
wake-up call. For those who are aware of the problems crystal meth and 
other illegal substances have created, the show was a reinforcement that 
the community must continue to remain aware of the problem.

Barriere RCMP have acted on several tips regarding drug production within 
the community since the Star/Journal ran the first article on crystal meth 
abuse in our youth. For our local police force to be able to continue their 
activity in this regard the community must continue to be pro-active. Loss 
of momentum will put our town back where we started - like so many other 
towns with a drug problem in our youth. Tips made to Crimestoppers or to 
the Barriere RCMP must continue if we are to clean up our community and 
take our children back.

Supporting the Barriere Against Drugs organization, attending their 
upcoming informational meeting on April 11, and being responsible community 
members will assure us of continuing to move positively forward, not 
sliding back.

I recently attended a Core Group meeting of the Barriere Against Drugs 
organization. We met to arrange a public meeting, to discuss group 
policies, and to watch a video on crystal meth and it's ramifications. When 
the 20 minute video was over we had a room full of shocked, sickened and 
emotionally upset adults. Many of our group are first responders through 
Barriere Search and Rescue and our local ambulance, these people were just 
as sickened as the rest of us.

No, this wasn't a video geared to "gross you out" it was the harsh and 
shocking facts of what crystal meth can do to a family and to a child. 
Parents and family members who use drugs are in a position to inflect 
unspeakable abuse, pain, and even death upon those who are in their care. 
Drug induced actions and reactions can carry with them a terrible price - 
one that can not be reversed. Unfortunately children are so often the 
recipients of this abuse.

If you have a family member or friend with a drug problem encourage them to 
seek help and help them to obtain it. Trying to rectify a personal or 
family disaster after the fact is too late. The time to act is now. Your 
positive action may save a child.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager