The wife of Premier Ralph Klein, voiced concern over crystal meth use in the province at the Slay the Dragon Conference in Black Diamond on Saturday.
The Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) reports seven percent of its youth and adult clients in 2005 admitted using methamphetamine in the twelve months before seeking treatment.
Colleen Klein, who chairs her husband's task force on the drug, says numbers from addiction services like AADAC are still deceiving. "They're only able to give you the stats of the youth that come through them," she said. "I think there's that unknown that is quite large. And then of course we've got the kids that probably don't even realize that they're addicted to meth, because they're taking ecstasy, and ecstasy is mixed in with meth."
Klein also confirmed a rumour the Hells Angels lace marijuana with methamphetamine to get more people addicted. "It's true," she said. "The Hells Angels were the ones who introduced crystal meth to Alberta in Hinton." She said it's popularity is moving "like a hurricane" from the northern parts of the province to the south.
Klein even warned farmers about meth, as it can get into the water system and harm livestock. Although most of such research comes from the United States, she had a few local examples. She mentioned the mysterious deaths of three wolves near a meth production site in Didsbury, as well as eagles in and around Cochrane.
For more information, as well as support and referrals call AADAC in High River at 652-8333, their 24 hour toll-free help line 1-866-33A ADAC , or visit their website at www.aadac.com.
Wed, May 22, 6:00 PM
Labour
