BATTLING CRYSTAL METH

Crystal meth isn't a serious problem in Campbell River yet, and the
John Howard Society wants to keep it that way.

The society, which works with troubled youth in Campbell River and
communities north to Port Hardy, recently received a grant from the
province for $10,000 to tackle the problem of crystal methamphetamine.

"This is a good time for receiving this money before crystal meth
becomes as big of an issue as it is in other parts of the province,"
said Paul Barnett, executive director of the North Island John Howard Society.

The society hopes to use the money in Campbell River's two middle
schools and two high schools to fund an educational media program for
students. The goal is to get students to prepare multimedia projects
to explore the dangers and effects of crystal meth among young
people. Next April, the students' work will be shown on CRTV.

"I think it will be interesting to see what they come up with," said
Lori McKeown, program manager with the society. "Youth have a
different experience - they have a different perspective on crystal
meth and other drugs and alcohol."

McKeown said the society is starting to see evidence of crystal meth
use and addiction among the young people in its programs, "It's not a
lot but we're certainly starting to see kids coming in for detox."

The most common scenario is young people from the North Island who
have gone to Vancouver and Victoria, become addicted and have now
returned home for treatment through the society's withdrawal
management and supportive recovery programs. The programs are working.

"We have some great success stories," McKeown said.

But their stories hint at a growing problem.

"They know people in Campbell River who live here and use crystal
meth," McKeown said.

Barnett said much of the evidence is anecdotal and the society
doesn't have the statistics to prove there's a growing problem. But
they want to try and educate young people about the dangers of the
drug before it becomes a problem.

Denise Krovokuca, co-ordinator for the Campbell River Alcohol and
Drug Action Committee, will be helping the John Howard Society use
the grant money to create the youth media program.

She said it's good to be working with the society and said it's most
rewarding to see community groups working together.

What is crystal meth?

Crystal meth releases high levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine
is a chemical in the brain associated with pleasurable or rewarding
experiences. The drug is highly addictive and can cause irritability,
insomnia, confusion, hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia and increased
aggression. In even higher doses, it can lead to hypothermia and
convulsions and even cause death.

Crystal meth can be manufactured cheaply with household chemicals but
the process is dangerous and toxic. The drug comes in clear, chunky
crystals and is heated and smoked or injected.