CRYSTAL METH FACTS AND FORUM

Crystal methamphetamine, like many other drugs, have been driven
underground and become an unspoken subject.

Freedom Quest Regional Youth Services is taking every step to try and
create an awareness, while offering help and information about the
dangerous and addictive drug.

Although there are many bigger drug problems than crystal meth in and
around the region, a recent negative meth campaign has been the cause
of misinformation, driving users in the wrong direction.

"The challenge is that people don't want to admit that they are using
the drug," says Tammy Verigin-Burk, director of Freedom Quest.

Verigin-Burk says that the confusion that has arose caused people to
believe that there was going to be an epidemic of the drug, causing a
panic and the current situation to worsen.

The forums are being held in order to inform, and help people. It's
important for people to know that if they are in fact using the drug,
that they can seek help without feeling ashamed.

"As a community, we can help people," says Verigin-Burk, accenting
the complexity of the problem. "It's not as simple as just smashing
down the meth dealers house."

There are a total of six forums being held throughout Trial and
Fruitvale, including: two youth forums, two community forums and two
family forums. Each event will have service provider tables
consisting of a panel of speakers to answer questions.