Pubdate: Tue, 02 May 2006
Source: Red Deer Advocate (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 Red Deer Advocate
Contact:  http://www.reddeeradvocate.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2492
Author: Andrea Miller
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada)

WAR ON CRYSTAL METH

An Alberta Task Force Is Taking Steps To Tackle The Scourge Of Crystal Meth.

Red Deer North MLA Mary Anne Jablonski, a task force  member, said 
provincewide consultations with interest  groups and organizations 
will be held in the next two  months.

Consultations with Red Deer groups that deal with drug  addictions 
will take place in mid-May.

The Premier's Task Force on Crystal Meth also launched  its website 
on Sunday, allowing Albertans to send in  feedback electronically.

"We know in order to make a difference, we have to  attack both the 
demand and supply of crystal meth,"  said Jablonski.

"On the demand side, the best way to do that is to go  straight to 
the youth and connect with them in their  schools."

Jablonski said one solution may involve youths talking  to other 
youths about the dangers of the illegal drug.

"Unfortunately, the kids who have gone through the  misery and pain 
of being addicted have a story to tell,  and sometimes kids will listen."

Education through plays and other forms of drama are  also good 
tools, she said.

"We have to be innovative and creative. We can't stand  in front of a 
group of kids and preach."

Premier Ralph Klein's wife, Colleen, is heading the  task force. The 
12-member committee began meeting in  December.

Red Deer Public School District superintendent Don  Falk, who is also 
a task force member, said the group  has been told that tobacco, 
alcohol and marijuana are  also big problems and could lead to use of 
harder  drugs.

Falk said those drugs may need to be looked at when the  task force 
examines how to prevent crystal meth  addiction.

In Red Deer, cocaine seems to be more prevalent than  crystal meth.

"But crystal meth is present in Red Deer, and when it  is used it is 
a horrendous problem for individuals and  families. It wreaks havoc," 
said Falk.

The task force is looking at building on public  awareness, 
prevention, treatment, legislation and  enforcement.

Feedback provided to the website will be kept  confidential. Comments 
will be collected until July 1.

To provide comments or to learn more, go 
to:  www.gov.ab.ca/premier/cmeth/force.cfm

The task force is made up of community representatives  leading 
Alberta's response to crystal meth abuse.

The task force expects to draft its recommendations by  October.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom