Pubdate: Thu, 21 Jul 2005 Source: Regina Leader-Post (CN SN) Copyright: 2005 The Leader-Post Ltd. Contact: http://www.canada.com/regina/leaderpost/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/361 Author: Darren Bernhardt, Saskatchewan News Network; CanWest News Service Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) CRYSTAL METH LINKED TO DEATHS SASKATOON -- Since January, there have been at least 10 deaths in Saskatoon connected to crystal meth but the actual number is probably much higher, say individuals close to the local drug scene. "I think we're being fairly safe with that guess. It's way too low," said Don Meikle, client services co-ordinator at EGADZ Youth Centre. Saskatchewan Party MLA Ted Merriman, whose own daughter is a recovering addict, insists the problem "is way more serious than we think." His daughter knows people in the meth scene and daily scans the obituaries, pointing out those she recognizes. The pair have attended many funerals "to show support" for the families of those whose lives have been stolen away by meth. Merriman says he's lost count. "I would say 10 (deaths) is probably the low side of the number. If it's the young aboriginal kids we wouldn't even hear about 'em, sadly. They are the lost children," he said. "And that's just in Saskatoon. So take that provincewide and ... It's a lot more widespread than we know." In comparison, the number of homicides in 2004 -- the city's worst year -- was nine. "And we're just halfway through the bloody year," Merriman noted. "Is that not an epidemic? If it was anything else killing this many people, it would be an emergency. Why aren't we doing more about this?" asked Cathy, a mom whose 21-year-old son is trying to kick his addiction at the Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford. The provincial coroner could not be reached for comment on the actual number of meth deaths. Marvin and Dee Dee Fenrich of Wilkie are still awaiting the autopsy results on their son, Marc. The 19-year-old was found dead in mid-May at an Edmonton care home where he was fighting his meth addiction. He was kneeling in the corner of his room, his upper body folded over and arms outstretched on the carpet, as if in prayer, according to Dee Dee. "I right away knew that he was calling for help," said Dee Dee. "I think he knew something was wrong, physically, and he went to God to ask Him for help." Just a few months earlier, Marc made a commitment to become a Christian, said Dee Dee. It was only after the family became convinced of his addiction and Marc could no longer hide it. "I had no idea of the seriousness of that drug until he was well into it," said Dee Dee. "I had instinctive notions but he would talk me out of it. I always wanted to believe him. I think I had my head in the sand." It was only during the last six months of Marc's life that Dee Dee and Marvin became convinced. "We were always waiting for him to come to the end of his rope but when he finally did, it was too late," said Dee Dee. "I should have tried to understand him better -- find out what was bothering him. I wish I knew how to help. I think I dropped the ball. Time is of the essence for these young people." It's difficult to tell how many meth victims there truly are, said Meikle. "Street people don't rank high on society's list, so we don't hear about it. Or they're (victims) taken to their home reserve for a burial and no one hears about it," he said. "What also happens a lot of the time is, because of family embarrassment, they don't want to put an obituary in the paper. And poor people can't afford to (buy an obit)." "But it's not just the Don Meikle kids," said Merriman. "It's the kids of upper affluent or middle-class families who are on this shit." Among those he counts the children of a (surgeon) and of the presidents of three companies. Users also include some doctors, lawyers and journalists in the city, he said. After months of studying the province's meth and other drug addictions, Saskatoon Sutherland NDP MLA Graham Addley has recently completed a 40-page, 12-recommendation report. It is now in the hands of Premier Lorne Calvert and his cabinet, who are expected to deal with it in the coming weeks. Merriman wants to see meth-specific treatment centres in Saskatchewan. A meth addict needs rest, but present addictions programs require active participation or you get tossed out. Meikle agrees with the need for a treatment centre but he disagrees with Merriman on how to get users into it. "My biggest fear is a knee-jerk reaction," that would allow a youth to be apprehended and held 48-72 hours based simply on the belief the individual is using meth," said Meikle. "It's a total violation of somebody's rights. "If there is going to be secured care they need to have an unbiased third party, a justice of the peace to evaluate the reason appropriately. "When we're upset and distraught, we don't always listen to our kids. We need that unbiased opinion to listen to them and make sure the right decisions are being made." Merriman believes strong, forceful steps are necessary. "You can't take somebody that is irrational, high on drugs, and try to explain to them rational thoughts. That's why the apprehension thing is so critical," he said. "If we make it so you have to talk to the child so they know you're going to apprehend them and give them the opportunity for input, well, that's asinine. "If you have a 15-year-old who's high, the kid's a space cadet. Do you think they're going to say, 'Oh yeah, mom's right. I'll go into treatment.' Give your head a shake." Merriman recognizes that forced treatment may not be entirely productive but he's willing to take the chance. "As a parent, if I think I can get them forced in and have a 50 per cent chance of success, even a 30 per cent chance of success, I'll take the 30 per cent chance over none at all." - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom