FILM SHINES LIGHT ON DELTA METH

DELTA - Wednesday, a statewide spotlight on the methamphetamine
scourge shone on Delta, whose sheriff, county judge and recovering
users were featured in the documentary "Crystal Darkness."

The film also featured Montrose therapist and meth-treatment expert,
Nic Taylor and Tonya Wheeler, who overcame her meth addiction and
served as president of Colorado's chapter of Advocates for Recovery.

"People need to be educated on addiction and what it does to you,"
recovering addict Katie said after dozens of Delta-area residents
watched the film's statewide broadcast at the Bill Heddles Recreation Center.

Katie and her husband were among those who stood up when Meth-Free
Delta County coordinator Curielle Duffy asked former meth users to
rise if they were willing.

The Daily Press is identifying recovering addicts only by their first names.

"Addiction is controlling. Punishment and criticism only make it
worse," Katie said.

"Crystal Darkness," produced by the Childhelp organization, airs in
several states, but Wednesday's showing was the one crafted to
highlight the meth problem in Colorado.

The film is stark: One woman featured told of how her meth addiction
left her too addled to prevent the molestation of her children.
Another told of involving her 11-year-old son in the drug's
lifestyle, while Delta County Sheriff Fred McKee called meth "a new animal."

Two recovering users featured in "Crystal Darkness" were also from
Delta County.

One, identified as Christy, said participating in the film was
cathartic. "I was able to be honest," she said. "It was good."

The second, Genevieve, said being clean and sober was one thing, but
being able to reach out to others was even better. Her hope was that
at least one person would be moved enough by her story to get help.

In the film, Genevieve told of "doing anything" for meth. "But my
heart was empty," she said. "I had no soul."

Genevieve is now involved with the Delta Model through Meth-Free
Delta County, which, along with youth organizations, sponsored the
Delta showing of "Crystal Darkness." The model combines education
and prevention with treatment and recovery - and, most
crucial, support for recovering addicts.

Support doesn't mean coddling, or just lip service. It means holding
the addict responsible, but also providing help in finding housing,
employment and other necessities to discourage their relapse.

"We've been harder on ourselves than anybody has been to us,"
recovering user David said as part of a panel discussion after the
Crystal Darkness showing. "I'm not going to use again."

David said the drug cost him everything he had, including "the love
of my life."

Another recovering user said she was responsible for addicting
others - she would give the drug away at first, until people were
hooked. "It ruined a lot of lives," she said.

Genevieve said that her significant problems were ultimately her own
fault. "It wasn't taking," she said. "It was me giving it away. I
made the choice each time."

The recovering addicts said Delta's broad approach was working,
particularly its treatment board and the efforts of Judge Sandra
Miller, who presides over drug court in Delta.

As for the film itself, Katie said it contained accurate, beneficial
information, but did not address the tactics that do not work.
Criticism, she said, only triggers relapse.

"We mess up a few times," she said. "Some of the social services
people are under-educated on addiction and so are some law
enforcement. Recovering addicts get stuck in the more book-oriented
part of recovery.

"I just think it's support, support, support."

Meth-Free Delta County invites all law enforcement agencies,
community leaders and members from around the Western Slope to work
collaboratively toward solutions regarding meth. A public meeting
will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at the Delta County
Courthouse. Go to Room 234 to be directed to the meeting location.