Fighting back : report and recommendations of the Premier's Task Force on Crystal Meth

2006·5.1 MB·English

by  Alberta. Premier's Task Force on Crystal Meth

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PREMIER'S TASK FORCE ON CR
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in 2016
https://archive.org/details/fightingbackrepo00albe_0
DEDICATION TO ROBERT DAY
This report is dedicated to the memory of Robert Day. He was a
valued member of the Premier's Task Force on Crystal Meth.
He saw the Task Force and this report as a starting point for building
communities that were free of deadly drugs like crystal meth and a
safe place to raise our children.
Robert's compassion and empathy for youth and communities
impacted by this insidious drug were well recognized by all that
worked with him.
"They are not gone who live in
His legacy will be his vision and commitment for the well being of
the hearts they leave behind. "
- TUSCARORA
all children, youth and young adults, now and in the future.

MESSAGE FROM THE TASK FORCE
We began this process with a clear objective: to recommend a
The members of the Premier's Task Force on Crystal Meth wish to
extend a special thank you to Premier Ralph Klein for his vision and
comprehensive, province-wide, holistic strategy to address the
alarming problem of crystal meth in communities across the leadership in establishing this group to tackle the important issue of
province. A s trategy that builds on the strengths and capacity of all crystal meth abuse in Alberta.
communities. And a strategy that will save countless young lives and
We also thank the partnering Ministries of Health and Wellness,
families from the devastating impact of crystal meth addiction.
Solicitor General and Public Security, Children's Services, Aboriginal
Our vision is an Alberta committed to eliminating the growing Affairs and Northern Development, Justice, Fluman Resources and
problems of crystal and other forms of methamphetamine abuse Employment, Municipal Affairs, Education, Advanced Education,
through prevention, awareness, treatment, healing and law Environment and Agriculture, Food and Rural Development for their
enforcement. cooperation and participation.
It is our united commitment to work with all of the stakeholders to
When we took on this challenge, members of the Premier's Task
Force on Crystal Methamphetamine made a commitment that ensure successful implementation of the recommendations contained
within this report. Together, we can fight back ... we can make a
everyone's voice would be heard, whether it w as the voice of one or
the voice of many. We learned a g reat deal as we traveled across the difference in the lives of our children, youth and adults and help put
province, meeting with Albertans, and we are honoured to present an end to crystal meth abuse in our province.
our findings and recommendations.
Community leaders all across the province - whether they are health
care providers, elders, Aboriginal leaders, educators, municipal or
business leaders, law enforcement members or volunteers with
Dr. Colleen Klein Dr. Robert Westbury
community agencies - all share responsibility for controlling the
production, sale and use of crystal meth and other illegal drugs, and Chair Chair
ensuring that Alberta, collectively, provides a strong, successful and
coordinated approach to prevention and healing.
This is not a role for governments alone. Albertans have the
collective ability to stop the rampant damage of this drug and fight
back. They have the collective ability to ensure a f uture environment
that is healthy, safe and productive for our youth. SEPTEMBER 2006
THANK YOU
THE TASK FORCE WOULD LIKE TO THANK the many people
who assisted us in various ways in learning about this issue and
preparing our report. Literally hundreds of people were involved
in the process from individuals, families, organizations and
communities affected by crystal meth to law enforcement officers,
judges, health care providers, counselors and experts. We also
received tremendous support from a t eam of people who facilitated
and supported our work. This report would not be possible without
their contributions, ideas, and willingness to participate.
And we sincerely thank all of you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
7 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
8 POEM "I AM METH"
11 THE MENACE IS REAL
17 LEARNING ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND DECIDING WHAT TO DO
33 TAKING COMPREHENSIVE ACTION
56 CONCLUDING COMMENTS
57 APPENDICES
Premier's Task Force on Crystal Meth Terms of Reference
Summary of Recommendations
See the inside back cover of this report for
information about where to go for help.
POEM
I am Meth
I d estroy homes, I t ear families apart. I'll take everything from you, your books and your pride.
I'll be with you always - right by your side.
I t ake your children and that's just the start.
I'm more costly than diamonds, more precious than gold. You'll give up everything - y our family, your home.
The sorrow I b ring is a sight to behold.
Your friends, your money, then you'll be alone.
I'll take and take, 'til y ou have nothing more to give.
If y ou need me, remember I'm easily found.
I l ive all around you - i n schools and in town. When I'm finished with you, you'll be lucky to live.
I l ive with the rich; I l ive with the poor. If y ou try me be warned - t his is no game.
I l ive down the street, and maybe next door.
If g iven the chance, I'll drive you insane.
I'm made in a l ab, but not like you think. I'll ravish your body, I'll control your mind.
I c an be made under the kitchen sink.
I'll own you completely; your soul will be mine.
In y our child's closet, and even in the woods. The nightmares I'll g ive you while lying in bed.
If t his scares you to death, well it certainly should.
The voices you'll hear, from inside your head.
I h ave many names, but there's one you know best. The sweats, the shakes, the visions you'll see.
I w ant you to know, these are all g ifts from me.
I'm sure you've heard of me, my name is crystal meth.
My power is awesome, try me you'll see. But then it's too late and you'll know in y our heart.
But if y ou do, you may never break free. That you are mine, and we shall not part.
Just try me once and I m ight let you go. You'll regret that you tried me, they always do.
But you came to me, not I t o you.
But try me twice and I'll own your soul
You knew this would happen, many times you were told.
When I p ossess you, you'll steal and you'll lie.
You do what you have to - j ust to get high. But you challenged my power, and chose to be bold.
You could have said not, and just walked away.
The crimes you'll commit for my narcotic charms.
If y ou could live that day over, now what would you say?
Will be worth the pleasure you'll feel in y our arms.
You'll lie to your Mother, you'll steal from your Dad. I'll be your master, you will be my slave.
When you see their tears, you should feel sad.
I'll even go with you, when you go to your grave.
Now that you have met me, what will you do?
But you'll forget your morals and how you were raised.
I'll be your conscience, I'll teach you my ways. Will you try me or not? It's all up to you.
I t ake kids from parents and parents from kids. I c an bring more misery than words can tell.
I t urn people from God and separate friends. Come take my hand, let me lead you to Hell.
-Anonymous
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