PERILS OF P TO BE HIGHLIGHTED

A workshop on the perils of P (pure methamphetamine) is being organised in
Palmerston North next month by the Foundation for Alcohol and Drug Education
(Fade).

"P is the drug we cannot ignore if we are serious about the health and
safety of New Zealanders," said chief executive Colin Bramfitt.

Despite a police clampdown the drug was more available than ever and was in
some schools already, he said.

The workshop on August 13 will involve teachers, health professionals and
community and youth workers.

Fade will also visit schools in the region including Freyberg High School,
Awatapu College and Levin's Waiopehu College.

"These are not schools that have necessarily got a problem but they have
indicated to us they want to know more about the drug."

Mr Bramfitt said Fade was meeting a need in the community with the
workshops.

"We are even getting calls now from companies who are seeing the problem in
the workplace. Methamphetamine use affects all socio-economic groups."