DRUG EDUCATION FIRST STEP TO HALT INCREASED USE

If the light bulbs go missing, it might be the sign of a bigger problem at
home.

Since injecting speed, also known as crystal methamphetamine, is risky,
many drug users heat the substance with a lighter in a broken light bulb to
inhale the fumes.

Being aware of the prevalence of drugs in our community is the first step
to halting their use, according to a recently-formed ad hoc committee.

Community Solutions, formed by representatives of health, law enforcement,
education, child and family services and local municipalities, was created
after several sectors noticed an increase in the use of crack cocaine and
speed.

RCMP Insp. Brian Simpson said the problem came to his attention when he
noticed an increase in petty crime.

"We're not talking about crimes of sophistication, more of desperation," he
said.

The hospital's emergency room has also been seeing more drug-related cases
lately, Simpson said.

AADAC has also seen an increase with their crack cocaine-related intakes
this year.

"From January to Oct. 25, 24 per cent of our (194) intakes, new files
opened, were cocaine-related. They were either an individual experiencing
problems with drugs itself or family members concerned about someone. That
is an increase from last year at this time," said Pat Kelley of AADAC.

Having a person addicted to drugs is like adding a mobile onto the family.

"Everyone adjusts and tries to work with the addicted person. Drug
addiction doesn't happen in a vacuum. It affects family, friends,
employers, (and) society."

Drugs aren't new to the region, said Simpson, but these drugs are extremely
addictive and therefore more dangerous.

"We've had our smoke, dope. We've had our cocaine. With crack cocaine, the
addition is almost immediate and 100 per cent."

Fifty per cent of the people are addicted the first time they use crystal
methamphetamine. That number increases to 90 per cent when the drug is used
a second time.

"The potential addiction is so high, that once you've started it is almost
too late," said Simpson.

"These are terrible addictions," said Peter Murray, Crossroads Regional
Health Authority board member.

"You raise a child, stay away from alcohol during pregnancy and they can be
far worse off from a couple puffs of this."

The majority of the people attending AADAC for addictions to crack cocaine
and speed are adults, although the client age varies from 12 to 44 years
old. The average age of women seeking help for addictions to these drugs is
29, while the average age for men is 34.

"This is not manifesting itself in our schools. It is beyond school age,"
said Hal Kluczny, Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools superintendent.

"It scares the dickens out of us in education that it may spill down to the
older students at some of these parties. We're anxious to get the
information out there."

Wetaskiwin is not alone in facing this problem, said Simpson, noting Red
Deer, Camrose, and Drayton Valley are dealing with the same thing.

"This is not a First Nations issue. This isn't a Wetaskiwin issue. This is
an issue across the province," he added.

"Alberta's affluence has brought these people here to feed these
addictions," said City of Wetaskiwin Ald. Dale Unland.

Now is not the time to get paranoid, but it is the time to become informed,
stated Community Solutions team members.The group formed to determine what
was needed, what level of knowledge must be presented to help families
cope. The group is considering a format presented by Drayton Valley which
includes curfews, educating the public, mobilizing community factions to
work together and share resources.

"They identified problem a couple of years ago and this has worked for
them," Simpson said.

Prevention is the best way of dealing with the drugs, rather than waiting
to learn a family member has become addicted, he added.

"It is out there. This way you are better able to answer a young person in
your home (asking about drugs)," he said.

"This way parents and kids are aware of what could happen," said Unland.
"We have to warn them not to get involved. Make them understand the dangers
of it."

Some people wait for law enforcement to deal with the drug problem, but
that is not the entire solution, said Simpson.

"The expectation the police, AADAC and the schools are going to be able to
handle this isn't realistic. As quick as we deal with the houses, they move
next door and start up again."

The problem must first be dealt with in the homes, said Murray.

"If your son or daughter has friends over, stick around. Know what's going on."

A public forum will be held at 7 p.m., Nov. 27, to better inform residents
of the area's drug situation.

The location for the meeting was not finalized as of press time.

Further information about the drugs can also be accessed through Crossroads
Regional Health Authority and AADAC.