CRYSTAL METH DEVASTATES ALBERTA FAMILIES

RCMP Sgt. Ian Sanderson of Edmonton holds up samples of crystal meth during
the Alberta Workshop on Methamphetamine at the Capri Centre on Monday:
powerfully addictive.

Gord and Karin Daniher's vehicle has been stolen a dozen times, their
home is routinely broken into and they face constant abuse.

It breaks their hearts to know the perpetrator is their beloved
daughter, who is addicted to methamphetamine, also known as crystal
meth.

"Every imaginable object that can be taken out of my home has been
taken out," said Gord Daniher, who talked at a provincial workshop on
methamphetamine on Monday at the Capri Centre in Red Deer.

"The dealers take everything they can put their hands on in lieu of
cash. We've had fraud perpetrated, cheques stolen. The costs have been
enormous."

More than 300 people - including police officers, social workers and
educators - are taking part in the two-day workshop to examine
methamphetamine use in Alberta and discuss possible solutions.

The Danihers, who are teachers in Edmonton, said they watched their
16-year-old daughter suffer with health effects like hair loss and
welts and lesions on her face.

Addicts break out with whiteheads that contain crystal meth and can be
picked to obtain more of the drug, said Dr. David Cook, director of
the studies division in medical education at the U of A.

The drug keeps addicts awake for days, making them appear old and
haggard. Addicts have a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, artery
disease and liver and kidney damage.

They struggle with disturbed sleep, violent and paranoid behaviour,
depression, irritability and nervousness. Symptoms can be permanent
and some studies suggest brain damage occurs, said Cook.

But crystal meth, a white crystalline powder that is usually smoked,
has gained popularity because it creates the ultimate high - feelings
of joy, power, success, high self-esteem and high energy, said Cook.

Cook believes the drug won't lose its popularity until time passes and
people begin seeing the damage.

Methamphetamine is similar to speed, which killed users in the 1960s
and '70s. The phrase "speed kills" was coined as its harmful affects
became known.

"You have to show young people," said Cook.

"I can talk about brain hemorrhage and meth, but if it's never
happened to one of their buds, then I might as well not talk about
it."

Crystal meth has been used in Alberta for about six years and it has
become popular in the last couple of years, said Cook.

A survey of 430 Albertans suggests 25 per cent believe crystal meth is
now a problem in their community and it's easy to obtain. The study
conducted by the Canadian Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use
was released at the workshop on Monday.

Alberta Solicitor General Heather Forsyth said meth can be made with
common, easy-to-buy chemicals including fertilizer.

"For those in rural, agricultural areas, purchasing large quantities
of fertilizer is easy and not likely to draw undue attention," said
Forsyth.

"Consequently, places like Nebraska, Montana and Alberta have seen
meth labs showing up in small towns.

"For those without a lot of space for a marijuana grow operation, meth
can be made in the trunk of a car."

Forsyth said Alberta is a leader in working towards a solution for
dealing with crystal meth. The workshop was organized by the Alberta
Solicitor General and the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission
(AADAC).

"We've already written the federal government about changes to the
Drug and Substance Act. We've talked to the agriculture industry about
fertilizer."

Gord Daniher blames crystal meth for increased crime, violence and
homelessness - and he cautions other parents.

"It can happen to anybody. We are a church-going family and firm
believers in God. We are church elders, foster parents, teachers. It
didn't mean a thing when my kid went out the window."

While people told the Danihers to use tough love on their daughter and
kick her out of the house, they said they refused to abandon her.

Instead, they began going downtown to feed her and the other drug
addicts. Their food service became known as the White Elephant Connection.

The Danihers believe programs to support addicts of crystal meth are
lacking. The existing programs allow addicts to leave, so they end up
taking off to get high. Asking police to arrest their daughter seemed
the only solution at times, said Gord Daniher.

Their daughter, ironically named Crystal, has been taking meth for
three years. She did well in a new rehabilitation program located at
an isolated ranch, but the cost was not funded by social services.

"It's a frustrating and horrific problem that needs solutions now.
Frankly, my daughter's life was on the line."

The workshop continues today.