OLD DRUG, NEW NAME, RENEWED CONCERN

Days before a nationally respected speaker is due to appear at Barriere to
discuss substance abuse issues, Barriere RCMP are drawing attention to "an
old drug that is increasingly being abused in our area" -- Methamphetamine.

Methamphetamine, says Const. Jeff Swann, has many nicknames -- Crystal,
Ice, Glass, Jib or Crank -- but is most commonly known as Speed.

"The abuse of this drug is starting to elevate without anyone really
realizing the effect that (it) has on people," says Const. Swann. "Jib is a
dangerous, sometimes lethal and definitely unpredictable drug.

"Like cocaine, it actively attacks your central nervous system with
stimulants. Its use increases your heart rate, your blood pressure, your
body temperature, your rate of breathing, and it frequently results in
violent behaviour in those who use it.

"It can lead to damage to the heart, the lungs, the liver, and it also
causes brain damage similar to Alzheimer's Disease."

"Meth," says Swann, gives its abuser a sense of increased energy
accompanied by body tremours. Abuse of this drug, he says, produces a
psychosis similar to schizophrenia, characterized by paranoia, picking at
the skin and hallucinations.

This drug, he explains, can be smoked, snorted, injected or taken orally,
and, based on its availability, is one of the cheaper drugs to purchase.

"While cheaper to purchase, many experts say it is more addictive and more
toxic than heroin, crack or cocaine, and will likely become all-consuming
for the abuser.

"Jobs, friends and family fall by the wayside in the abuser's desire to get
more Meth."

After the high, advises Swann, the abuser should prepare for the crash:

"Doctors have found that use of Crystal causes brain damage that resembles
early stages of Parkinson's Disease. People take this drug to feel better
about themselves and their environment, but what ultimately happens is that
you will destroy your ability to feel pleasure."

Concludes Swann:

"Crystal Meth is in our area and has been for some time. It is an extremely
addictive drug of which the true long-term effects are still being studied."

Swann, Barriere's D.A.R.E. instructor, encourages all members of the
community to attend Serge LeClerc's presentations, Feb. 17 and 18.
Sponsored by Barriere CrimeStoppers and school-based groups, LeClerc will
speak to the community at large at Barriere Elementary at 7 p.m., Monday,
Feb. 17, then address Barriere students in Grades 6 - 12 at 1:45 p.m., Feb.
18, at BSS.