CRYSTAL METH USE ON THE RISE

Town Hall Meeting May 7 To Be First Step In Addressing Problem

The highly addictive, synthetic stimulant drug Crystal Meth is quickly
becoming the drug of choice for many Squamish youth -- a disturbing trend
that has set off alarm bells among local health and social workers.

Crystal Meth is just one of the street names for Methamphetamine (MA), a
dangerous drug that has moved beyond the city party scene and into the
community, said Sea to Sky Community Service Society's (SSCSC) school-based
prevention worker Leana Buffie.

The drug is made in illegal laboratories using toxic chemicals such as
drain cleaner, battery acid, lantern fuel and antifreeze, and a stimulant
drug that speeds up the body's central nervous system.

Crystal Meth can be swallowed, smoked, injected, or snorted, resulting in
highs that can last up to 24 hours, says SSCSC alcohol and drug counsellor
Ann Malach.

"This drug is dangerous," she said. "It has many complications and effects,
cognitive and motor functioning. Crystal Meth tricks the body into
believing it has unlimited reserves."

The long-term consequences of Crystal Meth use are devastating, ranging
from violent, self-destructive episodes to permanent brain damage, said Buffie.

Users can also exhibit psychotic behaviour including auditory
hallucinations, delusions, paranoia and possibly homicidal and suicidal
thoughts.

"The psychological withdrawal is the most difficult," says Malach. "The
crash is horrible. To avoid the crash, they keep on using."

Health workers are finding that five to 15 per cent of people who go into
psychosis never return, she said.

Malach says she's seen 12- to 14-year-old Crystal Meth users, as well as
older teenagers and adults well into their 40s.

"It's not just a teen thing," she said.

Youth are using Crystal Meth regardless of their socio-economic background,
race, gender and academic ability, says Buffie.

A recent survey conducted in the Lower Mainland indicated that the average
age of first time use of MA was 14.5 years, while 19 per cent of youth
surveyed reported they had used the drug in the past.

For youth, using Crystal Meth can become more important than family or even
close friends, said Buffie.

Brains scans of people who use a MA such as Crystal Meth, show that the
drug can damage brain cells and that this damage persists even months after
they stop using, she said.

The damage to the brain caused by MA use is similar to damage caused by
Alzheimer's disease, strokes or epilepsy added Buffie. The damaged brain
cells can also result in symptoms like those of Parkinson's disease, a
severe movement disorder, she said. People can become accidentally addicted
to Crystal Meth -- 58 per cent of Ecstasy is cut with Crystal Meth, said
Malach.

"Kids try stuff," she said. "Before they know it, they're addicted."

Meanwhile, there are many unknowns about Crystal Meth use, said Malach.
"There hasn't been a lot of research done on Crystal Meth," she said. "The
verdicts aren't in."

A call for community awareness and support Local service providers, school
principals and RCMP are trying to address the issue of Crystal Meth use in
Squamish and have planned a town hall meeting for May 7 at Don Ross
Secondary School from 7 to 9 p.m.

SSCSC plans to coordinate the meeting with Squamish RCMP, First Nations,
social service workers and the community in general. "I think we need to
educate people," said Malach. "The more people know about it=85the more
they can educate their children."

The meeting is also aimed at bringing the community together to make
decisions on what kinds of resources people would like to see in Squamish,
she said.

Drug and alcohol use is an increasing problem with limited staff and
resources available to substance misusers to combat it, said Malach.

Health workers will talk to the community about ideas such as bringing on
board a home detox program, a recovery house, youth outreach workers and
additional alcohol and drug counsellors so the community can provide
immediate service to youth and adults in need, she said.

While resources are scarce, Malach gives credit to local doctors, the
mental health crisis team and other service providers who deal with
addiction on a daily basis. Schools also teach prevention to students and
probation officers work with both youth and adult substance misusers.

"We try and all work together with this," she said. "It's a community problem."