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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom