MY TOWN and Crystal methamphetamine

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY TERRY PAKENHAM POSTED WITH PERMISSION: (Originally published in the Vernon Daily Courier)

Crystal methamphetamine, commonly referred to on the street as meth, speed, glass, ice, shards, jib, crank, peanut butter, or chicken is an extremely potent and significantly dangerous central nervous system stimulant that is principally produced in makeshift labs. Its popularity has increased dramatically in both Canada and the US in the last decade to a point where some communities described it as an epidemic. The reason for the dramatic increase in use is meth’s highly addictive properties and the ease by which it is produced. There are many instances where first-time users become hopelessly addicted and continue to use in order to avoid the inevitable and extremely unpleasant crash as the drug wears off. The labs where methamphetamine is produced are not typically sophisticated and have been known to be set up in vans and campers as well as storage units, vacant buildings, apartments, and houses. One thing does remain constant and that is the danger the lab presents to not only the producers but also the surrounding neighbors and property. The processing of meth uses highly explosive and flammable products and the by-products can be very volatile. We are beginning to see the sale and use of methamphetamine within our community and this has prompted several groups to come together to develop both an awareness / educational component as well as an enforcement component. Recently funding has been obtained and has resulted in the formation of the Crystal Meth Prevention and Awareness Project. Through partnerships between North Okanagan Youth and Family Services, Whitevalley Community Resource Centre, First Nations Friendship Centre and the Vernon Boys and Girls Club we will begin the process of educating each other and then taking this information into the communities. No community is immune to the use of methamphetamine and the potential consequences can be devastating to not only the users but also to their friends and families. An entire community can suffer from the use and abuse of this potent and dangerous drug. Having in place a plan like the Crystal Meth Prevention and Awareness Project truly puts us one step ahead and congratulations must be extended to those who had the energy and vision to bring the people and plan together.If you have any particular concerns or questions you feel would make an interesting article please make contact with me, Terry Pakenham, at my fax line 260-5866, or my direct office line at 260-5276