Pubdate: Sun, 10 Dec 2006 Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 The Morning Star Contact: http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352 Author: Jennifer Dyck Note: This is the second article in a three-part series aimed at educating and creating awareness within the community about crystal methamphetamine. Names are changed to protect identities. SHATTERED LIVES The destructive wrath of crystal meth reaches all corners of society. Not only can it ruin individual lives, but it can rip families apart. As an emergency room physician and president of the Vernon Jubilee Hospital medical staff, Dr. Chris Cunningham has seen just how the drug destroys lives. "Many examples come to mind, but one in particular...A young woman (16-years-old) who had used crystal meth for two years, starting with pot at 12-years-old. She was a nutritional wreck, skinny, a foul mouth with rotten teeth and covered with oozing skin sores. "She was agitated, paranoid and very bizarre. She was getting by on the streets through prostitution. "She came in for an unrelated issue but really just wanted a warm blanket and some food." Like this young girl, the following personal stories tell the effects meth has had on their lives. And although some cases do not have such a happy ending, others prove that with help, there is life after meth. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine