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Crystal meth (Wikimedia Commons)
Increasing awareness

BRT6HC says help is there for people suffering from crystal meth addiction

Feb 9, 2020 | 1:54 PM

Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre (BRT6HC) is making efforts to increase education about the dangers of crystal methamphetamine, more commonly known as crystal meth.

Wellness counsellors Jodie Ross and Randi Paules hosted an information session on Poundmaker Cree Nation this week for the community to increase awareness about the issue.

The presentation was held at Chief Poundmaker School with about 35 people attending, including both youth and adults.

Ross said help is available for those struggling with addiction and there’s significant concern of crystal meth use on the rise, particularly in Saskatchewan youth.

“It is becoming an increasing problem in the whole area,” Ross said. “It’s something I think communities are concerned about. It’s something communities want more information about.”

During her recent presentation, Ross provided more information about crystal meth, how it’s made, as well as some of the harm that can come to those who produce the drug.

Cooking the drug is dangerous as the mixture contains a toxic cocktail of chemicals that can include battery acid, drain cleaner and antifreeze, according to a Saskatchewan Ministry of Health report. Cooking the chemicals to make the drug can lead to explosions, putting producers at risk of severely burning themselves or starting fires.

Ross said crystal meth users trying to break the habit have a high risk of relapse as the withdrawal symptoms are difficult to endure.

For people who are trying to end their addiction, they should know there are resources available to help them.

“With our wellness department we provide referrals to detox centres, treatment centres,” Ross said. “We also do counselling. We provide that support to anyone who is dealing with addictions issues as well as mental health concerns too.”

One of the big dangers of crystal meth use is it’s highly addictive, Ross said.

“For some people, even just trying it once it can lead to addiction,” Ross said. “So it’s good to just be informed about it, about how addictive it can be before saying: I’m going to try it just once, because it can lead to addiction quite quickly. You can get hooked on it.”

If any community would like Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre to give a talk on the issue of crystal meth, they can contact the centre directly.

Ross believes it’s important for more people to be aware of the problem.

“I think it’s good to be educated about how crystal meth is made, how it’s using different household chemicals, and the risks to your body,” she said. “They are things you shouldn’t be ingesting or have in your body. It’s important for people to know what it is they are taking when they do the drug.”

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW

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