Pubdate: Wed, 15 Mar 2006
Source: Central Leader (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2006 Central Leader
Contact:  http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3532
Author: Britton Broun
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

SUPPORT NETWORK SET UP FOR FAMILIES OF P ADDICTS

Palmerston North is aiming to be the first New Zealand  city to set 
up a support network for the families of  pure methamphetamine addicts.

At a meeting being held in the city's convention centre  tomorrow 
night, city councillor Lew Findlay is bringing  together families 
affected by the drug and hopes to  establish a help and advice network.

"For every P addict there are 10 people who are  affected. There's 
plenty of treatment and support for  methamphetamine users, but what 
about their families?  They can be assaulted or robbed, but there is 
no help  out there whatsoever," he said.

Mr Findlay, who also coordinates the Palmerston North  Street Van 
support service, said he had constantly been  called by concerned 
parents over the last seven months.

"In the first eight days of March alone, I've had 31  parents come to 
me, that's how bad it is. At the moment  I'm struggling to fit people 
into my schedule, but with  the meeting we're trying to make it 
bigger," he said.

The support network will involve parents sharing their  experiences 
and helping each other, with volunteer  counsellors on call if necessary.

Palmerston North Street Van had also produced a booklet  telling 
families what to expect from people on the  drug.

Mr Findlay said there were no resources or money  available to help 
the family network so Street Van  would fundraise where it could.

The meeting tomorrow night will also feature talks by  mayor Heather 
Tanguay, police area commander Pat  Hancock, the mothers of two men 
who have battled  methamphetamine addictions, and local school  principals.

Though methamphetamine is used by anyone from  professionals down to 
12-year-olds, Mr Findlay  expressed particular concern about 
schoolchildren. He  had spoken at schools where up to 80 per cent of 
students knew someone who had come in contact with P  and said many 
knew where to get it.

Palmerston North Boys High School principal Tim  O'Connor, who will 
speak at the meeting, said parents  needed to be informed about drugs.
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