Pubdate: Mon, 11 Nov 2006
Source: Cowichan News Leader (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Cowichan News Leader
Contact:  http://www.cowichannewsleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1314
Author: Aaron Bichard

METH WARNING ISSUED TO KIDS AND COMMUNITY

Students throughout the Cowichan Valley public school  system were 
given a crystal clear message earlier this  week - crystal meth is a 
devastating drug.

On Tuesday, the rest of the community will get to hear  the same 
information at a public forum.

Presentations were made to all students ages 13 to 18  as part of a 
local education and prevention project  called Breaking the Cycle.

"I had a few kids come up to me and say, 'you got to  me. I don't 
want to do drugs anymore,'" project  co-ordinator Pierre Morais said. 
"That's exactly what  we want. We want kids to think twice and not 
take this  drug."

Morais said crystal meth is a drug unlike any seen  before, with 
debilitating effects on the brain and  nervous system.

"Youth need to know about this," Morais said. "I've  talked to police 
officers who have been on the job for  years and have seen PCP, angel 
dust, crack cocaine -  crystal meth is by far the worst."

As Phase 2 of the project, Morais is accepting  applications for 10 
Cowichan youth to be Scared  Straight.

By applying on-line at www.crystalmethproject.com  before Nov. 22, 10 
youth ages 13-18 will travel to  Vancouver's East Side to talk to 
meth users, recovered  addicts, counselors and police and see 
first-hand the  harsh realities of the drug.

Phase 1 of the project will come to a close Tuesday  with the second 
community forum on the drug.

"We really hope lots of people come out," Morais said.  "If you know 
what you're up against, you can find ways  to help your kids stay away."
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MAP posted-by: Elaine