Pubdate: Tue, 23 Mar 2004 Source: Burnaby Newsleader (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 Burnaby Newsleader Contact: http://www.burnabynewsleader.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1315 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) METH WARNINGS COMING TRUE More than two years ago, police in Burnaby and New Westminster were warning the public about the dangers of methamphetamine - crystal meth as it's called on the street. They warned the drug could soon replace crack cocaine as the "drug of choice" because of its availability. Those warnings are coming true. Health officials are sounding the alarm as more and more people - particularly the young - are becoming ensnared by this cheap, addictive and debilitating drug. The Fraser Health Authority has formed a task force to look at the issues surrounding crystal meth. The goal is to get the message out about how to identify meth users and how to help them. The group will study intervention and treatment programs in other health authorities, learn from their initiatives, and bring them here where there are currently none. The task force will have its first meeting this month. In the meantime, it is important that we become better aware of crystal meth and its implications. Its allure is a cheap and long-lasting high - something that appeals to the young. But its danger is in its chemical make up. Sustained use, experts say, can actually rewire the brain and cause permanent damage. Education is always our best weapon. So it is incumbent on us to learn what we can, then share that information with our children and loved ones. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin