FIGHTING CRYSTAL METH

Educo Adventure School and the District of 100 Mile House have formed
a South Cariboo Methamphetamine Response Program, with the help of a
$20,000 grant from the Union of B. C. Municipalities.

That $20,000 hopefully will turn out to be the best investment that
the municipal organization will ever make.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corp. site refers to programs that have been
initiated in Barriere and Kamloops, both of which have admitted to
having a Chrystal Meth problem. Langley, B.C.'s Mayor describes
Crystal Meth not as a youth problem, but as a community problem.

The Internet contains all kinds of information on methamphetamine or
Crystal Meth, which is commonly referred to as 'speed', 'meth', and
'chalk'. It looks like clear chunky crystals resembling ice, which can
be inhaled by smoking and is referred to as 'ice', 'crystal', 'glass',
'jibb' and 'tina'.

Even Small Doses Are Harmful

"The central nervous system (CNS) actions that result from taking even
small amounts of methamphetamine include increased wakefulness,
increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased
respiration, hypothermia and euphoria. Other CNS effects include
irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety,
paranoia and aggressiveness."

And that's not all. Another web-site states, "Methamphetamine causes
increased heart rate and blood pressure and can cause irreversible
damage to blood vessels in the brain, producing strokes. Other effects
of methamphetamine include respiratory problems, irregular heartbeat
and extreme anorexia. Its use can result in cardiovascular collapse
and death."

One web-site says young people using

Crystal Meth hallucinate and think they have insects crawling under
their skin. They end up with sores and scars from trying to scratch
them out. It's called 'tweaking'. Young people on this drug actually
become psychotic. Their personalities change.

Our children need to understand the seriousness of this drug and
parents must become educated.

Educo is co-ordinating the program, but it will need our support to
succeed. You, me, our children, our community can all share in the
benefits of the success of this investment. $20,000 plus our support
seems like a pretty good deal.