Pubdate: Thu, 23 Nov 2006
Source: Arrow Lakes News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Arrow Lakes News
Contact:  http://www.arrowlakesnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2309
Author:  Lynda Lafleur

METH IS NOT HERE YET -- LET'S KEEP IT THAT WAY

Have you noticed the Crystal Meth campaign in Arrow Lakes News? We 
hope you have and that you have read it carefully - preferably with 
your children.

We also tried to localize this growing problem, and were pleasantly 
surprised to learn there was no issue in Nakusp.

My best advice is not to get too comfortable or complacent about that 
bit of information. It is very important to work hard if we are to 
keep our community free of crystal meth use and manufacturing.

It is interesting how, upon moving into the Kootenays, we all hear 
the jokes about the Kootenay crops of marijuana. "Best in Canada" 
some tell me. We know it is a cash crop in the region, and we know it 
is the substance of choice for thousands. Most of us tune out all 
references to the crop. It appears to be a part of the lifestyle 
people refer to.

Trouble is, we cannot market that particular fact when defining our 
Kootenay lifestyle!

Getting back to crystal meth...there is a drug we need to watch for, 
as it does more than tobacco or pot. It affects the central nervous 
system and offers a greater "rush" than marijuana. Trouble is, there 
is increased agitation and possibly violence in some people. 
Insomnia, anxiety, paranoia, and confusion are other effects.

Many become so addicted, and become extreme users and very dependent 
on meth, their very lives are in danger.

British Columbia had the dubious distinction of having the highest 
number of meth labs in 2004.

The other message this month has been to talk about the drug with 
your kids. It is a message worth listening to. Yes, it is tough to 
get youngsters and teens to take these issues seriously, but we have 
to get their attention.

Let us not forget our own youth. There is always a substance that 
teens will try. In the 1920s there was opium, which started out in 
the adult community but quickly found its way to the younger crowds.

Every generation of teens will have a drug to deal with, and every 
generation of parents will have to try to keep their kids away from it.

We all struggle along, and think we are doing a decent job of sharing 
information with our kids. I enjoy watching grandparents getting 
involved with that young set. There is often a very special bond 
between grandparents and grandchildren and talking about the dangers 
of meth is a perfect conversation for them to have.

Did you know that in a recent Stats Canada report, 34 per cent of 
teens had tried marijuana, four per cent had tried ecstasy and three 
per cent had used crack cocaine, two per cent had used crystal meth 
and one per cent had used heroin.

We have been told Nakusp is not yet into meth. I don't know about 
you, but I am willing to do whatever it takes to keep it that way - 
for the sake of our youth and their families who would miss them.

So, I encourage all parents and grandparents to please - talk to your 
kids - and listen to them. If the topic makes you uncomfortable, find 
a professional to guide you both. The effort will be felt by the 
whole community.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Elaine