CRYSTAL METH INFO AVAILABLE IN PEACHLAND

The Peachland Wellness Centre wants to take a leadership role in
educating the community about the dangers of crystal meth.

In the coming weeks, the centre will work with district council to
access provincial funds for an education program.

"My background is working with kids that are going through addiction
issues, and their families," said Barrie Hewer, president of the
Wellness Centre. He spoke to council's public safety and security
committee about the benefits of educating the public.

Coun. Gord Thorne first brought to Hewer's attention that $2 million
had recently been set aside by the province for communities to
establish anti-meth programs.

The funds are administered through the Union of British Columbia
Municipalities and require council support.

"You don't have to look very far to find out that this drug goes to
small communities," said Hewer. "Winfield is struggling."

Hewer noted that crystal meth is easy to make, easy to distribute and
makes a lot of money for people who make it.

A recent crystal meth forum in Kelowna was to be presented to a small
group of mental health clinicians but Hewer said by the time it was
held, the venue had changed three times.

That was due to an increasing number of people who wanted to attend
and get informed.

"This drug has so many effects on the body and the mind that it just
destroys people," said Hewer. He noted the drug causes appetites to go down.

Users lose weight rapidly and permanent psychosis is not unheard of.

"The good news is, it is treatable," said Hewer.

Known as crank, ice, glass and speed, crystal meth can be mixed with
other drugs.

"The high is intense. The downer is bad," said Hewer.

Coun. Terry Condon wanted to know if Peachland specifically had a
problem with crystal meth use.

"This problem will be here," said Hewer. "The drugs will be here,
though they might not be obvious."

"We're not exempt," said Thorne. "We'd be blind to think otherwise."

Hewer said a wide range of community members could benefit from a
forum or education program.

Pharmacists and retailers can learn what substances they sell that
could potentially be an ingredient in meth. Educated people can learn
how to recognize a meth lab in their neighbourhood and everyone could
learn the symptoms of someone who is using crystal meth. The matter
is expected to be before council in mid-April for approval to apply
for the provincial funds.