SPEED RUINING YOUNG LIVES

Something heard more frequently in Powell River (and across BC) is the
latest, hottest, hippest, new recreational drug: methamphetamine
(speed, jib, go-fast, ice, crystal, etc.)

Something most don't know is that it isn't new at all. Back in the
1970s it was bigger than heroin or cocaine, mainly coming in from the
east, from Montreal via the United States.

It has found its way into Powell River. It is being cut into the crack
cocaine people are smoking, and most infuriating, it is now being
slipped into the marijuana, unbeknownst to our youth.

I find that infuriating. It is very hard to say no to something you
don't even know exists.

Why anyone would refer to speed as a recreational drug is beyond me,
though it is the very cheapest of drugs. It has about a six-to-nine
hour life and is one of the most addicting and harmful drugs.

I will refer to Jay, who, at a party one night, was offered a toke off
of a joint that was making its rounds. A couple of minutes later, his
jaw began to clench tightly. He also found that he was grinding his
teeth.

He knew immediately something was wrong. When he could get to the
bathroom to use his phone in private, he called me. I immediately went
and got him.

I am very lucky that he trusted me enough to call. Most are afraid of
their parents' reaction. Jay is my son.

As parents, this leaves us in a serious conflict. We absolutely must
not show any signs of encouraging our children to use drugs. Yet, on
the other hand, how, if we do not show any liberalness or
approachability, can we be there to help them in times of trouble?

Fortunately, my child knows he can call anytime.

After picking Jay up, I immediately asked again how he felt. Trying to
downplay things, he told me that now, other than a bit of an
accelerated heartbeat, he felt fine. Seemingly having his wits about
him, I gave him the normal grounding and speech on the harmful effects
of drugs, leaving it at that.

Later, I discovered that he and his friends had been at the beach one
night, months previously, smoking a joint that was laced with speed,
or so they were told afterwards.

We began the spiral into unknown waters. He had been such a talented
child. We watched our son vanish and turn into something scary and
unfamiliar. He became completely unreliable. Counselling and addiction
centres became our life.

Methamphetamine is highly addictive and is the very cheapest of drugs,
even cheaper than pot, though so much more devastating to our youth,
the family and the community.

If you think this is not happening in Powell River, please, take heed.
It's here and is probably here to stay. The best we can do is be
aware. The best offence is to pay attention. End up paying way more
attention than you ever bargained.

Tracy McRae, a Malaspina University-College student, is concerned
about how youth are being affected by smoking a joint, when they are
flirting with disaster. She will be attending the crystal meth forum
at 6 pm, Saturday, May 19 at the Powell River Recreation Complex.