Pubdate: Fri, 17 Nov 2006
Source: Penticton Western (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Penticton Western
Contact:  http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1310
Author: Kathy Michaels

EDUCATION VITAL IN BATTLE WITH CRYSTAL METH

Crystal meth touches people from all walks of life with many users 
starting in their youth.

To stem the spread the provincial government will contribute $3 
million to preventative education.

"We know crystal meth use is a problem," said Education Minister Shirley Bond.

Although the vast majority of students -- 86 per cent according to 
one survey -- have never used any "party drugs," including crystal 
meth and ecstasy, most first-time use of crystal meth occurs in grades 9 or 10.

"Research shows that about five per cent of students in grades 7-12 
may have tried crystal meth," said Bond. "Our government believes 
that one person using crystal meth is one person too many. And the 
best way to stop someone from using it is to keep them from ever 
starting. That's why education is so important."

Penticton secondary school principal Pete Corcoran said the 
province's initiatives are welcomed as he has seen the drug's effects 
come between students and their education.

"It's not the drug we see most students using as a first choice, but 
with those who exist on the fringe, it's a drug that can have a 
significant effect," Corcoran said. "We have seen students who 
haven't been able to complete their educational program as a direct 
result of crystal meth."

Corcoran attributes the destructiveness to the drug to the fact that 
it's cheap, manufactured easily and 20 per cent of those who use it 
become addicted.

Meth is a synthetic drug and can be manufactured locally using 
ephedrine or pseudo-ephedrine -- the active ingredient in cold 
medications -- and other chemicals, including acetone, drain cleaner, 
lithium, iodine, paint thinner, kerosene, red phosphorous and muriatic acid.

The school-based program and public education campaign -- which are 
aimed at students, parents and teachers -- includes classroom lessons 
and resources that help youth make healthy and informed decisions, 
teacher resources that support the classroom lessons,  a parents' 
guide that provides information needed to talk to children about the drug.

"These resources are just a few of the many ways government is 
delivering on its commitment to fight crystal meth use and to invest 
in B.C.'s children and future," said Bond. "These tools will help 
students and all young British Columbians make healthy choices that 
will allow them to reach their full potential."

"B.C. is on the front lines in the fight against crystal meth as part 
of our commitment to safer communities," said Solicitor General John Les.

"We're working with police to shut down meth labs and bring down 
organized crime groups, but at the same time we also need to reach 
out to students, parents and teachers, so this education campaign is 
the natural next step."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Elaine