STRAWBERRY QUICK: A TRICK, NOT A TREAT

Strawberry meth is only one of the many drugs out there.

For parents of young children, the constant thoughts of a stranger
endorsing a drug onto their young is a fearful, yet mindful thought. Most
of today's parents tend to educate their children to 'never accept candy
from a stranger', however sometimes the urge for candy oversteps the
knowledge that has been passed on to them by their parents, a sort of
ignorance over steps the value that has been taught to them and before you
know it, they are hooked on a drug. "We have been trying as much as
possible to create awareness and educate the students," says Larry Lesiuk,
the Kipling School Principal, "if we can provide the students with tools
when it is occurring, our community can teach the students about the
dangers and hope that they make the right decisions".

In some recent news that has been spreading across e-mails and Internet
sights, people have been made aware of the new 'style' of drug that has
been designed to attract some of the younger, juvenile crowd. A new
product on the market called 'Strawberry Quick', a strawberry
flavored/scented meth, has been created to take as much of the edge off of
the bitter substance making it more flavorful and easier to consume. This
highly addictive drug has been the new offering at many schools throughout
the United States and has started showing up in the playgrounds in schools
across Canada, according to a number of Internet postings. Somehow there
is still doubt in the average person, hoping that this may not be the
case, rather a rumor.

Methamphetamine, a high potency drug that effects the central nervous
system, is not a new drug on the street, in homes or in the playgrounds
but has been recognized as one of the newest attempts towards the robbery
of innocence in our children. "We're not naive, we're not small-town
Saskatchewan anymore and our youth are being exposed to these substances,"
says Lesiuk, "this is no more a school issue than it is a community
issue."

There are a number of forms to Methamphetamine including liquid (which is
either smoked or injected into the bloodstream), powder (which is snorted
through the nose, causing damage or destroying the septum), and
crystallized into glass-shard-like bits. People have abused this drug even
more by using it with caffeinated, high-sugar and soda drinks that are
usually used as a chaser for the stimulant.

Police within the United States have reported finding meth mixed into
numerous flavors including chocolate, cola, peanut butter, and candy,
making it attractive to abusers. Another method that meth cookers use is
dying the product to look like 'rock candy', a look that would attract an
abuser or first-time user, but would not change the taste.

By changing the name of meth to more 'friendly' names like Strawberry
Quick, pushers are hoping to attract a new crowd and get more people to
use their product, therefore creating a higher need to change the face and
name of the highly addictive drug.

One person left a comment on a particular Website that stated that the
information about Strawberry Meth/Strawberry Quick saying that it
'contains elements of truth. However, e-mail warnings are highly
exaggerated and inaccurate', which seemed extremely surprising considering
that children are getting their hands on this highly addictive drug. Some
bloggers made points to correct the terms used for the colored drug
stating that this drug is not flavored but does in fact contain a sweeter
taste (when smoked) than the average meth.

There have been a number of warnings that have been spread across e-mails
regarding the safety of our children during the Halloween Holiday, that
there may be attempts and tainted candy that is being supplied to the
children. However, like any other year, parents are most likely to check
the child's candy before consumption.

There have been controversial comments throughout the websites that detail
information about the candy-looking drug. Some saying that the drug has
not yet made its way to children, some stating that the drug is made to
look like and smell like candy for increased sales and others say that
there is not a major concern for the children.

Whichever way this gets looked at, children will become the target whether
we turn a blind eye or step up and try to make a difference. One child who
becomes addicted to drugs is one child too many.

However, if we are able to educate the children about drug abuse and work
together as a community, we may be able to prevent the possible damages
that these highly addictive drugs are capable of doing to the people who
abuse them. "We have very helpful and knowledgeable people in the
community," says Lesiuk. People are advised to contact a professional if
they have any concerns or questions regarding drug abuse, Kids Help Line
is another alternative for people who want to remain anonymous
(1-800-55-1800).

A meeting is in the making by the SCC for a presentation in drug awareness
and prevention, questions and concerns will be welcomed during the
session. Notice is to follow.