GET EDUCATED ABOUT DANGERS

Drano, Comet and bleach. Those are just three of the toxic cleaners used to
create crystal methamphetamine, or speed, a drug officials say has become a
serious problem in Abbotsford schools and others across the province.

Sherry Mumford, addictions leader for the Fraser Health Authority, said
crystal meth use among teens treated by the FHA has more than doubled in the
past three or four years. Consequently, it is now the third most popular
drug - behind alcohol and marijuana - among those same teens. Cocaine is the
fourth most popular drug.

"It's safe to say those numbers are somewhat reflective [of society in
general]," said Mumford.

"Crystal meth is the one that's going to take away our kids big time," said
Abbotsford School Board Trustee Uultsje DeJong, a member of the board's drug
strategy committee and chairman of the Abbotsford Coalition for Drug and
Crime Prevention. "It rips families apart. We need to look at this as one
big problem. Crystal meth is dangerous and we need to address that quickly.
. . We need to fight this thing like we're fighting a war."

Sean Spear of Impact, an adolescent substance abuse program in Abbotsford,
said there are several lures to the drug: it's prevalent [crystal meth can
be made at home], cheap [$5 can get a person high for several hours] and
accessible.

"I would easily say that any of the youth today would have access to meth if
they want to try it," said Spear. "Even if they barely try getting it they
could."

The drug also causes weight loss and makes people stay awake for long
periods of time. That has prompted young girls to try meth to shed pounds
and university students and business executives to use the drug as a way to
pull all-nighters to get their work done.

"These are students in law school, med school - people that look fine on the
outside and who you wouldn't . . suspect of using the drug," said Spear.

The biggest concern, he said, is that crystal meth is highly addictive.

Spear calls it "an epidemic" and said it has consumed several towns across
North America, including ones in Alberta and Hawaii.

"It's widespread," he said. "Rural towns are feeling the effects. For
instance, Hope is experiencing some problems. This drug is going rampant.
That would be my concern and fear for anywhere."

DeJong said school board officials are aware of the problem and are looking
at ways to fight it.

"We need to do everything we possibly can," he said. "The big thing for me
is the awareness in the community that we do have this major problem and the
fact that it's going to take all of us to get out of this mess and move
forward."

Mumford said the best way to start that process is to educate people.

"We have to say, 'Listen, do you know what you're taking,' " she said. "Also
. . . you could use a harm reduction approach. I know your city council
doesn't like to hear that but . . . sometimes no drugs doesn't work.

"We all want kids to abstain, there's no question. . . But [drug use]
happens and I don't think we're going to ever stop that," she said. "What's
the next best thing? We're taking as many measures as we can to minimize
those consequences and education is one of the ways."

WHAT IS CRYSTAL METH?

Crystal methamphetamine, also known as speed, is a synthetic central nervous
system stimulant. It's odourless and can be found in an off-white powder, in
crystal form [looks like broken glass] or in tablets. Some of its
ingredients include Drano, Comet and bleach. It's usually sold in paper
flaps, plastic bags, tablets or capsule form. Crystal meth can be taken
orally, smoked, snorted or injected. Effects can last two to 16 hours,
depending on the purity and the form of use.

Short-term effects: crystal meth gives users the impression that their body
has an endless supply of energy; it promotes an initial euphoric rush and
elevated motor activity; after the effects wear off users may experience
anxiety, depression, aggressiveness, mental confusion, fatigue and
headaches; with large enough doses visual and auditory hallucination and
delusions may occur.

Long-term effects: Because of its addictive nature, many users will go on
binges lasting up to three weeks, putting tremendous strain on their bodies;
there's a risk of developing permanent psychotic symptoms; there's a decay
in brain function and epileptic-like seizures may also occur with prolonged
use.

Source: Addictive drug information council

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP:

Call Impact, an adolescent substance abuse program in Abbotsford, at
604-853-1766 for more details. For parents there is a new group called STOP
[Supporting Teens to Overcome Problems], created by an Abbotsford mom whose
teen was using ecstasy. It provides information about drugs and is also a
support group.