Pubdate: Tue, 22 Feb 2005
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoria/timescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Jeff Bell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

PUBLIC FORUM WILL DELVE INTO CRYSTAL METH ISSUES

The scourge of crystal methamphetamines, or crystal meth, is the focus of a 
public forum Wednesday at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre.

Joining a panel of experts will be a former crack cocaine user, who will 
speak about her experiences, and the father of a 14-year-old 
methamphetamine addict, who will relate his struggles to save his daughter 
from the grips of the drug.

The forum is the latest in a series of such events being held around the 
region, and follows one held in early December at S.J. Willis school.

Esquimalt Coun. Ruth Layne, who is helping to organize Wednesday's forum as 
a member of the Family Court and Youth Justice Committee, said local 
statistics on the rise of crystal meth use in young people are alarming. 
She said the Victoria Youth Detox Centre reports the total number of 
patients admitted for crystal meth use in 2000 at 11 per cent, a figure 
that has risen to 61 per cent over the past year.

Further, the centre has an average of 30 youth placed on wait lists for 
treatment each month.

At the provincial level, statistics compiled by the B.C. Coroners Service 
show that the number of people dying with methamphetamines in their systems 
more than doubled in 2004 to 33, up from 15 people in 2003.

In December, Greater Victoria school board trustee Charley Beresford -- a 
former board chairwoman -- called for a community action plan to fend off 
the "exponential explosion" of crystal meth use that has made its way 
through parts of the United States, including the state of Washington.

Beresford said crystal meth is highly addictive, relatively cheap and can 
have devastating effects on all aspects of a person's life.

Panelists at the Esquimalt forum, which runs 7:15-9 p.m., will be Chris 
Goble, who co-ordinates the specialized youth detox program for the 
Victoria Youth Empowerment Society; Victoria police Const. Brad Fraser, an 
expert in such drugs as crystal meth, cocaine and ecstasy; Colin Ross of 
the Vancouver Island Health Authority's mental health and addiction 
services; and Dr. Bayla Schecter, a regional medical adviser with VIHA who 
has a background in addiction medicine.

The forum is open to parents, guardians, youth, teachers and the public.
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MAP posted-by: Beth