PREVENTION KEY TO FIGHTING CRYSTAL METH ABUSE

Crystal meth is coming to a location near you and Edmonton K Division
Staff Sgt. Ian Sanderson wants Ponoka residents to be prepared.

"It's around. We have seizures on Highway 2. Don't think you're an
island unto yourself. That would be a very bad mistake."

"When it shows up the crime rate goes through the roof, violent
crime, auto theft and identity theft," he added. "(Abusers) are very
psychotic. They don't like police or authority figures. You will see
a lot of violence. They are very aggressive."

Sanderson spoke to a crowd of more than 100 local residents at the
Kinsmen Centre Monday night. He presented the police's strategy for
the past three and half years on combating crystal meth abuse. It
includes a public awareness campaign, educating first responders how
to deal with abusers, retailer awareness, identifying trends early
and recognizing that exposing children to drugs is child abuse.

"In the next sitting of the legislature, Alberta will be the first
province to pass legislation calling it what it is, it's child abuse."

Because crystal meth is so difficult for an abuser to quit, Sanderson
said prevention is the key throughout the province.

"We now have 49 communities mobilized to deal with the problem." The
abuse of the drug seems to be more prevalent in communities where
there are oilrig workers. Its abuse in the province is not yet epidemic.

"We are not at that point," said Sanderson. "We have the ability to
respond to this before it happens. This will scare the crap out of us
but let's keep it in perspective."

One of 10 deaths in vehicle accidents involve the use of drugs with
the three most common being marijuana, Tylenol 3s because of the
codeine and alcohol.

"Next on the list are meth amphetamines," said Sanderson. Its abuse
continues to grow at a rapid rate and the drug is highly addictive.

"It might happen the first time, it might happen the second time.
Young people are more predisposed to develop addictive habits than
adults because their brains are not fully developed yet. It's very
gratifying, has a tremendous euphoria and gives lots of energy." When
the abuser injects or smokes it the high is faster and stronger. In
five to 30 minutes they will feel a rush and have a high for anywhere
from four to 16 hours.

But when they crash at the end they experience anxiety, depression
and mental confusion. It takes approximately two to fourteen days to
return to a normal state. Withdrawal lasts from 30 to 90 days.
Because most detox centres involve 30 day stays but withdrawal for
crystal meth lasts up to 90 days, Sanderson said it's almost
impossible for the abuser to quit.

"Their chance of recovering is pretty much zero. There are lots of relapses."

When an individual comes out of rehab, it's important to keep him/her
away from old friends who abuse the drug because just talking about
it can ignite a powerful, uncontrollable craving within the abuser.

"They are on an emotional roller coaster," said Sanderson. "They
often become suicidal because they start to think about the causes
and they can't get off."

Another issue parents need to be aware of is the abuse of caffeine
among school aged athletes before performing and especially in hockey.

"They are using caffeine and ephedrine before they play. We are not
saying they will all get hooked but those are performance enhancing
stimulants."

Not only are these stimulants addictive but they are also deadly said
Sanderson.

"If you over exert yourself it can cause dehydration or make your
heart explode."

"We like our stimulants and we are a very fast-paced society," added
Sanderson who pointed out it's important for parents to be careful of
the message they send their children.

Mayor Larry Henkelman said the town has been working with the local
police detachment to inform the community of drug abuse and
especially crystal meth in the community and possibly in their own families.

"The main thing is awareness and preventative measures. The town has
talked with Sgt. Paul Sauers and we are trying to get some
information awareness."

Parents Jackie Huysmans and Nicole Norn attended just to learn more.
"I'm very naive and I just wanted to know more," said Norn.

"All of us have kids in that age group, teenagers," said Huysmans.
Parents Andree Verhoog and Annette Fenske who home school their
children also attended to learn more.

"I came just for the information," said Verhoog.

"I think we're a little more protected," said Fenske who added, "Our
kids' friends talk about it. We don't know what's out there."
Sanderson was surprised with the attendance saying, "It's unbelievable."

There is obviously a need for information."