CRYSTAL METH USE POTENTIALLY EPIDEMIC

PORT HARDY-- Preventing crystal meth from becoming an epidemic on the
North Island is the reason behind a $10,000 grant.

"Crystal meth still isn't a huge problem on the North Island and is a
relatively new issue, but it has the potential to create irreversible
damage of whomever it touches," says Brian Thurber, newly-appointed
director for Restorative Justice in Port Hardy.

The real prospect of crystal meth thriving on the North Island is the
reason behind a $10,000 grant from the provincial government. It has
been allocated to the Restorative Justice Committee which operates in
partnership with the Port Hardy RCMP.

The committee plans to work with local organizations like His Place
and Sacred Wolf Friendship Centre, as well as local pastors and
others involved with youth. The money would provide educational
training and public awareness campaigns, increased access to drug
counselling and addiction specialists, and a drug watch program for
businesses who sell ingredients used in the production of crystal meth.

Through a drug watch program, businesses are asked to report any
suspicious buying of common meth ingredients. Things like cold
medicines containing ephedrine, paint thinner, chloroform, epsom
salts, drano and lithium from batteries, round out the top of the
list on what to look for. Rexall Drugs is already part of the Meth
Watch program.

The gravity of crystal meth and its possible impact is what Thurber
wishes to emphasize.

"This is a problem that could very quickly overwhelm an already over
taxed police force", said Thurber. "It can spread like a common cold
but with the health impact of incurable cancer."

Thurber says crystal meth is extremely addictive with a 95 percent
addiction rate for first time users. It is also a near impossible
addiction to beat as it only has a seven per cent success rate of
recovery for those who are hooked. Adverse effects of the drug
include extreme paranoia, hyper activity, irritability, disturbed
sleep patterns, hallucinations, uncontrollable violence and extreme
depression. Long-term health problems include irreversible brain
damage, and heart, liver, kidney and lung damage.