Pubdate: Tue, 30 May 2006
Source: Peace Arch News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Peace Arch News
Contact:  http://www.peacearchnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1333
Author: Trevor Wales
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

CRYSTAL METH -- A PARENT'S WORST NIGHTMARE

Concerned community members, ranging from young teens to 
grandparents, gathered to learn about the hidden dangers of crystal 
meth and the risk it poses to everyone.

"This forum is not a just a one-night stand, it's an opportunity for 
the community to come together as one and fight this," Mayor Judy 
Forster told a crowd of hundreds at the Star of the Sea Parish Centre May 24.

Members of police and fire departments, counseling services, and the 
Surrey school district formed a panel to help address the public's 
questions and concerns about recognizing and combating the problems 
caused by crystal meth.

"This really is a village problem," said Kerry Jackson, founder of 
the 20/20 Parenting Program. The aim of her program is to help with 
prevention and treatment of drug and alcohol addiction through 
workshops and online at www.2020parenting.com

The website is a resource centre, featuring articles written by 
professionals about parenting, counseling, education and health. 
There's also a free 29-page guide available to download, which helps 
parents recognize early signs and potential vulnerabilities.

Jackson gave an emotional presentation about the dangers of crystal 
meth, telling how her son Ryan was addicted for years until his 
suicide in 2002.

"It's a parent's worst nightmare," she said.

"They need to have the knowledge themselves instead of relying on the 
system or somebody else for help.

"Parents are in the dark about so many things, and hopefully we can 
help shine a light."

While there has been increased focus on harm reduction, Jackson has 
coined the term 'vulnerability reduction,' recognizing hidden 
vulnerabilities before they lead to drug abuse.

"We're definitely attempting to be proactive instead of reactive," 
said Kevin Letourneau, manager of counseling at Peace Arch Community Services.

The forum premiered the video Cold as Ice, which Letourneau helped 
produce. The video is a follow-up to 2005's Death by Jib, which is 
shown frequently in schools to inform students about the dangers of 
meth and has become a part of the Grade 7 curriculum in the Langley 
School District.

"With both videos, we want to get to students who have dabbled with 
the drug, or before they even start using," Letourneau said.

"It provides a snapshot of what their future could look like if they 
continue down that road. The most important component of everything 
we do is education," said Bruce Hayne, chair for the Surrey SMART 
(Surrey Methamphetamine Regional Task Force) Program.

"If we can reduce the demand and reduce the desire, it's going to 
make it that much more difficult for distributors."

SMART has launched a campaign in schools, using posters to spread the 
word. The Surrey school district also introduced a program in 
September in co-operation with RCMP liaison officers in combating 
meth in schools.

Andrew, a recovered crystal meth addict who frequently talks to 
students to help raise awareness, said it's great to see events like 
this happen, but there's still a lot of work to be done.

"Even if the statistics from authorities about meth users are lower 
here than in other places, there is a problem here in this community, 
there's no doubt about that," he said.

"I was in a bad place before, and I'm sure there are people here in 
White Rock still in a bad place."

Andrew hopes these forums will continue on a regular basis, because 
they encourage dialogue within the community.

Students from Semiahmoo Secondary were also on hand to share their 
comments and thoughts about the growing problem.

"Hearing the tales of these survivors is the most valuable thing for 
us," said Erin Banks, a Grade 12 student.

"Everyone's trying to prevent the youth from getting involved, and 
we're trying to prevent our friends (from using crystal meth), and a 
core part of that is hearing things we can relate to, from people we 
can relate to.

"That's what makes us stop and understand."
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman