Pubdate: Sat, 10 Jan 2009 Source: Montrose Daily Press (CO) Copyright: 2009 Montrose Daily Press Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/E2QhcPnX Website: http://www.montrosepress.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4108 Author: Katharhynn Heidelberg Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) FILM SHINES LIGHT ON DELTA METH DELTA - Wednesday, a statewide spotlight on the methamphetamine scourge shone on Delta, whose sheriff, county judge and recovering users were featured in the documentary "Crystal Darkness." The film also featured Montrose therapist and meth-treatment expert, Nic Taylor and Tonya Wheeler, who overcame her meth addiction and served as president of Colorado's chapter of Advocates for Recovery. "People need to be educated on addiction and what it does to you," recovering addict Katie said after dozens of Delta-area residents watched the film's statewide broadcast at the Bill Heddles Recreation Center. Katie and her husband were among those who stood up when Meth-Free Delta County coordinator Curielle Duffy asked former meth users to rise if they were willing. The Daily Press is identifying recovering addicts only by their first names. "Addiction is controlling. Punishment and criticism only make it worse," Katie said. "Crystal Darkness," produced by the Childhelp organization, airs in several states, but Wednesday's showing was the one crafted to highlight the meth problem in Colorado. The film is stark: One woman featured told of how her meth addiction left her too addled to prevent the molestation of her children. Another told of involving her 11-year-old son in the drug's lifestyle, while Delta County Sheriff Fred McKee called meth "a new animal." Two recovering users featured in "Crystal Darkness" were also from Delta County. One, identified as Christy, said participating in the film was cathartic. "I was able to be honest," she said. "It was good." The second, Genevieve, said being clean and sober was one thing, but being able to reach out to others was even better. Her hope was that at least one person would be moved enough by her story to get help. In the film, Genevieve told of "doing anything" for meth. "But my heart was empty," she said. "I had no soul." Genevieve is now involved with the Delta Model through Meth-Free Delta County, which, along with youth organizations, sponsored the Delta showing of "Crystal Darkness." The model combines education and prevention with treatment and recovery - and, most crucial, support for recovering addicts. Support doesn't mean coddling, or just lip service. It means holding the addict responsible, but also providing help in finding housing, employment and other necessities to discourage their relapse. "We've been harder on ourselves than anybody has been to us," recovering user David said as part of a panel discussion after the Crystal Darkness showing. "I'm not going to use again." David said the drug cost him everything he had, including "the love of my life." Another recovering user said she was responsible for addicting others - she would give the drug away at first, until people were hooked. "It ruined a lot of lives," she said. Genevieve said that her significant problems were ultimately her own fault. "It wasn't taking," she said. "It was me giving it away. I made the choice each time." The recovering addicts said Delta's broad approach was working, particularly its treatment board and the efforts of Judge Sandra Miller, who presides over drug court in Delta. As for the film itself, Katie said it contained accurate, beneficial information, but did not address the tactics that do not work. Criticism, she said, only triggers relapse. "We mess up a few times," she said. "Some of the social services people are under-educated on addiction and so are some law enforcement. Recovering addicts get stuck in the more book-oriented part of recovery. "I just think it's support, support, support." Meth-Free Delta County invites all law enforcement agencies, community leaders and members from around the Western Slope to work collaboratively toward solutions regarding meth. A public meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at the Delta County Courthouse. Go to Room 234 to be directed to the meeting location. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom