Pubdate: Fri, 30 Sep 2005
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Glenn Bohn, with file from Jonathan Fowlie
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

ADDICTION 'AN EPIDEMIC'

Campbell pledges $7 million, promises treatment, in the war against 
'dirty, filthy' methamphetamines

Glenn Bohn, with file from Jonathan Fowlie Vancouver Sun

Premier Gordon Campbell announced Thursday a $7-million battle 
against crystal methamphetamines, promising more treatment programs 
for those trying to get off the highly addictive drug, and an 
advertising blitz to discourage people from trying it.

"This sneaks up on you," Campbell warned. "If you talk to anyone 
who's been involved at all, you know this: Crystal meth is a dirty, 
filthy drug. It ruins people's lives -- forever -- so we want to make 
sure parents know what to look for, [and] communities know what to look for."

Campbell spoke at the annual conference of the Union of B.C. 
Municipalities in Vancouver, one day after mayors and councillors 
unanimously passed a resolution that warned of a growing number of 
amphetamine users, addictions and deaths.

The resolution asked Victoria to limit access to over-the-counter 
ingredients required to produce the drug, increase public awareness 
and education about crystal-meth use, provide assistance to deal with 
at-risk groups, and provide assistance to treat addiction problems.

In an address to the UBCM earlier Thursday, Opposition leader Carole 
James focused on "growing homelessness, addiction, and despair on our streets."

James said the social fabric of B.C. communities is being tested by 
homelessness, a problem she said is connected to both mental illness 
and drug abuse. "I know that the growing crisis of crystal meth 
addiction is a top priority at this gathering. And government and the 
Opposition must stand with you, providing the resources and support 
you need to tackle this problem."

The New Democratic Party leader warned: "Homelessness on our streets 
will not be solved without a significant commitment of resources to 
deal with addiction or without a firm commitment to deal with the 
lack of resource for those who suffer mental illness."

She also said there is a "significant shortage" of treatment 
facilities for addicts and their families in communities."For 
Vancouver Island, for example, we have five addiction beds for the 
entire island," the Victoria-Beacon Hill MLA said.

When Campbell spoke to the same municipal politicians Thursday 
afternoon, he outlined:

- - $3 million for a public education program ($1 million for education 
programs delivered in schools and $2 million for advertisements in 
the mass media.)

- - $2 million in $10,000 grants for community-based programs, for 
every community in B.C. that wants to participate. A similar program 
is to be established for aboriginal communities.

- - $2 million for "targeted treatment programs" for crystal meth 
addicts who want to go into detox.

Campbell also promised a series of regional seminars on crystal meth, 
organized by a new "crystal meth secretariat" in the 
Solicitor-General Ministry.

James said communities will appreciate the $10,000 grants, but said 
the rest of the money should have gone into detoxification services, 
not a new "secretariat."

After Campbell's address, those who have seen the dangers of 
methamphetamine held a workshop on what to expect and how to deal 
with the drug. "We've got an epidemic in B.C.," said Gordon Robson, a 
Maple Ridge businessman who has helped the Meadowridge Rotary Club 
organize a campaign against meth.

ON 'ICE':

Some facts about crystal meth

- - "Crystal" and "ice" are some of the street names for this kind of 
methamphetamine, which is also known as "meth" or "speed."

- - The synthetic drug is produced in clandestine laboratories, using 
chemicals and over-the-counter medications.

- - Methamphetamines can be found in tablet or powder form, or in a 
waxy form known as "base," "paste," "wax," or "point." Crystal meth, 
a more potent form of methamphetamines, consists of recrystallized powder.

- - Depending on the form, methamphetamine can be taken orally, smoked, 
snorted or injected.

- - If methamphetamine is smoked or injected, it can create a feeling 
of euphoria, a "rush" or "flash," that begins within seconds and 
lasts a few minutes.

- - Other effects include increased wakefulness, increased heart rate, 
decreased appetite, excessive talking, increased body temperatures.

- - Users may also experience tremors, mental confusion, convulsions, 
insomnia, irritability, aggression, chest pain and cardiovascular collapse.

Source: Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, a national addictions 
agency created by Parliament
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman