Pubdate: Thu, 15 Dec 2005
Source: Macleod Gazette, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 The Macleod Gazette
Contact:  http://www.fortmacleodgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3375
Author: Frank McTighe, Macleod Gazette Editor
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada)

CRYSTAL METH COALITION FORMED IN FORT MACLEOD

A new Fort Macleod group is gearing up to fight the war on drugs
particularly crystal methamphetamine in the community. A community
information session with presentations by experts on crystal meth
including a recovering addict will be organized in the new year.

"We know how terrible this drug is," coalition member Murray Armstrong
said. "We have to look to prevention and education."

Twelve people turned out Wednesday at the Foothills Centre for an
organizational meeting of the crystal meth coalition. The meeting was
called by Foothills Centre director Val Campbell to gauge interest in
striking a coalition to fight the spread of a drug that has been
called a modern-day plague.

"I think there was drug use in Fort Macleod that people knew about but
it didn't affect them," Campbell said. "Then crystal meth came into
the picture. It's a scary drug."

Easy to make, cheap to buy and highly addictive, crystal meth is a
drug that terrifies parents.

"I have a 16-year-old son that I fear for," Armstrong said. "I fear
for his friends."

Darlene Holtz, who also attended the organizational meeting, agreed.
"I have two small children, 10 and 12, and I'm scared to death," Holtz
said. "We have to educate the children. We have to educate the parents."

Dorothy Asuchak, a member of the Fort Macleod Hospital Auxiliary, said
her group is concerned about the growing presence of crystal meth in
the community. "Crystal meth is a different drug all together,"
Asuchak said. "It's an addictive drug and very tough to get off."

Campbell told the group there are 45 to 50 crystal meth coalitions
across the province. "AADAC is interested in supporting any community
that feels there is a need for a coalition," she added. "Maybe there
is something we could do that isn't being done."

The 12 people at the meeting quickly reached a consensus there was a
need for a coalition whose initial goal is to educate people about
crystal meth.

"I don't think anything will get solved if we don't work together,"
Angie Bourassa said.

Armstrong agreed, adding the education has to extend to parents, young
people, educators and other people in the community. "a lot of people
are in denial about this," Armstrong said.

The coalition struck a task force to organize a community information
session early next year. Dr.  William Tatton of Fort Macleod, a
neurologist with extensive experience in dealing with the effects of
drugs on the brain, will be asked to make a presentation. Campbell
will also invite a recovering addict to discuss the damage crystal
meth did to her life.

"If nothing is done, nothing is done," Campbell said. "You have to
make an effort."

The crystal meth coalition will meet Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 12 noon at
the Foothills Centre. Anyone interested in getting involved or
providing support should call Val Campbell at 553-4466.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin