ADDICTION 'AN EPIDEMIC'

Campbell pledges $7 million, promises treatment, in the war against
'dirty, filthy' methamphetamines

Glenn Bohn, with file from Jonathan Fowlie Vancouver Sun

Premier Gordon Campbell announced Thursday a $7-million battle
against crystal methamphetamines, promising more treatment programs
for those trying to get off the highly addictive drug, and an
advertising blitz to discourage people from trying it.

"This sneaks up on you," Campbell warned. "If you talk to anyone
who's been involved at all, you know this: Crystal meth is a dirty,
filthy drug. It ruins people's lives -- forever -- so we want to make
sure parents know what to look for, [and] communities know what to look for."

Campbell spoke at the annual conference of the Union of B.C.
Municipalities in Vancouver, one day after mayors and councillors
unanimously passed a resolution that warned of a growing number of
amphetamine users, addictions and deaths.

The resolution asked Victoria to limit access to over-the-counter
ingredients required to produce the drug, increase public awareness
and education about crystal-meth use, provide assistance to deal with
at-risk groups, and provide assistance to treat addiction problems.

In an address to the UBCM earlier Thursday, Opposition leader Carole
James focused on "growing homelessness, addiction, and despair on our streets."

James said the social fabric of B.C. communities is being tested by
homelessness, a problem she said is connected to both mental illness
and drug abuse. "I know that the growing crisis of crystal meth
addiction is a top priority at this gathering. And government and the
Opposition must stand with you, providing the resources and support
you need to tackle this problem."

The New Democratic Party leader warned: "Homelessness on our streets
will not be solved without a significant commitment of resources to
deal with addiction or without a firm commitment to deal with the
lack of resource for those who suffer mental illness."

She also said there is a "significant shortage" of treatment
facilities for addicts and their families in communities."For
Vancouver Island, for example, we have five addiction beds for the
entire island," the Victoria-Beacon Hill MLA said.

When Campbell spoke to the same municipal politicians Thursday
afternoon, he outlined:

- - $3 million for a public education program ($1 million for education
programs delivered in schools and $2 million for advertisements in
the mass media.)

- - $2 million in $10,000 grants for community-based programs, for
every community in B.C. that wants to participate. A similar program
is to be established for aboriginal communities.

- - $2 million for "targeted treatment programs" for crystal meth
addicts who want to go into detox.

Campbell also promised a series of regional seminars on crystal meth,
organized by a new "crystal meth secretariat" in the
Solicitor-General Ministry.

James said communities will appreciate the $10,000 grants, but said
the rest of the money should have gone into detoxification services,
not a new "secretariat."

After Campbell's address, those who have seen the dangers of
methamphetamine held a workshop on what to expect and how to deal
with the drug. "We've got an epidemic in B.C.," said Gordon Robson, a
Maple Ridge businessman who has helped the Meadowridge Rotary Club
organize a campaign against meth.

ON 'ICE':

Some facts about crystal meth

- - "Crystal" and "ice" are some of the street names for this kind of
methamphetamine, which is also known as "meth" or "speed."

- - The synthetic drug is produced in clandestine laboratories, using
chemicals and over-the-counter medications.

- - Methamphetamines can be found in tablet or powder form, or in a
waxy form known as "base," "paste," "wax," or "point." Crystal meth,
a more potent form of methamphetamines, consists of recrystallized powder.

- - Depending on the form, methamphetamine can be taken orally, smoked,
snorted or injected.

- - If methamphetamine is smoked or injected, it can create a feeling
of euphoria, a "rush" or "flash," that begins within seconds and
lasts a few minutes.

- - Other effects include increased wakefulness, increased heart rate,
decreased appetite, excessive talking, increased body temperatures.

- - Users may also experience tremors, mental confusion, convulsions,
insomnia, irritability, aggression, chest pain and cardiovascular collapse.

Source: Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, a national addictions
agency created by Parliament