Pubdate: Thu, 08 Jun 2006 Source: Summerland Review (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 The Summerland Review Contact: http://www.summerlandreview.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1143 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) PREVENTING ADDICTIONS Drug addiction, especially crystal methampehtamine addiction, is a serious problem around the province. It is a cheaply manufactured, highly addictive drug which has lasting consequences for those who use it. For those who want to break the addiction, treatment is a long and difficult process. Last Thursday evening, at a forum about the drug, several former users talked about their experiences with it. The members of the panel didn't mince words about the effects of this drug. Three of the six panelists are former users who each had stories of how the drug has taken its toll on their lives and the lives of those around them. Their experiences did not take place in large urban centres. Two of them were in the South Okanagan at the time. The drug is available almost everywhere, including in Summerland. Talking about it is the first step to preventing a growing problem from developing here. For some at the forum last week, the atmosphere was uncomfortable. While crystal methamphetamine use is a serious issue, Summerland is already taking some steps to address the problem. On Thursday morning, just hours before the forum began, students at Summerland Middle School finished the Dare program. The one-year program for Grade 6 students addresses issues of drug and alcohol abuse and the importance of making wise personal choices. The students are starting to think about the consequences of using drugs. There is an awareness of the issue. As long as we recognize the potential for a problem here, talk about the issues and prepare our youth for it, we may be able to prevent a serious problem from taking root here. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman