EDUCATION SEEN AS KEY IN FIGHTING METH USE

Parents, educators and society at large must work with police to
drive home to youth the dangers associated with crystal meth, a
high-ranking drug enforcement officer has said.

"It is a community issue," said acting OPP Det. Supt. Frank Elbers.
"The social impacts, the ancillary crimes because of it are more far
reaching than anything we have seen."

While not wanting to downplay the effects of pot and other illegal
substances, Elbers said it is crucial that adults preparing to broach
the issue with youth be frank and honest in distinguishing one drug
from another.

"You have to describe it realistically: the dangers associated with
meth use would be much greater than the dangers associated with marijuana."

While crack cocaine continues to enjoy a wider presence in this
region, Elbers, a member of the OPP Drug Enforcement Unit, said it
would be foolish to believe area communities are immune from the
growing reach of crystal meth, a highly-addictive stimulant. "We
would be ignorant not thinking it has reached Simcoe County," he added.

In fact, the drug's presence has been felt in this region for more
than a decade, say staff at Simcoe Outreach Services, which provides
assessments, referrals and outpatient counseling for substance
abusers and others battling addictions. "(Crystal meth) has been on
and off for as long as I have been with the agency, and I've been
with the agency for over 11 years," said Sandy White, clinical supervisor.

Though White has seen nothing to indicate its use is rising, she
acknowledged that clients who seek treatment for other drugs may be
indulging in methamphetamines on the side.

"The young people present with other substances and could be
potentially using crystal meth as a recreational drug," she added.

"That is not to say it is not being used frequently, but it is not
the presenting substance."

Elbers, who co-chairs a provincial committee on methamphetamines,
said the drug's popularity spans all income levels and social backgrounds.

"It is classless," he added. "All classes of society, whether it be
children or adults or teens could be users."

The initial "rush" provided by crystal meth can last a half hour,
though the high can linger for a dozen hours before the user finally
collapses from exhaustion.

"The body isn't built for this," he added. "It is terribly dangerous
for the body."

Users often fall into a state of depression, and can turn violent or
aggressive unexpectedly. In 2001, prompted by the horrific
experiences of communities already battling its use, the OPP began
training officers to investigate and dismantle clandestine meth labs.

"It is the most highly volatile and dangerous situation a first
responder could ever attend," Elbers said.

"The toxicity levels are way beyond any spectrum anyone should ever
be living in."

Twenty-six drug officers are now trained to combat meth labs in
Ontario, though Elbers again stressed that the general public must
also play a role in preventing the drug's spread.

"This has to be a community effort. At the end of the day, the harm
to our communities is awful."