CRYSTAL METH -- A PARENT'S WORST NIGHTMARE

Concerned community members, ranging from young teens to
grandparents, gathered to learn about the hidden dangers of crystal
meth and the risk it poses to everyone.

"This forum is not a just a one-night stand, it's an opportunity for
the community to come together as one and fight this," Mayor Judy
Forster told a crowd of hundreds at the Star of the Sea Parish Centre May 24.

Members of police and fire departments, counseling services, and the
Surrey school district formed a panel to help address the public's
questions and concerns about recognizing and combating the problems
caused by crystal meth.

"This really is a village problem," said Kerry Jackson, founder of
the 20/20 Parenting Program. The aim of her program is to help with
prevention and treatment of drug and alcohol addiction through
workshops and online at www.2020parenting.com

The website is a resource centre, featuring articles written by
professionals about parenting, counseling, education and health.
There's also a free 29-page guide available to download, which helps
parents recognize early signs and potential vulnerabilities.

Jackson gave an emotional presentation about the dangers of crystal
meth, telling how her son Ryan was addicted for years until his
suicide in 2002.

"It's a parent's worst nightmare," she said.

"They need to have the knowledge themselves instead of relying on the
system or somebody else for help.

"Parents are in the dark about so many things, and hopefully we can
help shine a light."

While there has been increased focus on harm reduction, Jackson has
coined the term 'vulnerability reduction,' recognizing hidden
vulnerabilities before they lead to drug abuse.

"We're definitely attempting to be proactive instead of reactive,"
said Kevin Letourneau, manager of counseling at Peace Arch Community Services.

The forum premiered the video Cold as Ice, which Letourneau helped
produce. The video is a follow-up to 2005's Death by Jib, which is
shown frequently in schools to inform students about the dangers of
meth and has become a part of the Grade 7 curriculum in the Langley
School District.

"With both videos, we want to get to students who have dabbled with
the drug, or before they even start using," Letourneau said.

"It provides a snapshot of what their future could look like if they
continue down that road. The most important component of everything
we do is education," said Bruce Hayne, chair for the Surrey SMART
(Surrey Methamphetamine Regional Task Force) Program.

"If we can reduce the demand and reduce the desire, it's going to
make it that much more difficult for distributors."

SMART has launched a campaign in schools, using posters to spread the
word. The Surrey school district also introduced a program in
September in co-operation with RCMP liaison officers in combating
meth in schools.

Andrew, a recovered crystal meth addict who frequently talks to
students to help raise awareness, said it's great to see events like
this happen, but there's still a lot of work to be done.

"Even if the statistics from authorities about meth users are lower
here than in other places, there is a problem here in this community,
there's no doubt about that," he said.

"I was in a bad place before, and I'm sure there are people here in
White Rock still in a bad place."

Andrew hopes these forums will continue on a regular basis, because
they encourage dialogue within the community.

Students from Semiahmoo Secondary were also on hand to share their
comments and thoughts about the growing problem.

"Hearing the tales of these survivors is the most valuable thing for
us," said Erin Banks, a Grade 12 student.

"Everyone's trying to prevent the youth from getting involved, and
we're trying to prevent our friends (from using crystal meth), and a
core part of that is hearing things we can relate to, from people we
can relate to.

"That's what makes us stop and understand."