Pubdate: Mon, 20 Nov 2006 Source: Gabriola Sounder (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 The Gabriola Sounder Contact: http://www.soundernews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2350 Author: Lee Horner, Gabriola Sounder CRYSTAL METH III Throughout our series on Crystal Meth, we have explored the many facets of the drug's impact upon our communities and the physical and social consequences of using this substance; we have heard from family members and active users and have gained a better understanding of what is quickly becoming an epidemic across our province. The one common thread throughout though, is the necessity for honest communication with our kids, especially when we take into account two of the possible precursors for use: the isolation of living on a Gulf Island and alternately the proximity to a larger centre where the availability of this drug increases. Constable Jennifer Prunty of the Gabriola RCMP Detachment affirmed, "What concerns me is that when our children are bussed off the island to attend school in Nanaimo, they are then in a city where this drug is readily available. I especially worry about the Grade Eight students, who won't have the tools to deal with some of the pressures, this, accompanied by limited supervision." In Duncan, with a population only slightly larger than Gabriola, a forum on crystal meth was held with over 500 people in attendance including Constable Prunty who indicated that "should there be enough interest in a forum here, we would be happy to help facilitate that." Continuing to talk about the issue of crystal meth is the best weapon we have in educating ourselves, and our youth about the awful implications associated with its use. In a follow-up conversation with the mother whom I interviewed for the second article in the series, she too averred, "I really had no idea how close to the surface my feelings are and how difficult it was to talk about this, and its effect upon our daughter and our family, but if it helps even one mother or family member I'm happy to have done it." Over and over again, when discussing this with various community members the phrase, 'keep the doors open for communication' was forefront. By talking about it and acknowledging the problem within all of BC's communities, it allows people to make positive changes and seek the help that will enable them to move forward and lead full productive lives. In Nanaimo, drug and alcohol services can be accessed through the information referral service at 1-800-663-1441 as well as through Adult Addiction Services located on Barons Road. They can provide information, education, support and treatment for people affected by or at risk of developing alcohol and other drug-related difficulties. The Adapt Program (Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention & Treatment) located on Cavan Street provides counselling, a prevention program and youth detox support program for youth ages 12 - 19, and families experiencing difficulties due to alcohol or other drug misuse. Additional services can be accessed through the telephone directory and through the Vancouver Island Health Authority's website at www.viha.ca. Resources for this website can be found initially by clicking on Finding Care on the left hand side of the page and then selecting the Community Services Directory. In order to allow our children to grow as healthy individuals, having access to and disseminating the appropriate information is paramount to stemming the tide of crystal meth use. Talk it up, it will save lives. Methamphetamine use is particularly harmful when a person is: * Masking a mental illness - methamphetamine can hide or worsen a person's mental illness. Research suggests that people suffering from mental issues are most likely to have co-existing substance use problems. * Bingeing - some users take excessive amounts of methamphetamine over a short or limited period of time, such as an evening or weekend. Bingeing may also lead a person to make poor decisions (ignoring important responsibilities, missing school or work, engaging in high-risk sex, forgetting to eat or sleep). * Using needles - people who inject methamphetamine are more likely to become dependent. They are also more likely to contract or spread blood-borne diseases, such as HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis C, through the sharing of needles. * Having high-risk sex - people who use methamphetamine are more likely to take sexual risks, such as not using condoms or engaging in other high-risk sexual behaviour. As a result, they have higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases than other groups. * Long-term heavy use - people who use medium to high doses of methamphetamine for a long time can develop a lifestyle that includes failure to take care of personal hygiene or provide the body with adequate food, water, and sleep. This, combined with the drug's impact on mental processes, can lead to significant brain and organ damage. Symptoms of long-term use include: Schizophrenia-like behaviour including auditory and visual hallucinations repetitive behaviour patterns (e.g. picking at skin, or pulling at hair); Formication (delusions of parasites or insects on skin); Paranoid delusions leading to sudden aggressive behaviour; and Psychosis resulting in homicidal or suicidal thoughts. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine