CRYSTAL METH DEATH TOLL MOUNTS

Some Say Addiction To Drug Becoming Epidemic

Since January there have been at least 10 deaths in Saskatoon
connected to crystal meth but the actual number is probably much
higher, say individuals close to the local drug scene.

"I think we're being fairly safe with that guess. It's way too high,"
said Don Meikle, client services co-ordinator at EGADZ Youth Centre.

Saskatchewan Party MLA Ted Merriman, whose own daughter is a
recovering addict, insists the problem "is way more serious than we
think."

His daughter knows people in the meth scene and daily scans the
obituaries, pointing out those she recognizes. The pair have attended
many funerals "to show support" for the families of those whose lives
have been stolen away by meth. Merriman says he's lost count.

"I would say 10 (deaths) is probably the low side of the number. If
it's the young aboriginal kids we wouldn't even hear about 'em, sadly.
They are the lost children," he said. "And that's just in Saskatoon.
So take that provincewide and. . . . It's a lot more widespread than
we know."

In comparison, the number of homicides in 2004 -- the city's worst
year -- was nine.

"And we're just halfway through the bloody year," Merriman
noted.

"Is that not an epidemic? If it was anything else killing this many
people, it would be an emergency. Why aren't we doing more about
this?" asked Cathy, a mom whose 21-year-old son is trying to kick his
addiction at the Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford.

The provincial coroner could not be reached for comment on the actual
number of meth deaths.

Marvin and Dee Dee Fenrich of Wilkie are still awaiting the autopsy
results on their son, Marc.

The 19-year-old was found dead in mid-May at an Edmonton care home
where he was fighting his meth addiction. He was kneeling in the
corner of his room, his upper body folded over and arms outstretched
on the carpet, as if in prayer, according to Dee Dee.

"I right away knew that he was calling for help," said Dee Dee. "I
think he knew something was wrong, physically, and he went to God to
ask Him for help."

Just a few months earlier, Marc made a commitment to become a
Christian, said Dee Dee. It was only after the family became convinced
of his addiction and Marc could no longer hide it.

"I had no idea of the seriousness of that drug until he was well into
it," said Dee Dee. "I had instinctive notions but he would talk me out
of it. I always wanted to believe him. I think I had my head in the
sand."

It was only during the last six months of Marc's life that Dee Dee and
Marvin became convinced.

"We were always waiting for him to come to the end of his rope but
when he finally did, it was too late," said Dee Dee. "I should have
tried to understand him better -- find out what was bothering him. I
wish I knew how to help. I think I dropped the ball.

"Time is of the essence for these young people."

It's difficult to tell how many meth victims there truly are, said
Meikle.

"Street people don't rank high on society's list, so we don't hear
about it. Or they're (victims) taken to their home reserve for a
burial and no one hears about it," he said. "What also happens a lot
of the time is, because of family embarrassment, they don't want to
put an obituary in the paper. And poor people can't afford to (buy an
obit)."

"But it's not just the Don Meikle kids," said Merriman. "It's the kids
of upper affluent or middle-class families who are on this shit."

Among those he counts the children of a (surgeon) and of the
presidents of three companies. Users also include some doctors,
lawyers and journalists in the city, he said.

After months of studying the province's meth and other drug
addictions, Saskatoon Sutherland NDP MLA Graham Addley has recently
completed a 40-page, 12-recommendation report. It is now in the hands
of Premier Lorne Calvert and his cabinet, who are expected to deal
with it in the coming weeks.

Merriman wants to see meth-specific treatment centres in Saskatchewan.
A meth addict needs rest, but present addictions programs require
active participation or you get tossed out.

Meikle agrees with the need for a treatment centre but he disagrees
with Merriman on how to get users into it.

"My biggest fear is a knee-jerk reaction," that would allow a youth to
be apprehended and held 48-72 hours based simply on the belief the
individual is using meth," said Meikle. "It's a total violation of
somebody's rights.

"If there is going to be secured care they need to have an unbiased
third party, a justice of the peace to evaluate the reason
appropriately. "When we're upset and distraught, we don't always
listen to our kids. We need that unbiased opinion to listen to them
and make sure the right decisions are being made."

Merriman believes strong, forceful steps are necessary.

"You can't take somebody that is irrational, high on drugs, and try to
explain to them rational thoughts. That's why the apprehension thing
is so critical," he said. "If we make it so you have to talk to the
child so they know you're going to apprehend them and give them the
opportunity for input, well, that's asinine.

"If you have a 15-year-old who's high, the kid's a space cadet. Do you
think they're going to say, 'Oh yeah, mom's right. I'll go into
treatment.' Give your head a shake."

Merriman recognizes that forced treatment may not be entirely
productive but he's willing to take the chance.

"As a parent, if I think I can get them forced in and have a 50 per
cent chance of success, even a 30 per cent chance of success, I'll
take the 30 per cent chance over none at all."