METH IS A DANGEROUS ADDITION

Methamphetamine is a deceptively innocuous drug.

When someone starts taking it, meth merely seems to be a powerful
stimulant with what some might consider desirable side-effects: they
can stay awake longer, they lose weight.

But tolerance is not long in coming, and they need more. And more.
Before parents and other family members realize it, someone is hooked.

The signs and symptoms parents can watch for will be part of the
presentation at the methamphetamine forum.

But there are resources available in the community already.

Const. Camille Shim-Ping of the New Westminster Police Service noted
the New Westminster School District has a drug and alcohol prevention
worker, Karen Jansen, who is available to parents.

Gloria Harding of the Fraserside Community Services Society said they
have programs that people can turn to for help in dealing with
methamphetamine use and addiction. Perspectives - 604-522-3722 - is
their addictions outreach program for young people aged 12 to 24 years
and families, and the society also has addictions counselling for adults.

The New Westminster-based Last Door has a program for young men and
the Purpose Society runs The Cedars - at 604-526-2522 - for young
women aged 13 to 18.

Recovery homes and detox centres are generally outside the community but
their mandate includes New Westminster: there's Maple Cottage
Detoxification Centre in Burnaby for youths and adults and, in Vancouver,
the Deyas Youth Detox Program for those aged 13 to 21.

Shim-Ping said there is little available in print if someone wants to
do their own research - the best option is to go online. However,
Shim-Ping cautioned, people doing research should make sure they
access reputable sites with information, such as those of Health
Canada and the RCMP.