Pubdate: Sat, 11 Nov 2006
Source: Record, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.royalcityrecord.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1654
Author: Theresa McManus

RESIDENTS INVITED TO ATTEND METH FORUM

The City of New Westminster is inviting residents to attend a 
dialogue about crystal meth on Nov. 16.

The forum, the last of three dialogues on crystal methamphetamine, is 
being held to educate parents and youth on the dangers of the drug. 
In addition to personal stories, people will learn about what's in 
crystal meth, what it looks like, the effects of crystal meth use, 
risk factors and what families can do to prevent their children using 
crystal meth.

Speakers include people who are now recovering from crystal meth 
addiction, health professionals, drug prevention workers, youth 
addiction outreach counsellors and a mother speaking about how drug 
use has impacted her family.

"I was just about in tears listing to the three young people," said 
Coun. Lorrie Williams, who attended a previous forum. "They were 
incredible, brave, courageous, also very good-natured. They are out 
of it, happy to be out of it."

In addition to speakers, the dialogues also include information about 
community resources. The event takes place on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7 
p.m. at Massey Theatre.

Coun. Betty McIntosh said the city applied to the province for some 
funding for offering some programming about crystal meth prevention. 
A crystal meth steering committee, composed of city, police, school 
district, health, social services and addiction counsellors, has been 
underway for a number of months.

While crystal meth has yet to emerge as a major issue in New 
Westminster, McIntosh encourages residents to attend and get armed 
with information.

"We don't have a crystal meth issue in New Westminster. That is what 
we are hearing. There is other things - crack cocaine, heroin, 
marijuana, alcohol," she said. "The task force decided to use the 
money to educate people on the signs and symptoms of crystal meth 
use. You think you don't have a problem, but a week later you do."

Two previous dialogues have been held regarding crystal meth, one at 
Queensborough Middle School and another at Glenbrook Middle School.

"Crystal meth is such as cheap alternative. I think they can get a 
fix for $5," McIntosh said. "It is an ugly, ugly, cheap drug. It is a 
scourge. It is one of those things that devastates people. They get 
hooked after using once or twice. It takes over their life."

According to McIntosh, one of the criticisms of a crystal meth forum 
held last year in Vancouver was that it didn't include any recovering 
crystal meth addicts. That's a point of view that is front and centre 
at the local dialogues.

"Everyone, even if your kids are not involved, can get informed so 
everyone can support it in the community," she said.
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