Crystal Meth Is One Of The Most Addictive Drugs In The World
Mayerthorpe Freelancer -- I have written about the crystal meth task force on a couple of occasions previously because I believe so strongly that it is so important.
Crystal meth has an effect on every single Albertan regardless of whether or not we have even come in contact with the drug. Everyone pays the price for extra policing, health care costs, and social supports for addicts and their families. Most unfortunate of all is seeing the loss of a person's potential when they fall victim to this destructive drug.
Crystal meth is a complex problem and we can only address it by talking to and learning from those impacted and affected by the drug. Crystal meth is one of the most addictive drugs in the world and it is also one of the most difficult addictions to treat.
The Crystal Meth Task Force headed by Colleen Klein and Dr. Robert Westbury is holding province-wide consultation meetings with the key stakeholders and organizations on issues surrounding the abuse of crystal meth and other forms of methamphetamine.
The task force is made up of community representatives leading Alberta's response to the growing problem of crystal meth abuse. The task torce has divided into a number of issue-specific cluster groups each tasked with consulting stakeholders. Law enforcement, youth, aboriginal people, healing, industry and community are the key areas of focus.
Consultation meetings will run through until the end of May and will help the task force better understand the crystal meth issues and to develop recommendations for their final report. When this task force reaches out and talks to our youth, treatment facilities, police officers, aboriginal people, our communities and others, only then will our province be in the best position to fight this drug and improve the future for our young Albertans.
The Premier's Task Force on Crystal Meth is also calling on the general public to provide input on the issue of crystal meth and methamphetamines. It is important to hear from all Albertans. We will gather a variety of perspectives and the knowledge that we gain through our entire consultation process will allow us to develop the most thorough solutions to this growing and dangerous drug problem.
I encourage you to provide your feedback through the Alberta Government website. All feedback provided to the website will be kept confidential and the task force will collect comments until July 1, 2006.
