Pubdate: Thu, 20 Jul 2006
Source: North Island Gazette (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 North Island Gazette
Contact:  http://www.northislandgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2783
Author: John Burroughs

CRYSTAL METH USE POTENTIALLY EPIDEMIC

PORT HARDY-- Preventing crystal meth from becoming an epidemic on the 
North Island is the reason behind a $10,000 grant.

"Crystal meth still isn't a huge problem on the North Island and is a 
relatively new issue, but it has the potential to create irreversible 
damage of whomever it touches," says Brian Thurber, newly-appointed 
director for Restorative Justice in Port Hardy.

The real prospect of crystal meth thriving on the North Island is the 
reason behind a $10,000 grant from the provincial government. It has 
been allocated to the Restorative Justice Committee which operates in 
partnership with the Port Hardy RCMP.

The committee plans to work with local organizations like His Place 
and Sacred Wolf Friendship Centre, as well as local pastors and 
others involved with youth. The money would provide educational 
training and public awareness campaigns, increased access to drug 
counselling and addiction specialists, and a drug watch program for 
businesses who sell ingredients used in the production of crystal meth.

Through a drug watch program, businesses are asked to report any 
suspicious buying of common meth ingredients. Things like cold 
medicines containing ephedrine, paint thinner, chloroform, epsom 
salts, drano and lithium from batteries, round out the top of the 
list on what to look for. Rexall Drugs is already part of the Meth 
Watch program.

The gravity of crystal meth and its possible impact is what Thurber 
wishes to emphasize.

"This is a problem that could very quickly overwhelm an already over 
taxed police force", said Thurber. "It can spread like a common cold 
but with the health impact of incurable cancer."

Thurber says crystal meth is extremely addictive with a 95 percent 
addiction rate for first time users. It is also a near impossible 
addiction to beat as it only has a seven per cent success rate of 
recovery for those who are hooked. Adverse effects of the drug 
include extreme paranoia, hyper activity, irritability, disturbed 
sleep patterns, hallucinations, uncontrollable violence and extreme 
depression. Long-term health problems include irreversible brain 
damage, and heart, liver, kidney and lung damage.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman