RADAT DON'T METH WITH TRUTH

A point of crystal meth will only cost you about $10, but it'll make you feel like a million bucks.

That's a lot of bang for such a tiny drug.

But it's what you don't know about crystal meth that will hurt you.

"This drug does really awful stuff to you," said Christa Mullaly.

"It has some pretty serious consequences."

Addicts stop eating, stop sleeping and start hallucinating badly.

"Your health can deteriorate very quickly," Mullaly said.

But why take her word for it - after all, she's just the prevention specialist with the local substance-abuse organization RADAT

Come out instead to hear firsthand the real effects of the drug from a young woman currently in recovery from her own crystal meth addiction.

The woman is one of a panel of speakers - including RCMP officers and a toxicologist - lined up to discuss the drug in a special public discussion forum, entitled Voices of Truth, scheduled for Wednesday, May 5, 7 to 9 p.m.  at the West Richmond Community Centre.

"We want to bring about awareness and educate people," said Mullaly.  "We want to open dialogue.  We certainly don't expect this to be a one-time forum."

Timing of the event couldn't be more perfect.

It takes place amid the city's week-long celebration of youth.  The scheduling was deliberate, though Mullaly is quick to point out the use of the drug is not necessarily reserved to just the younger generation.

"We're seeing it ( crystal meth use ) all the way through the age groups," she said.

Nevertheless, teens are the most susceptible to peer pressure and peer influence.

And statistics show this drug is on its way up among users across the Lower Mainland and, indeed, the entire west coast of North America.

Voices of Truth is geared to bring understanding as to what this drug is and what can be done about it.

The forum has been organized in partnership with RADAT, the Richmond RCMP, City of Richmond and West Richmond Community Association.