ADDICTS CAN LOSE THEMSELVES IN CRYSTAL METH

Sleepless in Prince George could be a romantic comedy movie. In
reality, it may refer to the meth "madness" that causes people to
stay up for hours and hours, even days, without sleep. But crystal
methamphetamines have also become the new "diet drug" with young
people. And that has local youth workers worried.

In a society where thin is forever "in" - despite campaigns against
that kind of thinking, Tamara Debalinhard said teenagers are using
the illicit drug to take off pounds.

"They believe nothing bad will happen to them. They just think, I
sure will lose weight." But from what she's read and what's she's
seen, bad things do happen. Known by many other names including zip,
speed, glass, meth, ice and peanut butter, the drug has
well-documented, adverse side effects.

That is what concerns her most.

"Who knows what will happen to the next generation. Like alcohol
abuse, we may see its side effects in our children. To me, meth is
killing our future which is our children."

Debalinhard does not profess to be a medical expert, a psychiatrist
or a chemist. However, in her job as YAP (Youth Around Prince)
resource centre coordinator, she's seen the drug's devastating
effects on young people's lives. And on their physical and mental health.

"This is a drug of choice for young people because it is cheap and
easy to get. You can get the chemicals to make it just about
anywhere. That appeals to them because they don't have much money.
Meth is not just used by the young - there's even a commercial out
about a housewife on meth is cleaning cracks in the closet - but it
has become very popular with youth. This is a drug that keeps you up
for hours, days. That's why they take it. So they can stay up and
party all night."

When the "high" is over, however, the crash and downward spiral of
their lives is devastating, she said. Treatment can take years.

"They basically lose who they are. They become unkempt. They don't
care about personal hygiene, or how they look anymore. Sometimes they
become paranoid and delusional. They start picking bugs off their
arms - not a pretty sight. Unless they get help, they just keep going
downhill."

Meth has became a such a problem, that Debalinhard thinks it should
get become a number one priority with all levels of government.

"There was some {provincial} funds allocated recently but much more
is needed to combat the meth problem. It has become a real "state of
emergency" situation.

What signs can parents look for if they suspect their kids are into meth?

"They will be doing a lot of sleeping when they get home. They can
stay up for days but eventually they have to come down," she said.
"Their emotions are up and down. They have a gaunt, skinny look to
their face. They quite often develop big sores on their face from
what we call 'bathtub' drugs. Meth actually comes out in their pores
because the body is trying to reject this stuff."

Meth use is often marked by violent outbursts, antisocial behaviours
and physical changes such as high blood pressure and systemic brain damage.

The picture is not all bleak, however.

Andrew Burton, a drug prevention counsellor at YAP, has listened to
the stories, attended major "meth conferences" and done what he can
to make people aware of the drug's potential dangers - like
addiction. He was behind the movie Jibb, released last year, which
takes a trip into the world of meth.

"Jibb has been viewed all over North America," said Debalinhard. "We
got a lot of requests for it from schools. It shows the real world of
meth as seen from experiential people."

YAP has many programs and services including alcohol and drug
counseling, life skills programs, public health, school programs,
Street Spirits Theatre Co and youth support groups. For more
information phone 565-7482.