Pubdate: Thu, 16 Oct 2008 Source: Citizen, The (CN SN) Contact: 2009 The Kipling Citizen Website: http://www.kiplingcitizen.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5017 Author: Darcie Thom Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) STRAWBERRY QUICK: A TRICK, NOT A TREAT Strawberry meth is only one of the many drugs out there. For parents of young children, the constant thoughts of a stranger endorsing a drug onto their young is a fearful, yet mindful thought. Most of today's parents tend to educate their children to 'never accept candy from a stranger', however sometimes the urge for candy oversteps the knowledge that has been passed on to them by their parents, a sort of ignorance over steps the value that has been taught to them and before you know it, they are hooked on a drug. "We have been trying as much as possible to create awareness and educate the students," says Larry Lesiuk, the Kipling School Principal, "if we can provide the students with tools when it is occurring, our community can teach the students about the dangers and hope that they make the right decisions". In some recent news that has been spreading across e-mails and Internet sights, people have been made aware of the new 'style' of drug that has been designed to attract some of the younger, juvenile crowd. A new product on the market called 'Strawberry Quick', a strawberry flavored/scented meth, has been created to take as much of the edge off of the bitter substance making it more flavorful and easier to consume. This highly addictive drug has been the new offering at many schools throughout the United States and has started showing up in the playgrounds in schools across Canada, according to a number of Internet postings. Somehow there is still doubt in the average person, hoping that this may not be the case, rather a rumor. Methamphetamine, a high potency drug that effects the central nervous system, is not a new drug on the street, in homes or in the playgrounds but has been recognized as one of the newest attempts towards the robbery of innocence in our children. "We're not naive, we're not small-town Saskatchewan anymore and our youth are being exposed to these substances," says Lesiuk, "this is no more a school issue than it is a community issue." There are a number of forms to Methamphetamine including liquid (which is either smoked or injected into the bloodstream), powder (which is snorted through the nose, causing damage or destroying the septum), and crystallized into glass-shard-like bits. People have abused this drug even more by using it with caffeinated, high-sugar and soda drinks that are usually used as a chaser for the stimulant. Police within the United States have reported finding meth mixed into numerous flavors including chocolate, cola, peanut butter, and candy, making it attractive to abusers. Another method that meth cookers use is dying the product to look like 'rock candy', a look that would attract an abuser or first-time user, but would not change the taste. By changing the name of meth to more 'friendly' names like Strawberry Quick, pushers are hoping to attract a new crowd and get more people to use their product, therefore creating a higher need to change the face and name of the highly addictive drug. One person left a comment on a particular Website that stated that the information about Strawberry Meth/Strawberry Quick saying that it 'contains elements of truth. However, e-mail warnings are highly exaggerated and inaccurate', which seemed extremely surprising considering that children are getting their hands on this highly addictive drug. Some bloggers made points to correct the terms used for the colored drug stating that this drug is not flavored but does in fact contain a sweeter taste (when smoked) than the average meth. There have been a number of warnings that have been spread across e-mails regarding the safety of our children during the Halloween Holiday, that there may be attempts and tainted candy that is being supplied to the children. However, like any other year, parents are most likely to check the child's candy before consumption. There have been controversial comments throughout the websites that detail information about the candy-looking drug. Some saying that the drug has not yet made its way to children, some stating that the drug is made to look like and smell like candy for increased sales and others say that there is not a major concern for the children. Whichever way this gets looked at, children will become the target whether we turn a blind eye or step up and try to make a difference. One child who becomes addicted to drugs is one child too many. However, if we are able to educate the children about drug abuse and work together as a community, we may be able to prevent the possible damages that these highly addictive drugs are capable of doing to the people who abuse them. "We have very helpful and knowledgeable people in the community," says Lesiuk. People are advised to contact a professional if they have any concerns or questions regarding drug abuse, Kids Help Line is another alternative for people who want to remain anonymous (1-800-55-1800). A meeting is in the making by the SCC for a presentation in drug awareness and prevention, questions and concerns will be welcomed during the session. Notice is to follow.