Pubdate: Fri, 26 Mar 2004 Source: Peace Arch News (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 Peace Arch News Contact: http://www.peacearchnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1333 Author: Sheila Reynolds Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) EDUCATION TRUSTEES CALL FOR PLAN TO ADDRESS CRYSTAL METH Heightened use of crystal methamphetamine-also known as ice, glass, crank and zip-has Surrey parents concerned about what schools are doing to address the issue. Trustee Kim Evoy presented a motion to school board Thursday, asking district staff develop an education plan to address public concern about meth use "and the damaging effects of its abuse on students and others." She said parents aren't saying their children are using the highly addictive substance, rather that the concern seems to be spawned from recent media coverage, including a feature in The Peace Arch News earlier this month. "We have done a lot of educating about marijuana, tobacco and alcohol," Evoy said. "As for this particular drug, we haven't particularly focussed on it." Crystal meth is highly addictive as it sends chemicals to areas of the brain that regulate pleasure. It increases wakefulness and physical activity and decreases appetite. It can be crushed into powder and snorted, smoked in a pipe, injected, or swallowed. It is also incredibly inexpensive, with users able to maintain their habit for as little as $5 a day. A 2002 survey of 2,000 Lower Mainland students showed 19 per cent had tried crystal meth, and the average age for first use was 14. "It's potentially a huge draw for youth," Evoy said. "The public needs to know we're aware of what's going on and that we're doing something about it. If we can save even one young person from the devastating effects of that drug, it'll be worth it." A staff report is due back to the board by next spring. - -with files from Julia Caranci - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom