Pubdate: Fri, 13 Jan 2006 Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Times Colonist Contact: http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481 Author: Jim Hackler Note: Jim Hackler is the author of Canadian Criminology: Strategies and Perspectives, which includes a review of responses to drugs. The fourth edition of the book will be available in March. Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) EVALUATING OUR RESPONSE TO THE LATEST DRUG 'CRISIS' Periodically, "crisis" drugs appear among youth. The drugs change, but the public response is similar. The media target different drugs at different times. In the 1930s, marijuana was the "killer" drug. Recently, crystal meth has been the centre of attention in several western cities in North America, although cocaine and heroin are more likely to be the crisis drugs on most of the continent. The popularity of drugs changes, but certain myths persist. The first myth is that this new drug is different and worse than past drugs. The second is that if one can simply get a young person off this particular drug, other problems will disappear. A third myth is that the new drug attracts innocent youth. The honour student has lived a productive life and said no to marijuana and other drugs. Then, out of nowhere, the innocent youth is offered crystal meth. "OK, I have turned everything else down, but I will try this new stuff you have just purchased from a criminal on the street." Such situations are rare. In fact, crisis-drug users, according to one U.S. survey of 12th graders, have used, on average, nine illegal drugs and are currently using four illegal substances. The latest drug is an addition. In fact, most crisis-drug users have multiple problems. Programs must take these multiple needs into account. The demand for specialized detox centres devoted to a single drug offers false hope to families. Naturally, parents are relieved. Even the youthful users buy into the myth: "If I can just beat this habit, I will be all right." Failure to recognize other problems is part of the trouble. If the families cannot see that drug use is usually a symptom of other problems, they will not be prepared for the next crisis. Drugs are always available. Gasoline for sniffing is easy to obtain. The problem is not with the gasoline. Why is someone motivated to sniff it? Let us hope the current demand for specialized detox beds for crystal meth can be channelled into support for drug-treatment programs like those being offered in Prince George, and being evaluated by the Addiction Research Foundation in Ontario. The Centre for Addictions Research for B.C. has brought in researchers to present seminars on this topic. Unfortunately, research seems to have little effect on policy. Health systems seem to be the best vehicle for offering realistic help. Our provincial health officer is aware of the appropriate research. Public-health centres can offer long-term help, not the short-term assistance offered by a limited program. True, these health centres need links with social workers, youth shelters and detox centres. If someone is ready for detox, lengthy delays are not acceptable. But detox is not enough. Fads in drug use will come and go, but the underlying needs of young people tend to be ongoing. They, and their parents, need help for the myriad difficulties they face, so they do not feel the need to turn to the latest crisis drug. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom