Pubdate: Mon, 15 May 2006 Source: North Thompson Star/Journal (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 The North Thompson Star/Journal Contact: http://www.starjournal.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1231 Author: Jill Hayward REACHING THE KIDS ABOUT DRUG ABUSE Corporal Mike Mucha of the Barriere RCMP Detachment presented a power-point presentation last Wednesday to the students of Barriere Secondary School on the pitfalls of crystal meth. The presentation was hosted by the local detachment with all officers in attendance, RCMP cadet Todd English, four Barriere Ambulance representatives, and Cst. Dean Gladue from District RCMP Drug Awareness in Kamloops. "We want you to understand what this drug is all about," Cpl. Mucha told the students, "It causes permanent brain damage and paranoia in long term users. It is 90 per cent addictive after only one use." Mucha also warned of the drug Ecstasy which is in almost all instances only 18 per cent pure being laced with crystal meth, cocaine, PCP and caffeine. Even marijuana Mucha stated is no longer the product of the 1960s when the strength of the drug was very low. "Nowadays the product is much stronger than before and some dealers put crystal meth and other products into the marijuana to create addiction and a customer that will return. "Before you take a drug, when you can make that choice, keep in mind what could be in it, what you are doing, and what could happen to your life," said Mucha, "I think many of you know what has happened to some people in Barriere who have used drugs and it could happen to your life as well." The presentation was graphic and to the point. Pictures shown during the powerpoint presentation of addicts after 10 years of using crystal meth produced exclamations and cries of "gross" from the students as they saw the devastating physical effects of substance abuse. The presentation ended with a call for questions from the students but none were forthcoming. "Have a good safe grad," said Mucha in closing his presentation, "Don't go out and party in excess and get yourself into trouble. Impaired driving is always a problem at this time. Have a good safe grad and be able to remember it for the rest of your lives." - --- MAP posted-by: SHeath(DPF Florida)