CRYSTAL METH RESULTS ARE IN

The results of the Crystal Methamphetamine survey results are now
compiled, according to co--ordinator Kathy Collins.

Collins says the results of the survey show the general knowledge of
Golden residents about crystal meth is good, but that more targeted
education, especially to youth, needs to take place.

Collins said she was disappointed that more younger people did not
complete the survey but that the task force was able to extrapolate
key data about at-risk populations and behaviours.

Based on survey results, discussions with community groups and RCMP,
Collins says youth up to the age of 22 are most likely to become
involved with the drug.

"My concern is young people are being exposed to meth through ecstasy
and other party drugs," she says. "Very simply, they think they're
taking one thing and what they are really doing is crystal meth."

There were also some misconceptions the general public had about
crystal meth in the survey. For example, most assumed the drug was
difficult to make and expensive. In fact, crystal meth can be made
anywhere and has a similar street cost to ecstasy.

Collins said much of the feedback on the surveys was quite compelling.

Respondent comments reflected a need for harsher criminal penalites,
public education and legislation to regulate the products used to
make crystal meth.

Of the 465 surveys collected, 162 were from people aged 46 and up,
156 were from 31-45 year-olds, 83 from 22-30 year-olds, 46 from 16-21
year-olds and 19 from 15 years-old and younger. In total, 40 per cent
of the respondents knew someone who had tried the drug but that
number jumped to 69 per cent in the respondents aged 12-21.

Most of those surveyed knew that crystal meth is easy to make, cheap,
can be mixed with other drugs, is not easily treated for addiction
and has side effects including tooth loss and facial scabs.

In the results summary, Collins thanked Louisiana Pacific for its
distribution of the survey saying some 300 of the 465 surveys were
completed by LP employees.

Surveys were also circulated by the Golden Family Center, Golden

Employment Services, Golden Alternate School, Gourlay's Pharmacy,
Golden Youth Opportunity Council, Interior Health Authority and the
Rotary Club.

Over the summer, the task force will further evaluate the survey
results, wrap up several projects and gear up for a huge education
session planned for the fall.

The task force is raising money by selling plastic bracelets,
available at the Golden Dollar store, the Women's Centre and the
Family Resource Centre.

Collins would like to thank Rita Scott, Bruce McKenzie and Blaeden
Contracting Ltd., who chipped in to buy the bracelets so 100 per cent
of proceeds can go directly to the task force.