Pubdate: Wed, 27 Sep 2006
Source: Airdrie Echo (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 Airdrie Echo
Contact:  http://www.airdrieecho.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1558
Author: Scott Mitchell

CITY, PROVINCE TACKLE METH PROBLEM

Airdrie Echo  --  Over the last few years, the new drug of choice in 
Alberta has become the crystalized form of methamphetamine - often 
referrred to as crystal meth - and now the government is taking steps 
to fight the growing problem in communities across the province.

The Government of Alberta recently released a report from the 
premier's task force on crystal meth, which developed 83 
recommendations on how to deal with the problem. Government will now 
consider the best way to co-ordinate implementation of the recommendations.

The City of Airdrie has not been immune to the influx of the drug 
that causes permanent brain damage, but yet is cheap and readily available.

"It's not a problem yet ... but it is happening," said Suzanne 
Rieger, Airdrie regional drug impact team media liaison and Airdrie 
Emergency Services member. "We don't want to delude ourselves and say 
its not a problem - it's here, but like anything else we're just a 
microcosm of a bigger society."

Rieger pointed out that the price of the street drug is what makes it 
so appealing to the younger crowd.

"Crystal meth is a really scary drug," she said. ""The fact that it 
is so cheap is what's scary. It's a drug that is cheap and readily 
available. Because its cheap its going to be plentiful."

She said there isn't one demographic where use of crystal meth is 
particularly rampant.

"It seems to affect everybody," she said. "It's not just poor or 
underprivileged people, it affects everybody right across the board."

The age at which young people encounter drugs is turning into a 
dangerous problem, as well.

"The age of people dealing with drugs is getting lower constantly," 
Reiger said. "It used to be that Grades 7 and 8 were taught about 
drug use; Grades 4, 5 and 6 have to be educated now."

The best way to keep people away from drugs is to educate them about 
the physical and mental consequences. But sometimes that isn't enough.

"We can only educate so far," Rieger said. "There are choices people 
have and sometimes they make the wrong ones."

Crystal meth is an extremely addictive stimulant that is associated 
with serious health conditions, such as memory loss, aggression, 
psychotic behaviour, and potential heart and brain damage. The drug 
releases high levels of dopamine into the part of the brain 
regulating feelings of pleasure. It usually causes increased 
activity, decreased appetite and a heightened sense of well-being.

"They say there's a recovery from it, but not really," Rieger said. 
"You can take them off the drug, but their body never really 
recovers. They aren't the same person."

Rieger said most of the problems seen around Airdrie today have to do 
with drugs.

"The increased crime in Airdrie, the breaking-and-entering and 
vandalism all relate back to drugs," she said.

With that in mind, Rieger is glad that the province is being 
proactive and is hoping that will lead to more funding for such 
groups as the Airdrie regional drug impact team. "Proactive in 
anything, whether it be drugs or alcohol, is the only way to be," she said.

The premier's task force on crystal meth was announced by Premier 
Ralph Klein in October 2005. It's purpose is to build on work already 
being done and to champion, review and advise on government strategies.

The 83 recommendations and more information about the task force can 
be found at: www.stopmeth.alberta.ca
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MAP posted-by: Elaine