Pubdate: Fri, 03 Nov 2006
Source: Prince George Free Press (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 BC Newspaper Group
Contact:  http://www.pgfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2135
Author: Teresa Mallam

ADDICTS CAN LOSE THEMSELVES IN CRYSTAL METH

Sleepless in Prince George could be a romantic comedy movie. In 
reality, it may refer to the meth "madness" that causes people to 
stay up for hours and hours, even days, without sleep. But crystal 
methamphetamines have also become the new "diet drug" with young 
people. And that has local youth workers worried.

In a society where thin is forever "in" - despite campaigns against 
that kind of thinking, Tamara Debalinhard said teenagers are using 
the illicit drug to take off pounds.

"They believe nothing bad will happen to them. They just think, I 
sure will lose weight." But from what she's read and what's she's 
seen, bad things do happen. Known by many other names including zip, 
speed, glass, meth, ice and peanut butter, the drug has 
well-documented, adverse side effects.

That is what concerns her most.

"Who knows what will happen to the next generation. Like alcohol 
abuse, we may see its side effects in our children. To me, meth is 
killing our future which is our children."

Debalinhard does not profess to be a medical expert, a psychiatrist 
or a chemist. However, in her job as YAP (Youth Around Prince) 
resource centre coordinator, she's seen the drug's devastating 
effects on young people's lives. And on their physical and mental health.

"This is a drug of choice for young people because it is cheap and 
easy to get. You can get the chemicals to make it just about 
anywhere. That appeals to them because they don't have much money. 
Meth is not just used by the young - there's even a commercial out 
about a housewife on meth is cleaning cracks in the closet - but it 
has become very popular with youth. This is a drug that keeps you up 
for hours, days. That's why they take it. So they can stay up and 
party all night."

When the "high" is over, however, the crash and downward spiral of 
their lives is devastating, she said. Treatment can take years.

"They basically lose who they are. They become unkempt. They don't 
care about personal hygiene, or how they look anymore. Sometimes they 
become paranoid and delusional. They start picking bugs off their 
arms - not a pretty sight. Unless they get help, they just keep going 
downhill."

Meth has became a such a problem, that Debalinhard thinks it should 
get become a number one priority with all levels of government.

"There was some {provincial} funds allocated recently but much more 
is needed to combat the meth problem. It has become a real "state of 
emergency" situation.

What signs can parents look for if they suspect their kids are into meth?

"They will be doing a lot of sleeping when they get home. They can 
stay up for days but eventually they have to come down," she said. 
"Their emotions are up and down. They have a gaunt, skinny look to 
their face. They quite often develop big sores on their face from 
what we call 'bathtub' drugs. Meth actually comes out in their pores 
because the body is trying to reject this stuff."

Meth use is often marked by violent outbursts, antisocial behaviours 
and physical changes such as high blood pressure and systemic brain damage.

The picture is not all bleak, however.

Andrew Burton, a drug prevention counsellor at YAP, has listened to 
the stories, attended major "meth conferences" and done what he can 
to make people aware of the drug's potential dangers - like 
addiction. He was behind the movie Jibb, released last year, which 
takes a trip into the world of meth.

"Jibb has been viewed all over North America," said Debalinhard. "We 
got a lot of requests for it from schools. It shows the real world of 
meth as seen from experiential people."

YAP has many programs and services including alcohol and drug 
counseling, life skills programs, public health, school programs, 
Street Spirits Theatre Co and youth support groups. For more 
information phone 565-7482.
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