RESIDENTS INVITED TO ATTEND METH FORUM

The City of New Westminster is inviting residents to attend a
dialogue about crystal meth on Nov. 16.

The forum, the last of three dialogues on crystal methamphetamine, is
being held to educate parents and youth on the dangers of the drug.
In addition to personal stories, people will learn about what's in
crystal meth, what it looks like, the effects of crystal meth use,
risk factors and what families can do to prevent their children using
crystal meth.

Speakers include people who are now recovering from crystal meth
addiction, health professionals, drug prevention workers, youth
addiction outreach counsellors and a mother speaking about how drug
use has impacted her family.

"I was just about in tears listing to the three young people," said
Coun. Lorrie Williams, who attended a previous forum. "They were
incredible, brave, courageous, also very good-natured. They are out
of it, happy to be out of it."

In addition to speakers, the dialogues also include information about
community resources. The event takes place on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7
p.m. at Massey Theatre.

Coun. Betty McIntosh said the city applied to the province for some
funding for offering some programming about crystal meth prevention.
A crystal meth steering committee, composed of city, police, school
district, health, social services and addiction counsellors, has been
underway for a number of months.

While crystal meth has yet to emerge as a major issue in New
Westminster, McIntosh encourages residents to attend and get armed
with information.

"We don't have a crystal meth issue in New Westminster. That is what
we are hearing. There is other things - crack cocaine, heroin,
marijuana, alcohol," she said. "The task force decided to use the
money to educate people on the signs and symptoms of crystal meth
use. You think you don't have a problem, but a week later you do."

Two previous dialogues have been held regarding crystal meth, one at
Queensborough Middle School and another at Glenbrook Middle School.

"Crystal meth is such as cheap alternative. I think they can get a
fix for $5," McIntosh said. "It is an ugly, ugly, cheap drug. It is a
scourge. It is one of those things that devastates people. They get
hooked after using once or twice. It takes over their life."

According to McIntosh, one of the criticisms of a crystal meth forum
held last year in Vancouver was that it didn't include any recovering
crystal meth addicts. That's a point of view that is front and centre
at the local dialogues.

"Everyone, even if your kids are not involved, can get informed so
everyone can support it in the community," she said.