METH DESTRUCTIVE: COPS

Kids Steal From Home, Turn To Escalating Crime To Feed Powerful Addictions

Parents are putting their meth-addicted kids on a fast track to serious
crime - and long jail terms - because they're so reluctant to report
problems that start in the home, say RCMP.

A huge spike in methamphetamine use in northern Alberta has been linked by
police to an increase in theft and violence, as kids struggle to fund their
habit.

But RCMP Sgt. Ian Sanderson said many parents don't recognize the signs of
addiction and those who do are reluctant to report it, so minor theft from
the family home can quickly escalate into violent crime.

"Kids are ripping off their folks, selling off their possessions, but when
they need more (cash) it's car thefts, break and enters, and robbery," said
Sanderson.

"It's something that probably goes under-reported because the family tends
not to want to involve police. When we hear about it, it's usually after
the fact."

Edmonton drug Det. Darcy Strang said meth's grip on youth culture has grown
to the point where it's probably more popular than cocaine among the city's
youth. It also appears to be much more addictive, he said.

Sanderson said in his experience, people addicted to most other drugs
generally take 10 to 14 days to "dry out" on rehab programs, compared with
28 days or more for meth.

"The addiction is so powerful it doesn't just destroy the individual using
it, it's all the people around them."

One city parent experienced that first-hand when he called police about his
23-year-old daughter, who became hooked on meth after being offered the
drug in a bar.

"She was the last person we thought would ever get into it because she was
always so against drugs," said the man, who asked to remain anonymous.

"It's so addictive that when we intervened, she turned really aggressive.
It's a pretty scary drug - it really changes people."

The man's daughter eventually agreed to enter a rehab program, but only
after he called in outside help.

"Parents need help and support, people who know how to treat (addiction),"
he said. "If you know it's happening, don't let it go. You've got to nip it
in the bud before it's too late."

Mounties are appealing for people to come forward - to police or other
agencies - when they notice signs of meth addiction among family members,
friends and neighbours.

"Our ultimate (goal) is to remove the person from their addictive behaviour
- - that solves the crime issues," said Sanderson.