FREE FORUM ON CRYSTAL METH

Next Wednesday, the Esquimalt Recreation Centre will open its doors to
a vital public forum on crystal methamphetamine.

In the last five years, this insidious drug has grown to become a
popular street drug - in part due to its low cost. In similar fashion,
the drug is also easy to produce.

Many new users are teen girls, eager to try the drug because of its
weight-reduction impact. Crystal meth has serious side effects - both
physical and social (the average age of first use is around 13 to 14
years), and these are but some of the themes presenters will address.

Included in the forum are experts in law enforcement and health. Among
the guests is Colin Ross, who works the Mental Health and Addiction
Services of the Vancouver Island Health Authority. He has specialized
in the prevention and treatment of alcohol and drugs for 16 years, but
he's also the parent of 15-year-old and 20-year-old children, which
enables him to offer a first-hand prospective of youth.

Another presenter is Chris Goble. For the last 12 years, Goble has
worked with the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society and is the
coordinator of Specialized Youth Detox He will be joined by Victoria
police Const. Brad Fraser and VIHA medical advisor Dr. Bayla Schecter.

"The night could be very powerful as a former crack user and sister of
a 20-year-old meth user will speak of her experiences," says local
organizer, Coun. Ruth Layne.

"Also, a father of a 14-year-old girl addicted to meth will speak of
his struggles to save his daughter," she adds.

The forum is slated for Wednesday, Feb. 23, from 7:15 p.m. to 9 p.m.
at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre, 527 Fraser Street.