Pubdate: Tue, 21 Sep 2004 Source: Fox Creek Times (CN AB) Copyright: 2004 Fox Creek Times Contact: http://www.foxcreektimes.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3400 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) SURVEY SHEDS NEW LIGHT ON ALBERTA METH PROBLEM Red Deer... Methamphetamine is extremely harmful to those who use it, is viewed as more harmful than alcohol and other drugs, and is believed to be a greater problem in Edmonton than in other areas. Those were some of the findings of a Canadian Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use survey released today during the Alberta Methamphetamine Workshop in Red Deer. *The survey, funded by Public Security Emergency Preparedness Canada, collected the views and perceptions of more than 430 Albertans interested in the issue of crystal methamphetamine's production, use, treatment and prevention.* Other findings included: * meth is harmful to users and those exposed to production * meth is more harmful than alcohol and other illicit drugs * 25 percent believe crystal meth is currently a problem in their community and easy to obtain * Edmonton and northern Alberta are believed to have larger meth problems than Calgary and southern Alberta * respondents estimated that about 15 percent of Albertans have used meth at least once and about nine percent use it regularly, with the highest rates among youth and young adults * 62 percent believe meth should be part of a larger strategy to address alcohol and illicit drugs while 38 percent believe it should be dealt with as a separate drug. "It is vital to understand that any data source has its limitations and this study is no different," said the survey's author Dr. Cameron Wild of the University of Alberta. "But what we have tried to do is collect the perceptions of a wide spectrum of people instead of just looking at subgroups like those in health services, addiction treatment, law enforcement or users themselves." "The survey findings provide an important overview of the concern Albertans have about the dangers of methamphetamine," said Solicitor General Heather Forsyth. "We're determined to stay ahead of the problem and knowing how Albertans feel will be helpful to everyone involved in the fight against the use of this devastating substance." The workshop is being hosted by the Alberta Solicitor General and the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission. Like the survey respondents, those attending the workshop come from a range of backgrounds including law enforcement and other first responders, health care professionals including drug abuse treatment specialists, social service workers, justice officials, educators, recovering methamphetamine users and their families, community agencies and all levels of government. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek