COCAINE USE GROWING ON OUR STREETS

The fact cocaine has become the drug of choice locally is evident from the
proportion of those trying to kick their addiction to it.

Although alcoholism continues to be the most common reason clients seek
treatment, those addicted to cocaine in its various forms are the second
largest group, according to Susan Canning, supervisor in Lethbridge for the
Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC).

Twenty-two per cent of their clients come in seeking to kick their
addiction to cocaine or crack, a solid form of the drug. Those statistics
are in line with proportions seen across the province.

Coincidentally, it's gotten a lot easier in recent years to buy cocaine and
crack on Lethbridge streets.

Cocaine trafficking in the city has taken a huge leap in the past five
years, says Staff Sgt. Jim Carriere, head of organized crime investigations
for Lethbridge regional police.

"The majority of information and intelligence we receive is about cocaine
dealers," he says. "Trafficking in more dangerous drugs has become more
prevalent (especially) in the past two years. I would attribute that to the
control organized crime has over the (illicit) drug industry."

In April, crack reared its ugly head in Taber, as police there made their
first significant bust of that drug.

Lethbridge RCMP Const. Henry Van Dorland says cocaine is available in rural
areas, but trafficking in the narcotic is more of a big city trend.

"It's there, but it's mostly coming from the city," he says.

Van Dorland can't recall any rural crack busts in recent months, but says
RCMP have taken down several marijuana grow operations.

For recovering addicts such as Mark and Brian, supporting each other is
part of their program as is trying to help others beat their addictions.
They met several years ago while in treatment and have been close friends
ever since.

They are frank about where they've been and how far they've come in recovery.

"I'm the crackhead. He's the drunk," Mark says by way of introduction.

Mark, 54, kicked his 39-year drug habit over four years ago. Brian, 60, was
a drunk for 40 years. Before he dried out three years ago, he was drinking
two 40-ounce bottles of scotch every day.

He contracted hepatitis C the only time he ever tried injecting cocaine.
Two women who injected with him the same night are now dead.

"The one thing I've gained from being sober and clean is I've gained
respect for myself," says Brian. "I could die tomorrow and I could say
"Gee, I've had a beautiful three years'."

He has made amends with many in his family and now treasures the respect of
his small grandson.

"He told me "Grandpa, I want to be just like you'," he says, tears welling
in his eyes.

Beating an addiction to booze or drugs isn't easy, says Brian, but it can
be done.

"I always say 'If an old fart like me can do it, anybody can do it'," he
says. "It's never too late to be what you can be. As a drunk, I was never
anything."