Pubdate: Tue, 19 Apr 2005
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The Province
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Vivian Briggs

Parents must learn about drugs to save their kids

I wish to express my gratitude for your article on crystal meth.

My 14-year-old daughter was a runaway in North Langley and addicted to 
several drugs.

Crystal meth was the worst.

At the time I tried desperately to enlist the help of the government and 
the police.

My husband and I felt very alone and unequipped to deal with the addiction. 
We had no idea how best to help our daughter.

In short, we sought help and discovered there was none.

Over a period of four years I tried endlessly to expose the dealers. I knew 
the names of those selling to my daughter. I knew the houses that had 
become labs. No one wanted to hear it. I believe they didn't want to know 
the drug problem was so close to home.

My daughter is now clean, holds a full-time job and recently bought her own 
home.

I never thought I'd see the day.

So parents, read the articles, watch your kids and, most of all, take part 
in the education forums that are being offered to you through community groups.

I wish information had been there for me when I needed it.

Vivian Briggs

Langley 
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman