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. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman