PROVINCE GRAPPLES WITH METH USE

The highly addictive and damaging drug crystal meth is becoming a problem
in Saskatchewan and the Sask. Party is calling for the provincial
government to raise public awareness of the growing problem.

Lloydminster Meridian Booster -- The highly addictive and damaging drug
crystal meth is becoming a problem in Saskatchewan and the Sask. Party is
calling for the provincial government to raise public awareness of the
growing problem.

"As I travel the province, law enforcement officers, schools, community
groups, First Nations leaders and parents are raising concerns about the
meth problem," said Sask. Party Leader Brad Wall. "We believe the
government has a role to play in educating parents and young people about
the danger of this incredibly addictive and destructive drug."

Wall said one hit of crystal meth costs about $10 and lasts for about 24
hours, making it far less expensive than drugs like cocaine, but its health
effects are far worse.

"One law enforcement officer told us that cocaine is like Girl Guide
cookies compared to meth," he said.

Meth users experience mood swings, unhealthy weight loss, sores on their
skin, confusion, paranoia and aggressive behavior. Long-term effects
include fatal kidney and lung disorders, liver damage, chronic depression,
blood clots and a deficient immune system.

"Law enforcement officials have told us that meth is the most addictive
drug in common use today, and also the most difficult to treat," Wall said.
"After coming off the drug, it can take six months to three years to
recover and meth addicts are often violent and extremely resistant to
treatment."

John McCallum, consultant for the Saskatchewan government's alcohol and
drug program, said meth is appealing to users because it is inexpensive and
can be easily synthesized from legally purchased products.

"We don't have any hard data about the increase yet because it is so
recent," said McCallum. "But crystal meth is just an old drug with a new form."

Wall said other provinces like Alberta and British Columbia are developing
a coordinated strategy to deal with the growing problem of crystal meth. He
urged the Saskatchewan government to do the same.

"We aren't trying to score points off this, we just want to raise awareness."

Lloydminster MLA Milt Wakefield said people may not be aware enough about
what crystal meth is and the harm it can cause.

"People in our schools say the staff aren't completely aware about things
like the immediate addictive properties of the drug," he said. "We want to
educate the public."