PUBLIC FORUM WILL DELVE INTO CRYSTAL METH ISSUES

The scourge of crystal methamphetamines, or crystal meth, is the focus of a
public forum Wednesday at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre.

Joining a panel of experts will be a former crack cocaine user, who will
speak about her experiences, and the father of a 14-year-old
methamphetamine addict, who will relate his struggles to save his daughter
from the grips of the drug.

The forum is the latest in a series of such events being held around the
region, and follows one held in early December at S.J. Willis school.

Esquimalt Coun. Ruth Layne, who is helping to organize Wednesday's forum as
a member of the Family Court and Youth Justice Committee, said local
statistics on the rise of crystal meth use in young people are alarming.
She said the Victoria Youth Detox Centre reports the total number of
patients admitted for crystal meth use in 2000 at 11 per cent, a figure
that has risen to 61 per cent over the past year.

Further, the centre has an average of 30 youth placed on wait lists for
treatment each month.

At the provincial level, statistics compiled by the B.C. Coroners Service
show that the number of people dying with methamphetamines in their systems
more than doubled in 2004 to 33, up from 15 people in 2003.

In December, Greater Victoria school board trustee Charley Beresford -- a
former board chairwoman -- called for a community action plan to fend off
the "exponential explosion" of crystal meth use that has made its way
through parts of the United States, including the state of Washington.

Beresford said crystal meth is highly addictive, relatively cheap and can
have devastating effects on all aspects of a person's life.

Panelists at the Esquimalt forum, which runs 7:15-9 p.m., will be Chris
Goble, who co-ordinates the specialized youth detox program for the
Victoria Youth Empowerment Society; Victoria police Const. Brad Fraser, an
expert in such drugs as crystal meth, cocaine and ecstasy; Colin Ross of
the Vancouver Island Health Authority's mental health and addiction
services; and Dr. Bayla Schecter, a regional medical adviser with VIHA who
has a background in addiction medicine.

The forum is open to parents, guardians, youth, teachers and the public.