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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom