Pubdate: Wed, 12 Jul 2006
Source: Golden Star (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 The Golden Star
Contact:  http://www.thegoldenstar.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2144
Author: Lorene Keitch, Star Reporter
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

CRYSTAL METH RESULTS ARE IN

The results of the Crystal Methamphetamine survey results are now 
compiled, according to co--ordinator Kathy Collins.

Collins says the results of the survey show the general knowledge of 
Golden residents about crystal meth is good, but that more targeted 
education, especially to youth, needs to take place.

Collins said she was disappointed that more younger people did not 
complete the survey but that the task force was able to extrapolate 
key data about at-risk populations and behaviours.

Based on survey results, discussions with community groups and RCMP, 
Collins says youth up to the age of 22 are most likely to become 
involved with the drug.

"My concern is young people are being exposed to meth through ecstasy 
and other party drugs," she says. "Very simply, they think they're 
taking one thing and what they are really doing is crystal meth."

There were also some misconceptions the general public had about 
crystal meth in the survey. For example, most assumed the drug was 
difficult to make and expensive. In fact, crystal meth can be made 
anywhere and has a similar street cost to ecstasy.

Collins said much of the feedback on the surveys was quite compelling.

Respondent comments reflected a need for harsher criminal penalites, 
public education and legislation to regulate the products used to 
make crystal meth.

Of the 465 surveys collected, 162 were from people aged 46 and up, 
156 were from 31-45 year-olds, 83 from 22-30 year-olds, 46 from 16-21 
year-olds and 19 from 15 years-old and younger. In total, 40 per cent 
of the respondents knew someone who had tried the drug but that 
number jumped to 69 per cent in the respondents aged 12-21.

Most of those surveyed knew that crystal meth is easy to make, cheap, 
can be mixed with other drugs, is not easily treated for addiction 
and has side effects including tooth loss and facial scabs.

In the results summary, Collins thanked Louisiana Pacific for its 
distribution of the survey saying some 300 of the 465 surveys were 
completed by LP employees.

Surveys were also circulated by the Golden Family Center, Golden

Employment Services, Golden Alternate School, Gourlay's Pharmacy, 
Golden Youth Opportunity Council, Interior Health Authority and the 
Rotary Club.

Over the summer, the task force will further evaluate the survey 
results, wrap up several projects and gear up for a huge education 
session planned for the fall.

The task force is raising money by selling plastic bracelets, 
available at the Golden Dollar store, the Women's Centre and the 
Family Resource Centre.

Collins would like to thank Rita Scott, Bruce McKenzie and Blaeden 
Contracting Ltd., who chipped in to buy the bracelets so 100 per cent 
of proceeds can go directly to the task force.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman