CITY, PROVINCE TACKLE METH PROBLEM

Airdrie Echo -- Over the last few years, the new drug of choice in
Alberta has become the crystalized form of methamphetamine - often
referrred to as crystal meth - and now the government is taking steps
to fight the growing problem in communities across the province.

The Government of Alberta recently released a report from the
premier's task force on crystal meth, which developed 83
recommendations on how to deal with the problem. Government will now
consider the best way to co-ordinate implementation of the recommendations.

The City of Airdrie has not been immune to the influx of the drug
that causes permanent brain damage, but yet is cheap and readily available.

"It's not a problem yet ... but it is happening," said Suzanne
Rieger, Airdrie regional drug impact team media liaison and Airdrie
Emergency Services member. "We don't want to delude ourselves and say
its not a problem - it's here, but like anything else we're just a
microcosm of a bigger society."

Rieger pointed out that the price of the street drug is what makes it
so appealing to the younger crowd.

"Crystal meth is a really scary drug," she said. ""The fact that it
is so cheap is what's scary. It's a drug that is cheap and readily
available. Because its cheap its going to be plentiful."

She said there isn't one demographic where use of crystal meth is
particularly rampant.

"It seems to affect everybody," she said. "It's not just poor or
underprivileged people, it affects everybody right across the board."

The age at which young people encounter drugs is turning into a
dangerous problem, as well.

"The age of people dealing with drugs is getting lower constantly,"
Reiger said. "It used to be that Grades 7 and 8 were taught about
drug use; Grades 4, 5 and 6 have to be educated now."

The best way to keep people away from drugs is to educate them about
the physical and mental consequences. But sometimes that isn't enough.

"We can only educate so far," Rieger said. "There are choices people
have and sometimes they make the wrong ones."

Crystal meth is an extremely addictive stimulant that is associated
with serious health conditions, such as memory loss, aggression,
psychotic behaviour, and potential heart and brain damage. The drug
releases high levels of dopamine into the part of the brain
regulating feelings of pleasure. It usually causes increased
activity, decreased appetite and a heightened sense of well-being.

"They say there's a recovery from it, but not really," Rieger said.
"You can take them off the drug, but their body never really
recovers. They aren't the same person."

Rieger said most of the problems seen around Airdrie today have to do
with drugs.

"The increased crime in Airdrie, the breaking-and-entering and
vandalism all relate back to drugs," she said.

With that in mind, Rieger is glad that the province is being
proactive and is hoping that will lead to more funding for such
groups as the Airdrie regional drug impact team. "Proactive in
anything, whether it be drugs or alcohol, is the only way to be," she said.

The premier's task force on crystal meth was announced by Premier
Ralph Klein in October 2005. It's purpose is to build on work already
being done and to champion, review and advise on government strategies.

The 83 recommendations and more information about the task force can
be found at: www.stopmeth.alberta.ca