CRYSTAL METH: A GROWING PROBLEM

Trying to understand addiction

Williams Lake needs to wake up to the issue of drug use, according to a
member of the local health advisory committee.

"It is just very scary how much crystal meth use is taking place, but no one
is talking about it," said Rosanna McGregor, health committee and social
program supervisor for the Cariboo Friendship Society, at the committee's
meeting January 14. "I think it's time to talk about it."

McGregor said that on a local level, she sees a lot of openness regarding
alcohol awareness, but not the same amount of information and
acknowledgement about drugs such as speed and crystal meth.

Crystal meth, also known as methamphetamine, saw wide use in the 1960s and
early 1970s before all but disappearing, but has been experiencing a
resurgence in North America over the last couple of years, said Denise
Deschene, school-based prevention and outreach worker in Williams Lake.

"It's very cheap and it lasts a long time, so that makes it popular," she
said.

Similar to the effects of cocaine, meth acts on the cerebral cortex of the
brain, causing increased motor activity and resulting in a feeling of
alertness. It also blocks hunger and fatigue, so users often go long periods
without eating or sleeping.

After the initial "rush," users can become agitated and some may even become
violent.

Symptoms can increase with long-term use, and can even involve paranoia and
hallucinations.

"There is a huge lack of awareness," said health committee member Mary
Montgomery. "There is a huge misperception among young people, and I think
us older people have our heads stuck in the sand."

However, Deschene said that while she has counselled teens who were crystal
meth, the biggest substance abuse problem she sees is still alcohol.

Before Christmas, Deschene gave a presentation to a Grade 9 class, and some
of the students were unaware of crystal meth.

"That's encouraging to me," she said.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Grant Martin said the Williams Lake detachment is aware of
the presence of crystal meth in the community.

"It is here. We've definitely dealt with it," he said.

As a way to increase awareness about drugs in the community, the Cariboo
Friendship Society and the B.C. Association of Indian Friendship Societies
are co-sponsoring a full-day workshop February 9, which is open to the
public.

In the morning, RCMP Const. Michele Johanson is scheduled to give a
presentation on street drugs in the area.

The afternoon is set to include a presentation by Ed Bibendorf of the
Phoenix Centre in Kamloops. McGregor said Bibendorf will be speaking about
addiction, including how to deal with a family member or friend who is
addicted to drugs.

While the event is open to the public, McGregor is asking those interested
in attending to call her at the Cariboo Friendship Society no later than
February 4.

Meanwhile, McGregor is hoping to keep encouraging community members to speak
up on the issue, and bring forward stories or information to the health
committee.