THE DRUG THREAT TO OUR COMMUNITY

(PERTH) - In June 2005, Perth County was christened the "Crystal Meth
capital" of Ontario by the Toronto Star. Although this came as a shock
to many of us, we are not the first, nor the last, community to be
faced with this problem.

In fact, rural communities across the mid-western U.S. states and
western Canada have been actively dealing with the production and use
of this illegal and addictive substance for years. There is much we
can learn from them.

Methamphetamine, or "speed," is a central nervous system stimulant
that comes in powder, tablet, and glass/ice form. The glass/ice form
is what we commonly know as Crystal Meth. It is a very potent form of
methamphetamine that is usually smoked.

Crystal Meth causes an initial euphoria, or "rush," followed by hours
of agitation and wakefulness, sometimes lasting for days. Recipes for
"cooking" this powerfully addictive drug can be found on the Internet.

Unlike heroin or cocaine, there is nothing to smuggle across borders.
Unlike marijuana, which takes three months to produce, Crystal Meth
can be cooked up in a day. The ingredients can be purchased, but are
often stolen from pharmacies, hardware stores, farm supply outlets and
right from farmer's property.

We shouldn't be surprised that criminals are trying to cash in on this
lucrative Crystal Meth "business."

The making of Crystal Meth is hazardous - the ingredients are toxic
and explosive. For every kilogram of Crystal Meth made, there are five
to six kilograms of toxic waste produced.

Meth labs are a risk to the individuals involved, to others who live
in the same building where these chemicals are being used, and to the
neighbourhoods and communities that surround them.

The drug itself, now also found in other street drugs such as ecstasy
and marijuana, destroys brains and lives. It often takes only one use
to become addicted. Meth users are at risk of violent behaviours,
paranoia, malnutrition, infections, self-mutilation and dental decay.
These are reasons for concern.

Here in Perth County, a Taskforce on Crystal Meth has been created
that brings together those from addiction counselling, pharmacy,
agriculture, health, city/town councils, police, schools and others to
work together to help solve our local Meth problem. We are committed
to serving the interests of our community to ensure the threat of
Crystal Meth is diminished or even eliminated in Perth County.

This column will be appearing each month in your local newspaper
highlighting a different topic written by an expert in the field.

Some upcoming topics include how to identify a Meth lab in your
community, signs and symptoms of Meth use, and the impact of Meth on
our youth.

If you have a specific question or concern that you would like
discussed, let us know and we'll do our best to answer them in future
articles.