EDUCATION KEY IN BATTLE WITH CRYSTAL METH

According to a recent study, approximately five per cent of B.C.
students in grades 7-12 may have used crystal meth.

Add to that reports of young professionals trying to squeeze more
into their long days, mothers who need more energy or those just out
for a cheap high, and it's apparent that meth has no boundaries, and
its users are multiplying.

To get in the way of the spreading epidemic, the provincial
government is rolling out $3 million to implement a classroom and
public education campaign aimed directly at youth, parents and teachers.

Starting in Grade 6, students will start learning about the effects
of the drug, and that information will continue throughout their education.

Finally, something is being done to address a problem before it's too
late, and we think it's about time that the government acknowledges
that drug use isn't necessarily the domain of those on the streets.
It affects young, old, rich, poor and those in between.

Granted, meth hasn't become as commonplace as alcohol, cigarettes,
marijuana or even cocaine, but it took hundreds of years for anyone
to notice that tobacco was killing the masses.

Perhaps the reason the government is facing this drug head on is
meth's unique and frightening manifestation.

According to all reports it's not a drug people dabble in, or walk
away unscathed from.

Most have become familiar with the images of people changing from
robust to skeletal over the course of a few short years -- and images
of users in the throws of a high have a spine-chilling effect.

Does anyone remember the video of the man stealing a bait car and
acting as though he was possessed?

Crystal meth is an ugly drug, but it suits the needs of a society
that is bent on instant gratification.

This government has a tough battle ahead of it, but it shouldn't just
be the government's responsibility. Parents should keep their eyes
peeled, teachers should be aware, and as a society we should all
watch out for those who may be falling into the cracks in their
pursuit for instant gratification.

That's why over the next month The Western News will be publishing a
series of articles and features that will help identify the problem,
its signs and the stories of those who have seen both sides.

Drugs are a societal problem and education is the best way to fight it.