GROUP TO FIGHT CRYSTAL METH

Skyrocketing use of drug prompts creation of Crystal Meth Victoria Society

Kerra could hardly get the words out.

"For the past two years, my daughter has had an addiction to crystal meth,"
said the tearful mom, speaking Wednesday at the launch of the Crystal Meth
Victoria Society. "She's almost 16."

Kerra, who asked that her full name not be used, was among the parents of
addicts who spoke to a crowd of close to 200 at the unveiling of the
grassroots community group. Schools, municipal and provincial governments,
social agencies and police departments were represented in the audience at
the Marriott Hotel, showing a desire to deal with a highly addictive,
potentially deadly drug that has hit the region like a wave -- especially
over the past year.

Another parent, struggling to keep her emotions in check, said that having
crystal meth affect her family was something she never expected.

"To find out that your child is caught in the grip of this drug is a
terrible thing. It's a journey that no parent should have to take."

The creation of the Crystal Meth Victoria Society comes at a time when use
of the highly addictive methamphetamine is skyrocketing in the capital
region. The number of young people using the Vancouver Island Youth Detox
Centre and reporting crystal meth as their main drug went from 11 per cent
in 2000-01 to 61 per cent in 2003-04.

Leading the crystal meth group are people like Mark McLaughlin, who has a
family member affected by crystal meth use and addiction. Trying to find
solutions left him and his wife "racked with anxiety and desperately looking
for help," he said.

The couple became aware of a pressing need for information and outreach.
That eventually led to the development of the Crystal Meth Victoria Society,
along with a website aimed at guiding people to available resources.

"We believe that the city and municipalities of Greater Victoria can pull
together to find home-grown solutions to our crystal meth issues,"
McLaughlin said. "The need is definitely out there and is growing steadily."

Nancy Pearson, another society volunteer, said the scourge of crystal meth
has already spread through many areas, particularly nearby American states.
She said crystal meth has been termed an "epidemic" in Washington state, and
the Oregon government has declared a state of emergency, effective July 1,
related to crystal meth concerns.

Pearson said she has seen the devastating effects of crystal meth on a
family member over the past eight months, and realizes the drug affects many
areas of society.

"We're seeing a steady rise in crystal meth-related crime in our community.
We're seeing support services straining to keep up with the increasing
demand to meet the needs of crystal meth addicts and their families."

The turnout at Wednesday's launch was heartening to all involved, she said.

"What I see here today is a community that wants to confront the issues,
wants to take charge and bring about the changes needed to help our youth in
our community be 'crystal clear.' "

For Brenda Richardson, who took in Wednesday's event to support the cause,
crystal meth has also had a life-altering impact on her family. Her
25-year-old son is in a detox program to deal with the crystal meth
addiction he has had for the past 10 years.

Seeing him battle the drug, which has reduced his six-foot-three frame to
150 pounds, has been wrenching, she said.

"It has been an awful process."

Esquimalt Coun. Ruth Layne, a society member, called for immediate steps to
confront the crystal meth problem.

"Every day that passes, we lose more children and more young people to this
drug. Time for talk is over, it's time for action."