Pubdate: Fri, 02 Dec 2005
Source: Parksville Qualicum Beach News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Parksville Qualicum Beach News
Contact:  http://www.pqbnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1361
Author: Colleen Dane
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

OUTREACH STATS: MOST LOCAL METH USERS ARE YOUTH

Statistics on meth use in Oceanside, from Oceanside Community Crystal 
Meth Task Force action plans (compiled from one and half years of 
outreach activity in the area)

121 heavy users of crystal meth in the area, 90 are youth (this does 
not include recreational users

Majority between ages of 15 and 1

15 per cent are female

No stereotypical user: different socio-economic backgrounds, family 
settings, school experience

Half of youth users say parents are suffering or have suffered from 
substance abuse

Despite variety of users, at least half are now separated from their 
families due to the drug use

Largely used and sold in Parksville than elsewhere in District 6

Most 'addicts' had first hit at middle school ages, from age 12 or 13.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman