'CRYSTAL METH' HITS VANDERHOOF STREETS

You feel smarter, stronger, more powerful, more attractive. And it's all a
lie. It's crystal meth. It's whispering untruths into your brain. It's fine
until you run out.

Judy Carnell, an addiction counsellor at Vanderhoof Alcohol and Drug
Services, is starting to see the effects of this powerful stimulant on the
people she's trying to help.

"When people come down they're hopeless and hopeless and hopeless," she
said. "They're discouraged and there's no point."

The only way to beat the depression is to take another hit of crystal meth.
And then users face the consequences of extended use - malnutrition, kidney
damage, lung problems, stroke, and an 'amphetamine psychosis' similar in
effect to paranoid schizophrenia. Nurses in local medical offices are
seeing more of the effects right here in Vanderhoof, said Carnell.

"For every person I see there's probably 10 more out there," she said. "I
want the community to know this bad stuff is out there. This damn stuff is
out there and it's dangerous. I've been hearing rumours since January or
February. Now I'm seeing the effects of it - hearing about the effects of
it - the consequences of heavy use."

The effects of crystal meth are similar to those of cocaine, but stronger
and they last longer. Instead of a one-hour high, users are up for several
hours, and it's not unusual for two or three-day benders.

"People might binge for three days, and that means three days with no sleep
and no food," said Carnell. "It's certainly playing with your brain cells."
Users may seem agitated while they're using, hyperactive, talking a lot,
rapid heart beat, dilated pupils, breathing quickly and they may behave in
a bizarre or repetitive fashion. Taking too much of the drug can lead to
frightening hallucinations, tremors, seizures, paranoia or death from
extremely high fever or heart irregularities. Withdrawal is psychologically
painful - leading to exhaustion, irritability, or hostility and aggression.
Unlike cocaine, users of crystal meth seem to be younger.

"It's big among the younger crowd - teens and young adults," said Carnell.
"It's in Vanderhoof and it's coming here all the time. I think it's
available fairly easily."

Vanderhoof RCMP have heard the rumours too, but haven't seen the drug that
can come in powdered form, pills or 'rock.'

"There's rumour and innuendo out there," said Cpl. Brad Haugli. "I haven't
seen anyone seizing any crystal meth, but that doesn't mean it's not out
there."

Vanderhoof Alcohol and Drug Services offers counselling to users or their
friends and family.

"Give us a call and find out some information," said Carnell. "Come in and
talk about your child, or your friend or yourself. It can be anonymous -
you don't have to give your name over the phone."