DRUG OF CHOICE FOR PARK TEENS

Crystal Meth Poses Great Dangers For Quickly Addicted Users

The teens are irritable, aggressive, often physically violent.

Desperate parents don't know what they're dealing with when they call Tina
Dow, but the local probation officer recognizes the symptoms. The parents
are describing kids hooked on crystal meth.

Also known as speed, chalk, ice, crank, or glass, the highly addictive drug
is dangerously prevalent in the community.

"It's starting to become a serious problem," said RCMP Const. Kevin
McDonald. "It's taken over as the drug of choice in Sherwood Park with the
kids."

McDonald says much of the damage at the large parties that police have been
breaking up occurs because of crystal meth use.

"When they take it in high doses, it creates agitation and bizarre
behaviour in them," he said.

One of the reasons the drug is so common in the Park is the affluence of
the community.

"It's not that expensive," noted Dow, who points out it costs about $50 for
a high. "We have to realize, too, the cost of drugs in Sherwood Park is not
a problem. They have the money out here, and there are lots of dealers out
here."

Teenaged girls between the ages of 14 and 20 are most at risk of the drug's
effects because it boosts self-esteem and reduces appetites, which results
in rapid weight loss.

But it doesn't take long before it's ruling their lives.

"When you come down off of it, you're really tired because it gives you a
burst of energy," said Dow. "And you're the worst person ever because your
self-esteem drops. Then you have to use it just to feel normal."

Local agencies believe helping parents recognize the symptoms of the drug
use as a key to getting a handle on the crisis.

Symptoms and behavioural cues include the following:

When kids are taking crystal meth, they'll seclude themselves. They won't
want to eat and will lose weight rapidly. They won't sleep for long periods
of time and then will crash, resulting in extended physical, mental and
emotional fatigue.

Teens will try to stay away from home as much as possible. When they do
turn up and they come down off of it, they'll avoid their parents and other
family members. Everything others say will irritate them.

Crashing after binging may include chills, nervous twitching, sweats,
fatigue, insomnia, depression, and aggressive physical behaviour.

The versatile methamphetamine, which has stimulant properties similar to
adrenaline, is sold as crystals, chunks, tablet, capsules, and powder. It
can be snorted, smoked, injected, inserted into the rectum, ingested as a
tablet or capsule, or mixed with alcohol.

Dow says the only way to get teens off crystal meth is to isolate them from
it for at least 30 days.

Because the effects are so devastating, professionals have launched a local
process to educate teens and parents about the drug.

"We are never going to eradicate it," said McDonald. "Our world, and our
community, has become too cosmopolitan to shield the kids from it. We have
to educate them about it and the consequences of using it.

"One of the problems in affluent communities like this is parents want to
stick their heads in the sand," he added. "They need to face the reality to
see the signs and deal with it early, as opposed to dealing with it late."
The Sherwood Park RCMP, the local probation office, and the Strathcona
Youth Justice Committee are organizing a workshop for parents. The location
and date have yet to be set.

Anyone interested in attending should call Michelle Demers at 708-4623.