Pubdate: Mon, 01 May 2006
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
capital_van_isl/story.html?id=8dc695de-b04a-41a4-ad13-b027027dfea5
Copyright: 2006 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Jeff Bell, Times Colonist
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

CRYSTALLIZING ACTION AGAINST ADDICTION

Mark McLaughlin's commitment to a cause has already earned him well- 
deserved recognition on Vancouver Island, and now the accolades are  
coming from across the Strait of Georgia.

McLaughlin is one of the founders of Crystal Meth Victoria, a  
grassroots initiative launched last June to fight the growing problem  
of crystal methamphetamine use, especially among young people. The  
highly addictive drug, commonly called crystal meth, has swept  
through many areas of North America, and has had a significant impact  
in the capital region in recent years.

Following a nomination by the Oak Bay Police Department, McLaughlin  
was given the Canada Volunteerism Award at Volunteer Vancouver's  
recent recognition ceremony. The singular award recognizes volunteer  
contributions made outside of the Lower Mainland.

McLaughlin said he was spurred to take action when the crystal meth  
issue quite literally hit home -- one of his children developed an  
addiction. The child is doing better now, he said.

"When a family encounters the challenge of a meth-involved child,  
it's a very, very hard situation," he said. "They can kind of make  
two choices, they can give in and fall apart or they can try and  
fight back. We chose the latter."

The family searched out resources and avenues of help, and found  
little of either.

"We said that's not acceptable and we're going to try and do  
something about it. I say we looked around and saw opportunity at  
every point of the compass."

With that, the Crystal Meth Victoria Society began to take shape.  
McLaughlin said the award from Volunteer Vancouver reflects a lot of  
dedication from many people.

"The way I view this award is it's recognition of the work of the  
Crystal Meth Victoria Society and the validity of the community task  
force model that has allowed so many people in the community to step  
up and participate in trying to work with this problem."

The group has a website at www.crystalmethbc.ca, DVD products and  
brochures, and makes regular presentations at local middle schools  
and high schools. Members have met with several cabinet ministers,  
and are involved in talks with "community partners" that could lead  
to announcements within a few months about new rehabiltation beds for  
youth.

McLaughlin said Crystal Meth Victoria is also looking for a new  
volunteer to take over press relations and publicity.

Anyone interested can contact 886-5978 or  ---
MAP posted-by: Jackl