Pubdate: Tue, 21 Jun 2005 Source: Lethbridge Herald (CN AB) Copyright: 2005 The Lethbridge Herald Contact: http://www.mysouthernalberta.com/leth/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/239 Author: Sherri Gallant Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) METH EXPERT HEARTENED BY MEETING FORT MACLEOD -- After meeting with Health Minister Iris Evans and others to discuss Alberta's growing crystal meth crisis, Bill Tatton says he's gratified by the government's swift call to arms on the matter. "I have nothing but admiration for Iris Evans," said Tatton, a neurologist and professor for more than 30 years. Tatton met recently in Edmonton with Evans and about 20 others, including officials from AADAC, the Alberta Research Council and the ministry of justice. "I am not at liberty to discuss everything that was said, and I don't want to steal the minister's thunder, but I believe everyone there had an appreciation for how emergent the situation is and I'm confident some effective things are going to be implemented within a very short period of time." Tatton, who lives near Fort Macleod with his wife and fellow scientist Nadine, has worked at Stanford University, University of Calgary, University of Toronto and Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. He's developed an expertise on the effects of heroin, cocaine and crystal meth on the brain. "The meeting went incredibly well," Tatton said. "They realize it's a crisis and they're talking about an eight-or nine-pronged system. They had some ideas I've never thought of, including getting medical students to go and speak to kids in high schools, because kids are more likely to listen to someone a little closer to their own age than some old guy like me." Tatton said since he semi-retired to a ranch in the Fort Macleod area, he's been contacted by several families seeking help with teens who are being crushed in the grip of methamphetamine addiction. He's lobbying provincial and federal politicians for decisive measures to combat crystal meth and is working on establishment of an effective rehabilitation centre, citing an almost complete lack of existing resources. Many crystal meth users become addicted with their first hit and the physical effects on the body and brain -- death notwithstanding -- are devastating. Brain scans from meth users show large holes where grey matter should be. While some lost abilities can be recovered by retraining the remainder of the brain, many longtime users suffer permanent brain damage. Other physical effects include weight loss and organ damage. Tatton has been critical of Alberta's response time to the problem, pointing to Saskatchewan's plan as the best in Canada. But he says Wyoming has the best approach he's seen so far. Saskatchewan's strategic plan focuses on prevention, treatment, education and reducing availability of the drug on the street. What's more, that province has made a funding commitment to back up the plan. Tatton feels a ranch-style rehab facility requiring a minimum stay of five or six weeks is needed for crystal meth addicts, funded by both private and government money. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth